Posted on 06/07/2015 9:26:39 PM PDT by djf
It took quite a while, but I finally broke down and bought a bike at a garage sale. It ran a total of 30 bucks.
It's a twelve speed Spalding Blade manufactured in Taiwan.
So yesterday I decided to ride it a bit (about 2 miles) and did. It was VERY off, and I knew I would have some work to do - probably a LOT of work!
The seat was too low - I need to be fully extended on my downthrust, so I adjusted it. Then, I looked at the tires and what a mess... I spent this morning going to a bike shop, and bought two spankin brand new ones... and a tube, just in case.
Took me two hours or so to change out the tires, after cleaning up the rims, etc.
So then I have to adjust the brakes, which I do. I tried the same ride once again, and it was much smoother, more enjoyable.
So now I basically have the shifters to deal with (clean up, resetting the range, etc). Also, I am thinking that as ancient as I am, a helmet might not be a bad idea. I rode for many, many years without one... but those days are past.
Well, any questions or suggestions or comments, have at it!
BTW, it's very rural where I live, so I am not one of the jerks you see biking all the time...
No pictures?
First thing you need to do is build a ramp and drain the pool. All else follows ;)
It's got a basket, a bell that rings and
Things to make it look good.
I'd give it to you if I could, but I borrowed it.
Just don’t ride it like John Kerry
One thing to consider is a protective liner between tube and tire. A simple thistle spur can puncture a tire and cause a slow leak.
I did this seven years ago on my otherwise cheap Schwinn and the tires still hold air for months. Otherwise it would be hours.
I started riding after a 46 year hiatus a few years ago. I’m in my late 60’s and doing 100-125 miles each week. Go for it.
Love that song.
Get a basket, so you have an easy place to put the 12-pack on your way back from the store.
Yes, prudence should prevail about the helmet especially while you're gaining back your sea legs...or bike balance. If you get to riding a lot you also might want to move up to a Trek or Specialized brand. Some bike shops have good used ones refurbished in the $350 range.
..and may the wind be at your back when the road tilts up.
Fifteen miles a day, that’s pretty good!
Actually, I didn’t even have a dl until I was 40. But since then I got old, well, at least older.
So now I’m thinking I might get myself back in shape.
Good on ya!
I ride a fair amount, too. In fact, I just rode the entire Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes a few weeks ago with my son.
Get a good helmet, and get some gloves, too. If you take a spill, your hands will bear the brunt of the fall, so it’s a good idea to protect them.
Thornproofing your tires is a must. I’ve been running tires with built-in protection, and they have been great - the Schwalbe Marathon Plus Tour tires. Not cheap, but very, very good. I live and ride in a semi-rural area, and the trip up north was definitely rural, so good tires are good insurance.
Get a good saddle, too. Don’t overlook the leather saddles. They can be expensive, but once broken in, they’re quite nice. I found some less expensive alternatives to a Brooks here: http://crowcycleco.com/bicycle-components/saddles-seats/?SID=2a6f5ee1e3cecdb70c2d3a661453410c
Have fun out there, and stay safe.
any thoughts?
I couldn’t believe the bike shop today - the cheapest mountain/all terrain bike they had was 1400 bucks.
And it goes up from there! Way up!
You need beer!
“...1400 bucks...”
I guess prices are higher West of the Rockies. If I pay that sort of price there had better be a motor on it somewhere. I’m still riding the “Hardrock” model by Specialized that I bought about 22 years ago. But I’ve bought contemporary models for my teenage offspring.
The priciest one I saw on the floor was 3600 bucks.
But I am sure they had even more expensive models.
That’s a deep cut.
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