I got a new bike!

[kentauros]

And it's a beaut! :D

Giant - Cypress DX



Considering that I haven't had a bicycle in at least 15 years, I thought I did fairly well for the heat yesterday morning:





I expect to be able to build up my stamina to also use this as a means of getting to "local" places like Whole Foods (about 5 miles away) and whatever else I can get to instead of the car. But, I did buy it to get myself exercising again. I can just feel the pounds dropping off already! (at least the waterweight, anyway.)

[bertha katzenengel]

1. Good for you!!

:thumbsup:

[Tripper11]

2. Pink Floyd Bike

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KN-j9H0nIDs

[regularguy]

3. Alright!

Looks like hybrid,right? I have a Jamis commuter w/ panniers. Between the exercise, the saved money, and the lack of C02 into the air you can't go wrong!

[kentauros]

4. I think it's a hybrid

or very near to that type. I know the salesman showed me one of the hybrids but picked that one based on my rather vague needs (exercise, getting around.) He picked well and they had even let me take it out for a ride first, last weekend, so I had a good idea of what I was getting into ;)

It should be interesting the first time I carry the pannier into the store to fill up with groceries and whatnot. Once I've figured out the alternate routes to get there. I wrote a long email to the City of Houston's bikeways program last week asking them to look into the idea of building paths on pipeline, overhead power and railroad easements and right-of-ways, but I haven't heard back. Such corridors would make for excellent bike-only pathways if they would just do it. But, Houston is slow to change, especially for the better, so I will stay away from the main throughfares for now.

Maybe we need a bike thread, like the 'look at me' photo threads. Unless there's a forum for that? ;)

[regularguy]

5. Google Maps

I noticed that google maps has an option for "walking" when you click for directions. This is pretty cool in that it gives you ideas on how to get places while avoiding big highways. Once you have soem routes that you like and that become familiar, it becomes more fun.

There is a bike forum...it's good but pretty sleepy.

[kentauros]

12. Thanks for that tip!

I work as a mapper and didn't know about that feature. I also see that you can change the route by grabbing onto the line and moving it to the roads you would rather take than just the "shortest distance" Google suggests. It could be a great tool to creating full-circuit routes :)

[driver8]

6. Right on!! Good for you...

That is a fine lookng bike.

Please keep us posted on your progress...biking is a great way to lose weight.

I may follow your lead. I used to ride a lot but haven't been on a bike in a couple of years. Might be time for me to get off my ass and get back on a bike!!!

[Lethe]

7. kick ass! Here's me with my new bike

I got a Breezer Citizen about a month ago....sold my car. I ride it everywhere, usually about 6-10 miles a day.

It's the best decision I've made in a long time. I hadn't ridden a bike in about a decade, so it took me a week or so to get my balance back to where it needs to be. Also, my legs were sore for a few weeks. I live in Texas too, so the heat can be bad at times, but it usually doesn't bother me. (it bothers the people at my destinations though cause I get there smelling like sweat, hehe)

You're bike looks pretty nice, man.

Good luck dude!

[kentauros]

9. Thanks!

That's a nice bike, too :)

I see you have fenders. I asked about that and was told they could certainly put them on, but the feel I got was they weren't all that necessary if you're doing street/paved-pathway riding. I may have a different opinion after it rains

I was pretty wobbly, too, when I did the test-ride, but seemed to get back into it fast. I did notice on the longer ride yesterday that I would be having to get used to the feel of the seat again (it's comfortable, but you know how it is) and make an adjustment to my panniers. They're hitting my heels when I pedal. That's not a problem when they're empty, but if I do any shopping or have my camera equipment in there, well...

Oh, I had read of some safety tips on Treehugger.com so here's the site that has the best list and what to do in all these vehicle/bicycle situations:
Ten Ways to Not Get Hit

[Lethe]

15. thanks!

fenders and the chain guard are good if you have to commute or be someplace and you are wearing nice clothes. Both keep your pants/jeans/etc from getting muddy, wet and/or greasy from the chain. If you don't have to use a bike for transportation, then it's not that big a deal.

I had to adjust my panniers too. They have to go to the absolute farthest rear on my rack or I will hit them while peddling. They fit a lot more groceries than I thought they would. Just one can fit a pretty big grocery bill if packed right. I was surprised.

[Shine]

20. Cool fenders, dude.

:thumbsup:

[Shine]

8. Sweeeeet!!

:thumbsup:

Looks awesome. Congrats!


I love cycling! :bounce: I went out on a 3 1/2 hr ride yesterday with 2500 ft of climbing, about 43 miles. Whew. Out here in CA, we got the mountains, but not the humidity, thank god.

Just make sure you wear a helmet! :hi: Have fun, Ride safe!

on edit: here's me after an organized century ride.

[kentauros]

11. 43 miles!!!

And I thought an evening skating 12 miles with a group was grueling! Maybe I can work up to that ;)

So, what's a "century ride"? And have you participated in any Critical Mass rides? I'm kinda curious about those, though I haven't heard of any in Houston. I could likely get into one if I went to Austin, though. Once I've worked up to doing hills :P

That looks like a great bike, too. Obviously pretty lightweight to hold it up that way

[Shine]

19. A century is 100 miles in a day.

Yeah, baby! :bounce: Last year, I participated in a major endurance cycling event that I trained my ass off for. It's called the CA Death Ride in the "CA alps" (Sierras). 2700 cyclists, 129 miles, 5 mountain passes, 15,000 ft of climbing....all in ONE DAY. It's an annual event that was celebrating it's 27th year last year. (Amazingly, it's become so popular over the years it actually sells out every year! I had to score my ticket on Craigslist, from somebody who was injured and couldn't ride! ) Anyway, I'd never done it before, so it was a hefty challenge, to say the least. Lots of cyclists can't complete all 5 passes, but I was able to do it on my first attempt, so I was happy. Cycling at altitude (i.e., 7000-8700ft elevation) is a WHOLE different ballgame, trust me. It was a loooooong day, but worth it in the end. I've got forever bragging rights for doing it, even if it's only once. I'll never do it again. I feel complete.

These days, if I do an organized ride I'll stick to the metric century, which is about 63 miles. It's nice to do an organized ride b/c they're supported with rest stops, etc.. I especially like the fundraiser rides, where your entry fee or money raised goes towards a good cause. What could be better than combining cycling with good deeds in the world?

I got into cycling back in 2000 when I registered to participate in the CA AIDS Ride, before I even had a bike! It's an annual fundraiser ride from SF to LA, over the course of a week. 575 miles, 2700 cyclists. We raised 11.25 million dollars for AIDS research and services. I trained for 6 mos to prepare and made a lot of wonderful friends. Great experience, a real life highlight. But again, a one-time deal. :D

Nope, I've never done a Critical Mass ride up in SF. Maybe someday.

My bike is an all aluminum frame Cannondale. It weighs about 25 lbs, which is pretty damn heavy compared to the carbon fiber frames that have become so popular. It weighs at least 10 lbs more than most of my friends' bikes, but I can still kick their asses on the hills. I'm strong and I love to climb. :hi:

[kentauros]

37. Wow! Is that in the category of "extreme sport"?

I've hiked (as a teen in Boy Scouts) at around 8-9000 ft, so I have an idea of what it could be like cycling at that altitude. Still, what a great experience! :D

And what's with the 2700 cyclists? Is that some ideal number of people on bikes at one time in the same area? ;)

That is a good idea about benefit rides. I'll have to look into it. :)

And though I've never ridden one, I have seen what are sometimes called "industrial bikes". They used to have them in the petro-chemical plants for the chemists and engineers to ride within the plants. They are "industrial" because they are built to be blast resistant as well as all-around durable in the worst conditions. They are as heavy as any bicycle you have heard of, yet, practically indestructible :D Probably not to good for anything but flat petro-chemical plants and those into torturing themselves in the name of exercise :P

[Lethe]

13. cool!

sounds like fun!

:)

edit: awesome pic too! Do you like to body slam things? :D

[Shine]

21. LOL, nope, no body-slamming for me

but I DO get off on rushing downhill on my bike at high speeds.

My fastest downhill speed EVER: 46. 4 mph.

:woohoo: Whatta rush.

[mdmc]

10. nice

I just got my bikes fixed!:toast:

[Shine]

22. Time to celebrate!

:toast: you FINALLY got that chain fixed?

:hug:

[City of Mills]

14. Good Luck

I inherited a mountain bike about three months ago after not riding for maybe 12-14 years. I can't get off the thing now, I forgot how addicting the feeling of wind in your face is!

[Blue-Jay]

16. Nice ride!

Somehow, it looks familiar...


The year I bought mine, it didn't come with disc brakes. :(

Anyhow, buy a couple of water bottle racks, a pump that mounts to the frame, a set of tire levers, and keep an extra tube with you. I hope the people at the bike shop took some time with you to adjust the bike (seatpost, handlebars) to you. That makes a huge difference in your comfort level/stamina when you're riding.

Nice panniers too. Big and roomy.

[kentauros]

17. The disc brakes are nice; I've never ridden a bike that had them.

Maybe you can get them added?

The saleman that worked with me got me all the things you mentioned other than the bottle racks, and that was my doing. I have one of those Klean Kanteen bottles and just toss it in the panniers for when I need it (and when I'm confident enough to lean back and retrieve it while riding! lol) I'll probably still get a rack and bottle, too. I have yet to mount my lock and pump. I need to call the shop about the pump-mounting as I'm not sure where to mount it, given the bolts supplied. I'll toss the repair items in one of the pannier pockets :)

The adjustments were made to the bike as I was there, but they didn't really do it with putting me on it, adjusting, and back and forth. I had to readjust the seat height later to the manual's rule of thumb about that, and may have to ask about the handlebars, too.

And, having read that link sometime back on safety tips, I have a handlebar side-mirror. It's a nice safety feature, other than your ears, of course ;)

[Blue-Jay]

18. I have a side mirror too.

I pop it on and off depending on if I'm riding trail or on the street. Here's a pic with the mirror and an added bonus:


I have a trunk rack that includes an insulated cooler and zip out panniers. It's nice for a day trip when you're bringing food, plus it keeps my beverages cold. I still like to have one or two bottles for when I need a quick drink of water and don't want to stop pedaling. Most of the frame-mounted pumps mount right under the bottle cage. You can see mine in the first pic, I think.

After you get comfortable on your new ride, I'd like to suggest trying out some convertible SPD clipless pedals. It's a tiny bit uncomfortable getting used to "clipping in/out", but it's totally worth it in terms of power and endurance. Plus, if you just want to ride down the block, you can flip the pedal over and use regular shoes instead of biking shoes/sandals with the cleats.

Something like this:

[Shine]

23. I totally agree with BlueJay's advice: Get a professional fitting.

It's sooooo worth it, if you're gonna do a lot of riding and it can help you to avoid injury, too. At my local shop they throw the bike on a rack, have the person get on, and then they use special light lasers to watch and measure as you cycle, to make sure your knees,feet, and arms are lined up in the right place. Even the smallest adjustments can really effect your comfort level, so it's worth the $50-60, trust me.

I also agree with advice about extra gear: get a couple water cages, you'll need a lot of water in that Texas heat.

The clipless pedals take some getting used to, but they make a HUGE difference in your pedaling efficiency. I love mine.

The most important equipment of all: HELMET. I use a small helmet mirror on mine, which helps a lot in traffic.

Helmet once saved my life in a fall, so I'm a big proponent of using them. They don't call 'em "brain buckets" for nothing!

[Blue-Jay]

30. Double thumbs up on the pedals.

I used to use toe clips and straps, until my wife talked me into the clipless pedals. I only fell over once in my backyard while I was getting used to them, and now I can't stand riding without them, even on a short trip. I mostly use my mountain bike shoes or my Lake sandals, so that I'm not clop-clopping around when I get off my bike to have a stroll. Clipping in really beats the hell out of regular pedals, plus the dual-sided ones are great for lots of stop/go city traffic.

[kentauros]

38. Okay, I'll have to ask them if they do the bike-fittings or where I can get one if they don't.

And I do have a helmet, but I had taken it off for the second photo. I've read enough on Treehugger to know not to go without one. I thought about the helmet mirror, but after talking to the saleman (he's the store manager, by the way) I prefer the handlebar mount instead. I just need to carry a clean rag to wipe the sweat off of it, too, whenever I adjust it or bump it

The last bike I had I used the slip-in toe-whatever "clips", but my foot wasn't tied to the pedal, and I could slip out of them in a hurry. I'll ask about them, though I'm picky about the shoes I wear (hemp, natural rubber soles, etc.) If there's something that slips around the shoe, that could work, too.

For the water, I may get the cages, but I doubt I'll be removing the panniers. I'm not riding for speed or mind the added weight. But I do like the stainless canteens I have (one 27 oz and one 40 oz) and will just keep one or more in the bags. I have neoprene sleeves for them, too, to keep the water mostly cool :)

[Shine]

24. I've never ridden with panniers before.

They must take some getting used to, right?

[Blue-Jay]

25. Not at all.

You *might* notice the extra weight/bulk if you're riding into a strong headwind, but mostly you don't need any time to get used to having them on. I rarely take mine off.

[Shine]

26. I don't really have much need to ride with them is the thing.

plus, I don't need to be carrying around any EXTRA weight, trust me, esp here in the Santa Cruz mountains.

[Blue-Jay]

27. I don't have them on my road bike.

But they're an awesome addition to my hybrid. I mostly use them for running errands or transporting picnic materials. Stuff like that. Plus, I like to putz around between pedaling by stopping at parks and maybe reading a book. If I'm "serious" ride I don't pack a lot of extra stuff.

[Shine]

31. I gotta get me a hybrid.

Do you think I can get a decent one in the $300-500 range?

Nothin' fancy, just for getting around when we go camping or whatever.

[Blue-Jay]

33. Yeah. You can get one just like the OP for less than 500.

I love my Giant Cypress. For the $$$, you really can't beat it. They're light (in comparison to other hybrids, not road bikes), the components are quality, and they don't require lots of tweaking. It's the quietest bike I've ever owned, as long as I keep the chain/derailleurs clean and lubed. For hills, it also has a gigantic rear crank (position #1) for extra torque. I rarely use it, as the #2 crank gives me plenty of spin.

Trek also makes a great hybrid, but they'll cost you a bit more for similar features.

The one thing I don't like about my Giant hybrid is that the front shocks aren't adjustable. If the fork ever gives out, I'll replace it with a different brand. I also replaced the saddle with a more narrow, lighter saddle. (I just don't care for the "big giant butt" seats that normally come with hybrids)

We always take our hybrids when we go camping.

[Sequoia]

28. Good for you.

[Maestro]

29. Good for you.

I love cycling. It does help keep the pounds off.

[loveable liberal]

32. Make sure you keep hydrated!!!

Back in my youth I once lost 70 pounds riding bikes (well 30's anyway) It's very important to have a water bottle and keep on pushing the liquids for the longer rides. Biking is very easy on the knees too!! Pretty soon 20 miles will be nothing!!!

Ride on Brothahhhh!!!!

[Blue-Jay]

34. You rode a bike in the 30's?!?

[loveable liberal]

43. Where did you find that picture of me???

Climbing was a bee-yotch!!

[devilgrrl]

35. Great bike! I finally got mine fixed

:thumbsup:

[ileus]

36. my wife just got a cannondale comfort 5 last week, she loves it.

it's an ill fit for me compared to my jamis.

[kentauros]

39. I recognize some of these brands y'all are mentioning

but it's been so long since I'd even looked at bikes that I simply let the salesperson guide me. I knew they sold quality bikes and had great service (and they've been in business for some time) so I felt comfortable getting a bike I'd not heard of before.

Those of you that have fixed your bikes recently, well, got any pics?

[taterguy]

40. This is not my beautiful bike

It's one that I rented while visiting California, and just for the hell of it I'm including one of many pics I took while riding that bike up and down Monterey Bay

[kentauros]

41. That's a beautiful photo of the bay.

I suppose I could post pics of the Gulf of Mexico, but most people don't go to Galveston for the view :P

I want to thank everyone that posted and offered the great advice. I'll be looking into much of it once this storm passes (it's really not much of a storm, but enough to keep me inside all day.) It's great to see the enthusiasm for bike-riding here :D

Eric

[SeaLyons]

42. Good for you....

that's a great thing you're doing for yourself, and a great looking bike. I bet it's fun riding it.