South Texas Newbie

[pikato]

Thanks for everyone's input. I think I'm going to stick with the OCR-3 from the LBS. I think my boyfriend thinks I'm crazy, but we went back to look at it & I sort of already named it (Oscar), so I figure since I've named it, I've obviously become attached. I've been looking them up on the net & see that I can upgrade all sorts of stuff as I develop, so I think for the price, it's a steal.

As for the fam, I sort of went off on them-see my dad is a huge fishing fellow who owns 4 boats, and my boyfriend does war models--so when they told me they thought cycling was too expensive, I asked how it compared to their hobbies. Next thing I know, they are telling me that if I'm going to do it, I better do it right I also think it calmed Kirk's(my boyfriend) nerves when we went to look at the bike & I was able to show some of the stuff I learned--like why I want road versus comfort.

So, I'm gonna put it on layaway tomorrow, expect to have it out by June 1(I work for the state, so only get paid once a month), and until then I'm sticking with my spin class. I'm hoping to train for "Conquer the Coast" which is a 45 mile ride around Corpus Christi Bay. It's September 30, 2006.

I'm super excited I found this site!

[Aggie_Ama]

Welcome from another new memebr and short cyclist (5'2")! I have had my entry bike approximately two years and have added new handlebars, pedals and tires. The entry level will serve you well and help you figure out what you like. Mine is an entry level Fuji, I think it was about $600-700.

My husband got me into cycling but my parents and brother thought I was crazy. We were a bowling family, but a movement disorder caused me to drop bowling. Now my parents are understanding my passion, even driving my husband and I the three hours to Houston to start the MS150 next weekend! your family will warm up to the idea when they see your passion. My parents work for the state, so I had to laugh at your budgeting because I completely understand!

Good luck training for the ride, with dedication 45 miles will come easily. Congrats on the weight loss, I lost about 30 lb two years ago and I know that struggle. You will be surprised that you don't have to be rail thin to be a cyclist. There is a huge mental aspect- you can do it!

[Geonz]

Sounds like the fam just didn't want you to have an expensive impulse buy that sat in the garage. Welcome to the fold!

Dropping bowling because of a movement disorder conjures up bowling balls dropping on toes....

45 miles is a good goal :-)

[pikato]

Sounds like the fam just didn't want you to have an expensive impulse buy that sat in the garage. Welcome to the fold!

Yeah, I'm pretty sure that's what's on their minds. It's nice to be able to bring the "yeah, and y'all didn't think I'd really lose weight & keep it up when I joined a gym".

So, even though my mom & dad are doubtful, Kirk has switched to Mr. Supportive & has already picked out a camel pack he thinks I'll like

[Geonz]

It's also just a good idea to build that relationship with the LBS and no better way than buying a bike (IF it's the right one of course!).

[pikato]

Ok, I officially bought Oscar...well...layaway-ed him, but he'll be out by June 1, sooner if I penny pinch. I've heard some people have haggled for lower pricing, but I was cool with the $600 price tag. Ended up talking to a different employee this time (LBS owner was at town hall mtg that APPROVED HIKE & BIKE trails!!) and this employee asked if Owner had given me any other price than what was listed. I said nope-an evil/smarter person may have made up a number- so the employee smiled & ended up throwing in the fix kit bag,water bottle & bottle carriage free.

Yeah me, I'm a bike owner!