Fathers’ Day came early this year. And my family is wily. That combination turned out great for me yesterday.
Melissa invited me to Bike N’ Hike1We’ve had good experiences with Bike N’ Hike many times in the past. during lunch under the ruse of having me help her find a front wicker basket. She apparently hoped I’d want to test ride a bike I’ve had my eye on for a while. She needn’t have worried. I went prepared, taking my own helmet. Melissa and I test rode different sizes of the same bike, and
- I was oblivious to her sly grin,
- I assumed her grin was induced by riding such a fun bike, or
- Melissa is much more devious than I previously realized.
It’s probably some combination of all three.
Early yesterday evening, after being told to sit down on the couch and close my eyes, my family carried in the same bike I’d ridden during lunch and parked it in front of me. When I opened my eyes, I couldn’t believe it. I had to go on a ride with Jamison.
Today, although the forecast was wet, I biked to work. On the way home, the forecasters earned their keep and my bike was christened with rainwater.
It’s perfect! A city bike — and exactly the one I wanted. It has fenders, a rack, a bell, and even a kickstand. All I need to do is transfer over my lights and maybe my bike computer.
Now for the naming. We have a tradition of naming bikes after flowers and I’m willing to expand that to plants. I’m wavering between Sage and Lichen.2Okay, maybe I need to expand my classification to “organisms.”
What say you?
- 1We’ve had good experiences with Bike N’ Hike many times in the past.
- 2Okay, maybe I need to expand my classification to “organisms.”
Comments
7 responses to “I Got a New Bike”
How about “Acamptopappus sphaerocephalus”
Haha! Nice… :-)
I’m not sure I could pronounce Acamptopappus sphaerocephalus, and besides, isn’t it the wrong color?
If I shortened it to Campy, some might get confused. This bike is Shimano all the way.
Maybe I should just call her #D8E0CE. ;-)
Nice bike.. I’ve been following your bike storyline from afar – and with interest. Lincoln is flat like Hillsboro and I’m about 3 miles from work. Since we’re down to one car, I’m looking at a better bike (as opposed to my mt. bike) for commuting.
I’m looking at a Schwinn – that is a little less expensive. I have two questions for you.
1. How is the 7 speed (vs. 21) working. Do you miss the wider range of gears? I’m thinking I like having a front derailleur.
2. How much does this bike weigh – the specs lack that piece of info online. The Schwinn I’m looking at is 45#.
Gary, thanks! I love my Sage. :-)
Bikes are a great alternative to a car if you’re willing to get the clothing that some weather will require. After all, there’s no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothes. Additionally, I think a commuter bike should have fenders, a rack, and I’m loving the kick stand. You’ll also want to add lights.
On to your questions:
A few weeks later, I think Sage is the right bike for me. I’ve ridden her every day to work that I wasn’t in Folsom, plus some other rides with the kids. So far, 175 miles, and still going. :-)
Good luck with your bike shopping.
Thanks man. Back in the mid-late 80s I bought a precursor to today’s commuter bike. It was an ATB (all Terrain bike) that had big wheels, a tall frame, and convertible tires (high pressure enabled a center runner to roll nicely, low pressure for off road allowed the tread to grip). I commuted from SE Portland to Cedar Hills – 18 miles one way.
In SW Michigan, while in grad school, this bike was stolen – but I got it back – then gave it to a car-less friend in Colorado.
I’ve looked at several bikes – used and new but at this point I can’t justify the $350+ price (even for used ones). I stumbled across a hybrid Schwinn at Walmart and in doing further research, I found this other model with the aluminum frame and a doable price. https://www.amazon.com/Schwinn-Discover-Mens-Hybrid-Wheels/dp/B0030U8SU6/ref=sr_1_cc_1?s=aps&ie=UTF8&qid=1373298114&sr=1-1-catcorr&keywords=700c+Schwinn+Fifth+Avenue+Men's+Hybrid+Bike).
I looked at yours online and it looks nice. I’m happy to hear that you and Sage are getting along well!
No problem. If you’re truly using your bike to replace a car, look how much money you’ll be saving. Enjoy!
Thanks for the link. I’m always trying to explain to people how the cost of fuel is not their biggest expense in operating a car.