Bike Part 2
I bought a bike. Well, Jess bought me a bike as an early birthday gift. I'm NOT a cheap date, but had no problem giving up a brand new lower end bike for a slightly used higher end model. It's a big bike - 58cm - original owner was 6'2," he only rode it a handful of times last season. He broke up with his girlfriend (who sold me the bike) back in October and it's been taking up space in her garage ever since. I made sure to have her sign a copy of the Craigslist ad as receipt for cash.
It's a 2008 Specialized Globe Sport - sport city commuter. More bike than I need but has everything I wanted (and more). It fits and gives me a solid upright position with slight lean. It's super clean and rode like a dream. Shimano 24 gear trigger shift (although, I can't imagine using more than 7-8 gears), rigid fork, suspension seatpost, adjustable flat handlebar that can be lowered/raised and set back or forward a bit more. No quick release seat (yay!) but quick release wheels (yay, on the front but boo, on the back). It also has a rear rack.
I'm going to my first "workshop" session on Wednesday night. It's specifically for women and the trans community. Check it: http://westtownbikes.org/ I figure I'll feel comfortable there for the first night and can hopefully lower the saddle and adjust the handlebars a bit. Then I want to take the DIY bike maintenance course - one night a week for six weeks - sometime this summer or fall.
How am I supposed to keep my greased pomp under a helmet, it'll be smashed and sweaty? The only thing I can think is that I'm going to have to wear more hats or possibly get a buzz cut. I've never had a buzz cut - not much you can do with one, definitely NOT a pomp. Besides, Jess and Kawika will throw fits if I don't wear one. Helmets are right up there with seatbelts for me. I HATE THEM! Yes, I know all about the safety factor but still… they feel very confining and choke me.
All in all, a very nice bike for a reasonable price. I probably could've bought it for $50 less, she really wanted to get rid of it and had two no shows prior to me, but she was asking a reasonable price. Thanks for reminding me of that, Risa. Negotiating and closing deals with people as opposed to companies doesn't have to always be about the highest return or profit.
Hit me up with your favorite bike accessory websites. I NEED a helmet, lock and eventually a cover for the rain and winter since we don't have a garage or basement. I WANT lights, bottle cage, water bottle, and bell. I'll dream of a compuer and Brooks saddle, but they can wait until next year - hopefully, I won't get too bruised up in my nether regions over the next few weeks. Mostly the sore parts are my butt bones; the inner thigh/butt cheek area not the groin/crotch like I used to be when I rode off road.
I'm excited to ride this evening. Only residential streets for now, until I build confidence (seriously, the bike is big) and I get the dreaded helmet.
It's a 2008 Specialized Globe Sport - sport city commuter. More bike than I need but has everything I wanted (and more). It fits and gives me a solid upright position with slight lean. It's super clean and rode like a dream. Shimano 24 gear trigger shift (although, I can't imagine using more than 7-8 gears), rigid fork, suspension seatpost, adjustable flat handlebar that can be lowered/raised and set back or forward a bit more. No quick release seat (yay!) but quick release wheels (yay, on the front but boo, on the back). It also has a rear rack.
I'm going to my first "workshop" session on Wednesday night. It's specifically for women and the trans community. Check it: http://westtownbikes.org/ I figure I'll feel comfortable there for the first night and can hopefully lower the saddle and adjust the handlebars a bit. Then I want to take the DIY bike maintenance course - one night a week for six weeks - sometime this summer or fall.
How am I supposed to keep my greased pomp under a helmet, it'll be smashed and sweaty? The only thing I can think is that I'm going to have to wear more hats or possibly get a buzz cut. I've never had a buzz cut - not much you can do with one, definitely NOT a pomp. Besides, Jess and Kawika will throw fits if I don't wear one. Helmets are right up there with seatbelts for me. I HATE THEM! Yes, I know all about the safety factor but still… they feel very confining and choke me.
All in all, a very nice bike for a reasonable price. I probably could've bought it for $50 less, she really wanted to get rid of it and had two no shows prior to me, but she was asking a reasonable price. Thanks for reminding me of that, Risa. Negotiating and closing deals with people as opposed to companies doesn't have to always be about the highest return or profit.
Hit me up with your favorite bike accessory websites. I NEED a helmet, lock and eventually a cover for the rain and winter since we don't have a garage or basement. I WANT lights, bottle cage, water bottle, and bell. I'll dream of a compuer and Brooks saddle, but they can wait until next year - hopefully, I won't get too bruised up in my nether regions over the next few weeks. Mostly the sore parts are my butt bones; the inner thigh/butt cheek area not the groin/crotch like I used to be when I rode off road.
I'm excited to ride this evening. Only residential streets for now, until I build confidence (seriously, the bike is big) and I get the dreaded helmet.