Yeah, now I’ve gone out and done it. I bought myself a new bicycle. My husband had wanted to get one for a long time but we never moved past the “idea” to actually purchasing one.
He researched everything he could on the types of bicycles out there (he’s analytical that way, perhaps more than he needs to be) and he found a pair of his and hers bicycles at Sears. We went one day to try them out and the “his” bicycle worked great for him but the “hers” was way too big. So — we bought his and I waited on mine.
Then, when I went for a massage (a birthday gift) the masseuse told me about a great place to buy a bicycle — Strauss Skates & Bicycles which is family owned. She told me that they “fitted” her for her bicycle. Just what I needed.
So — one evening my husband and I went there and I took a bike for a test drive. It felt “okay” but I wasn’t ready to take the leap. The next day, I went back by myself and an older (well, my age) gentleman helped me and explained everything on the bicycle. The seat was a little too tall for me so they removed the reflector in the back and were able to move the seat down a bit. This bicycle is built for smaller frames so too many adjustments shouldn’t need to be made. And then, I bought it — a Diamondback Vital 2 hybrid.
When I was growing up, we were poor and didn’t have bicycles. I remember the one time I did ride a borrowed one … I rode it straight into the side of an apartment building. Bleh. We had bicycles in Seattle but we never rode much because the hills were so steep. So I consider myself a beginner. I wonder if I should get a t-shirt that says “beginner” on the back of it to wear while I’m riding? hahaha
I’m a little wobbly on the bike and when I look back to see if traffic is coming my bike veers so I’m planning on getting a mirror to help me see better on the busier streets.
She sure is a beauty!
If you’ll notice, there are two screws that are supposed to be in the holes on the bar for a water bottle. They were removed because when I stand, my pants were getting caught there. They were sticking out about a half to three quarters of an inch and that made a difference for me. I bought a bottle holder that was placed on the handlebars.
This is where they put my rear reflector. Still in the back but a different location.
The gears are simple enough to use — different from what I remember as they aren’t cumbersome to move.
I was also fitted for a bicycle helmet. They were so attentive at Strauss — I was really glad I was referred there.
Now — to ride on some of those Country Roads that John Denver talked about. Â (laughing)
