(no subject)
I think I wasted a not-small sum of money on a thrift store bike and a tune up.
It's skipping gears, and now that I've got it up on hooks- a careful examination shows that it doesn't really go into any gear well- and it goes "cachunk" when I try to switch gears- it won't enter certain gears at all. I'm riding a 14-or something gear bike- and only about 3 really work.
Why the hell did I pay the bike store guy $100 for a tuneup? To change the $6 brake and fix a flat tire? But not even check to see whether the bike could change gears?
(I never got a good test ride at Value Village- because the one tube was totally flat- - but I trusted Monster Man's judgement about it being a decent bike... and I trusted the dude at the bike shop... and it never occurred to me that this could be a problem to look for.)
On Saturday, while riding, I first had problems changing gears, and Monster Man convinced me that I just need to learn to shift gears better. And sure- I haven't ridden much in the last few years- and going up and down all those hills is going to be exhausting and hard work- so I was worn out- so as I sweated and wheezed and cachunked trying to take those hills- I just thought it was because I was out of shape
but I can run 4 miles- which is more than I can say for the bike.
after I got home tonight- I took the bike off the ground, and turned the the pedals and SEE... of course I couldn't shift gears or take those hills very well- What bullshit! It doesn't fucking work! I'm seriously pissed and sick of the boys' club bike bullshit. I can't believe I trusted other folks instead of doing more homework. I can't believe I threw away nearly $200 on a bike that's good for nothing at all. And yeah- I bought a cheap-assed thrift store bike at Value Village- but I just cannot believe how much these bikes on craigslist cost- or at the bike shop... so much more than my car is even worth.
and I was so excited about riding to work. and I don't have $400(plus) to buy a brand new bike. and I don't think I trust buying another used one now.
It's skipping gears, and now that I've got it up on hooks- a careful examination shows that it doesn't really go into any gear well- and it goes "cachunk" when I try to switch gears- it won't enter certain gears at all. I'm riding a 14-or something gear bike- and only about 3 really work.
Why the hell did I pay the bike store guy $100 for a tuneup? To change the $6 brake and fix a flat tire? But not even check to see whether the bike could change gears?
(I never got a good test ride at Value Village- because the one tube was totally flat- - but I trusted Monster Man's judgement about it being a decent bike... and I trusted the dude at the bike shop... and it never occurred to me that this could be a problem to look for.)
On Saturday, while riding, I first had problems changing gears, and Monster Man convinced me that I just need to learn to shift gears better. And sure- I haven't ridden much in the last few years- and going up and down all those hills is going to be exhausting and hard work- so I was worn out- so as I sweated and wheezed and cachunked trying to take those hills- I just thought it was because I was out of shape
but I can run 4 miles- which is more than I can say for the bike.
after I got home tonight- I took the bike off the ground, and turned the the pedals and SEE... of course I couldn't shift gears or take those hills very well- What bullshit! It doesn't fucking work! I'm seriously pissed and sick of the boys' club bike bullshit. I can't believe I trusted other folks instead of doing more homework. I can't believe I threw away nearly $200 on a bike that's good for nothing at all. And yeah- I bought a cheap-assed thrift store bike at Value Village- but I just cannot believe how much these bikes on craigslist cost- or at the bike shop... so much more than my car is even worth.
and I was so excited about riding to work. and I don't have $400(plus) to buy a brand new bike. and I don't think I trust buying another used one now.