Got my first REAL bike!

[residentgeek]

Thanks everybody

I'm really enjoying the new bike. I went out for a 13+ mile spin this afternoon. Not sure exactly how far, since I'm still working on recalibrating the computer for the 26" wheels. But it's definitely my longest ride so far. I still can't get over what a difference it is to not be fighting the bike. Wow.

The LBS guy warned me about the cable stretch thing, and told me they would do a free adjustment after three weeks if I bring it back in, which I'm totally going to do. I'm sure part of the problem with my old bike was due to cable stretching, but I don't know how to fix derailer cables, so I was kinda screwed. Yet another reason to buy from the LBS!

My old bike was purple too. Just a coincidence - I didn't go out specifically looking for another purple bike. I guess it just speaks to me

Any ideas what to do with the old one? I know it's not great or anything (duh) but I just can't stomach tossing it in a landfill when someone might get some use out of it.

[KnottedYet]

Boys and Girls club. Ask bike shops if they know of a "Bike Kitchen" in your neck of the woods. (they teach kids how to fix/maintain bikes on a donated bike that the kid then gets to keep) Battered women and children's shelter. Food bank. School clothing bank. (most school districts around here seem to have one, where kids can get school clothes and supplies)

At the very least, put it out front of your house with a "free" sign on it. My housemates and I did that once, then went to the grocery store. When we came home we saw an ecstatic teenage boy riding the bike around the neighborhood. Obviously he'd fixed it and got it rolling right away. He was grinning ear-to-ear. It was awesome.

[plantluvver]

I hope that the newbies shopping for their first bike take note:

The crankshaft on my Walmart Special started to wobble after about 50 miles.

So what does that work out to per mile?

Like I said elsewhere, I couldn't bear riding my toy bike, but kept it around, "for when I stopped being lazy." Her pedals were replaced twice in that time (the store exchanged them, cuz I coudn't find replacements, They weren't standard sized bolts ) I bought a 10 year old used Schwinn, and rode like the wind my first time out. Her owner had forced her on me one weekend, "Just try it out!"

I am so glad you have a new bike. I am sure that you made an excellent choice, because this forum is just the greatest place for advice

I wish you many marvelous miles with her.

Take your time finding a name, she will be special and deserves a good one.

Hey Gals! Maybe we need a new thread with baby names?
Like those itty bitty books at the supermarket checkout?

GoGo Girl, Lilac Lass, Lavender Lady, Pastel Princess, Silver Swoop.....

[faroe78]

Congrats on the new bike. It's gotta be better than a Wally World special.
As for names, hmmmm--I have thought of naming mine Gladys (or Happy Bottom) after Gladys the bicycle that Frances (I can't recall her name!) who wrote the book Wheel within a Wheel, about learning to ride a bike in the
1890's. I do think Gladys would be a good name for a bicycle.
May you have many, many happy miles on the new baby!
Susan