Bought a Bike Friday

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I had been asking about bike Friday's a few weeks ago, and said I would let everyone know if I bought one. I found a Bike Friday on craigslist, but it turned out that it was handled by a consignment store in SF (about 70 miles north of where I live). I went up the day before I left on a trip. It is a Pocket Crusoe in my size with Ultegra front derailleur, 2 front chain rings and Shimano Deore XT mountain bike 9 speed rear cassette. There are plenty of low gears (but not enough high ones). It is a 2002 that is almost brand new. A 65 year old woman had bought it and was going to go to Europe and did not go, so I imagine it sat in a closet. It is a Rip Van Winkle bike bought the day before St. Patrick's in green. The rubber extrusions are still on the tires. It came with the suitcase and packing. I hope to take it with me when I go on trips, and also think it would be neat to take on a cruise ship and just ride away in the day.

I took it with me on a week's vacation to visit kids and bike. The first day was on the Blossom Trail out of Reedley, CA. It was a 45 mile ride. By the time I was done my hands hurt and my crotch hurt. It was a little risky to take a new bike on a long trip. But now I knew what needed to be fixed. Stopped in a bike store in Laguna Beach and bought a new stem than angles up so all the weight is not on my hands and wrists. Adjusted the tilt of the seat. I still want to replace the saddle, but then it was at least ride-able. I was a little disappointed that it does not go as fast as my Specialized Ruby. We stopped to visit friends in Paso Robles who ride, and I had a hard time keeping up with the road bikes. The riding in Paso Robles is wonderful. Every road through the vineyards and hills is like a giant bike path with no cars.

My conclusion after 149 miles is that it needed to get set up right before I left, but I would not have known what bothered me if I hadn't ridden so far. It wasn't bad for the first 15 miles or so. It also felt weird to be in the back behind my friends when I was usually in the front. So, husband needs a travel bike to slow him down rather than me trying to keep up with a road bike. I think I'm going to like it. It was great to go on a trip and be able to ride and not just sit around and talk and eat.