Buying a Bike

[Wu wei]

Joc-
As you saw on FB I ended up getting a cross bike. But I think my needs are a bit different from your because this will be my only bike. I assume you're still keeping your MTB bike. I also am just building up to the sprint distance tris which you've done already on your MTB bike. I can't see myself getting into very long rides any time soon. I wanted something more versatile than a straight road bike, which I may look into if I decide to eventually do longer rides.

I did get mine at MEC but they have their own brand name for the cross bikes-- it's not a Ghost. Apparently the one I got is similar to a Kona Jake cross bike.

I did see that you had gotten a cross bike and it sounds wonderful, how are you enjoying that so far?

Loving it so far, although I've only been out three times.

It's time to sign up for Strava now.

I think I'm already signed up but I have no idea why I need to be on there.

I think what I REALLY need is to stop talking to cyclists.

FYI... you are now a cyclist.

[CAW]

My eyes played tricks on me and I read the title of this thread as "Bullying Mike" and I thought..."that's not very nice!"

/hijack

[Jwolf]

Joc-
As you saw on FB I ended up getting a cross bike. But I think my needs are a bit different from your because this will be my only bike. I assume you're still keeping your MTB bike. I also am just building up to the sprint distance tris which you've done already on your MTB bike. I can't see myself getting into very long rides any time soon. I wanted something more versatile than a straight road bike, which I may look into if I decide to eventually do longer rides.

I did get mine at MEC but they have their own brand name for the cross bikes-- it's not a Ghost. Apparently the one I got is similar to a Kona Jake cross bike.

I did see that you had gotten a cross bike and it sounds wonderful, how are you enjoying that so far?

Loving it so far, although I've only been out three times.

It's time to sign up for Strava now.

I think I'm already signed up but I have no idea why I need to be on there.

I think what I REALLY need is to stop talking to cyclists.

FYI... you are now a cyclist.

Resistance is futile... Or not in this case...

[runJrun]

Finally found my bike and pick her up next Saturday it is a Giant Avail Composite 3 and was on sale for just over $1,500. They had to order it in and will be building her this week. Beyond excited!!!!

[Jwolf]

Finally found my bike and pick her up next Saturday it is a Giant Avail Composite 3 and was on sale for just over $1,500. They had to order it in and will be building her this week. Beyond excited!!!!

Awesome! We need some pictures.

[trixiee]

Finally found my bike and pick her up next Saturday it is a Giant Avail Composite 3 and was on sale for just over $1,500. They had to order it in and will be building her this week. Beyond excited!!!!

That's a great deal on a great bike! You don't want to know what I paid for mine 2 years ago!

[runJrun]

Finally found my bike and pick her up next Saturday it is a Giant Avail Composite 3 and was on sale for just over $1,500. They had to order it in and will be building her this week. Beyond excited!!!!

Awesome! We need some pictures.

As soon as I get it I shall post lots of pics! Planning my ride next Sunday

[Sir Crashalot]

Woo! Hoo!!!

[runJrun]

So very excited! Now comes my next questions. What are the essentials that I get to accompany her? I have been doing a ton of reading and it would seem that the following are very important to have off the bat:

Helmet (I have one)
Shoes (I have them)
Water bottle holder(s) & water bottle(s)
Repair Kit
Pump

Any advice/suggestions is much appreciated!!

[trixiee]

So very excited! Now comes my next questions. What are the essentials that I get to accompany her? I have been doing a ton of reading and it would seem that the following are very important to have off the bat:

Helmet (I have one)
Shoes (I have them)
Water bottle holder(s) & water bottle(s)
Repair Kit
Pump

Any advice/suggestions is much appreciated!!

2 Insulated Water bottles & 2water bottle holders
Repair Kit - just a small basic tool kit from MEC and a spare tube and levers.
Pump - there's a cute little one available now, that will fit in your (new?) seat bag.
And, if you have funds, a garmin with cadence sensor and Heart Rate monitor. Otherwise just a small speed and cadence sensor.
A tiny bell (I think a bell is law?) And a front white light and rear red light
if you're doing distance rides, a bento box is good to fit your snacks, kleenex, cell phone, blistex, etc.
Don't forget the bright new bike shirt!

[runJrun]

So very excited! Now comes my next questions. What are the essentials that I get to accompany her? I have been doing a ton of reading and it would seem that the following are very important to have off the bat:

Helmet (I have one)
Shoes (I have them)
Water bottle holder(s) & water bottle(s)
Repair Kit
Pump

Any advice/suggestions is much appreciated!!

2 Insulated Water bottles & 2water bottle holders
Repair Kit - just a small basic tool kit from MEC and a spare tube and levers.
Pump - there's a cute little one available now, that will fit in your (new?) seat bag.
And, if you have funds, a garmin with cadence sensor and Heart Rate monitor. Otherwise just a small speed and cadence sensor.
A tiny bell (I think a bell is law?) And a front white light and rear red light
if you're doing distance rides, a bento box is good to fit your snacks, kleenex, cell phone, blistex, etc.
Don't forget the bright new bike shirt!

Thanks for the advice! I will have to take a look for that pump and will be hitting up MEC on Sunday Yes I will definitely need snacks and such. Having diabetes and doing any kind of exercise means I leave the house like a pack horse every day, ha ha. I have been looking to see what other diabetics do to carry all their swag and there are some pretty cool ideas - I like the Bento box one!

[runJrun]

Here she is

https://plus.google.com/photos/109501902121868952130/albums/5885375775430178961/5885375782927195570?pid=5885375782927195570&oid=109501902121868952130

Not sure how to post a picture properly so hope this comes through. So far I am in love

[trixiee]

Here she is

https://plus.google.com/photos/109501902121868952130/albums/5885375775430178961/5885375782927195570?pid=5885375782927195570&oid=109501902121868952130

Not sure how to post a picture properly so hope this comes through. So far I am in love

Nope. didn't work!

[Jwolf]

Oops- doesn't work... You need to get the .jpg file and put [img] tags around it. I can do it from your FB pic if you want...



oops.... too big. i need to reduce it....

[trixiee]

Nice bike!

[Sandra]

Sweet! Nice ride!

[runJrun]

Oops- doesn't work... You need to get the .jpg file and put [img] tags around it. I can do it from your FB pic if you want...



oops.... too big. i need to reduce it....

Thanks Jen!

[orleansrunner1962]

On your list of things to have, as well as a pump, I have CO2 cartridges, as I don't have the strength to fully blow up my tire with the little "hand-held" I have.....

And I have a foot pump in the garage that I use before I head out on any ride.....

Enjoy -- nice bike!!

[HCcD]

Slap-on aerobars would be nice add-on ...

[Pat Menzies]

Shorten that brake cable housing to the rear brake to give the cable a straighter run to the brake.

[runJrun]

Shorten that brake cable housing to the rear brake to give the cable a straighter run to the brake.

Thank you for this advice! I shall see if I can find someone to do this for me.