My new bike!!!!
After weeks of obsessing, reading, test-riding, reading some more, asking everyone and anyone for advice, and then completely ignoring said advice and just going with what felt right, I present to you my new shiny blackberry-pink Raleigh Circa 1.0!
I thought I wanted a hybrid bike, but after testing the Detour 3.5 (which came in the light blue I always imagined my bike to be), I felt that I needed the extra shock absorption and the fat 26 inch mountain-bikey tires to handle bumpy paths and my occasional need to go across grass much better than the 700 mm tires. I love the big, easy handlebars, the shimmery color, the comfy seat, and the way it feels. I got a small, 13 inch frame, which means I can raise my seat enough to actually extend my leg fully when pedaling, but can also actually reach the ground when I need to stop at street corners.
I'm in love. It's only a seven speed, but honestly? I don't need more. My old 18 speed Target bike always stayed in the lowest 6 speeds anyway. This one handles the hills of the city (and there's a doozy between me and JTS) just fine. It's wonderful, much lighter than my old bike, a joy to ride (and if it's not fun, you won't ride it), and fits me wonderfully. And it was on sale!
I've already got a helmet, we're getting a more NYC-friendly bike lock, and I've ordered a little saddle bag and headlights in case I have to do nighttime riding (required in NYC). Just need a handlebar cup holder and a bell (required in NYC), and I'm good to go!
Here's hoping the weather holds up for me to commute with it for a while this fall!
I thought I wanted a hybrid bike, but after testing the Detour 3.5 (which came in the light blue I always imagined my bike to be), I felt that I needed the extra shock absorption and the fat 26 inch mountain-bikey tires to handle bumpy paths and my occasional need to go across grass much better than the 700 mm tires. I love the big, easy handlebars, the shimmery color, the comfy seat, and the way it feels. I got a small, 13 inch frame, which means I can raise my seat enough to actually extend my leg fully when pedaling, but can also actually reach the ground when I need to stop at street corners.
I'm in love. It's only a seven speed, but honestly? I don't need more. My old 18 speed Target bike always stayed in the lowest 6 speeds anyway. This one handles the hills of the city (and there's a doozy between me and JTS) just fine. It's wonderful, much lighter than my old bike, a joy to ride (and if it's not fun, you won't ride it), and fits me wonderfully. And it was on sale!
I've already got a helmet, we're getting a more NYC-friendly bike lock, and I've ordered a little saddle bag and headlights in case I have to do nighttime riding (required in NYC). Just need a handlebar cup holder and a bell (required in NYC), and I'm good to go!
Here's hoping the weather holds up for me to commute with it for a while this fall!