Cycling is Like Fishing

[wheelspinner]

There is always some new trinket to spend your money on. It's an addictive hobby.

Like yesterday. I had put my Cannondale (the bike in my avatar) in for service and dropped in to check on progress. While I was waiting, I wandered around the shop floor and noticed a 2nd-hand Cannondale hybrid.

"That's a nice-looking bike" thinks I. I had a closer look and it was in near-new condition, very good equipment levels and beautifully presented. Then I checked the price. "I could almost afford that", thinks I.

Next thing I know, I have agreed to trade in my old hybrid and am now the proud owner of this bike:



I changed the standard pedals over to cleated pedals so I can ride it in bike shoes.

I took it for a 20km ride this afternoon and it is just beautiful to ride. It is absolutely silent running, light and quick, and the gear changes are slick and precise. It can get up the hills around here in the middle ranges and I only rarely had to shift into the bottom range. It's easily the best hybrid I've ever ridden, of half a dozen or so that I've owned.

[Calluna]

On the other end of the spectrum, you have people like me who are completely ignorant about bikes and haven't had one since the one with a banana seat and tassles when I was a kid. What does it mean to be a hybrid bike? To me, I can't see a difference between this and the one in the avatar. What do you see when you look at it that jumps out as something better to be worth trading in the old one for the new one?

[wheelspinner]

The one in the avatar has "drop"handlebars, and this one has flat handlebars.

A hybrid is essentially a road bike that is built a bit more for comfort than for speed. Because the bars are flat, you ride it in a more upright position. It's designed for short commutes, bike paths and that sort of thing. The bike in my avatar is a much more aerodynamic bike designed for racing. Here's a bigger picture of it.




I didn't get rid of the bike in my avatar (I couldn't!). I traded in my old hybrid, which I use for commuting, on a new one. This is the one I traded in.

[Calluna]

Oh, okay. I misunderstood and thought you traded in the one in your avatar. Thanks for the added explanations. I like that idea of riding more upright...it's one of the reasons I didn't like "grown-up" bicycles when I outgrew the old banana seat. ;D I don't like riding while leaning way foward...it just feels uncomfortable and scary to me. If I could sit upright, I'd be more comfortable and willing to try bicycling again...especially now that I'm moving to a flatter neighborhood where I really could bicycle to places like the grocery store and back...or to the trail that's very close too (I haven't even walked that one yet, just found out where it is, so I might not want to bike it once I see it, but it's a possibility since I could actually bike to the trail and not have to drive to it then).

For example, the one on the right in this photo looks more my speed (minus the small child attached).

[wheelspinner]

Sitting upright is also safer - you can be more easily seen and have a better view yourself.

If you live in a flat neighbourhood, you should definitely buy a bike. They are extremely practical for zipping around, and you can get racks or backpacks that let you carry stuff.

Many people feel a bit intimidated by bikes, but it's not necessary. In 204, I could barely ride up a hill, and 20kms was about my limit. Since then I've done two 200+ km rides and can peel off 100km with little preparation. You really do pick it up quickly. And it's gerat exercise.

It would be interesting to see what is done with bikes in Mozambique. I know they are vital in India, and they all seem to ride the same indestructible black monstrosity dating back about 50 years in design.

[Calluna]

Yes, one of the reasons I chose the neighborhood where I'm moving is the streets seemed more friendly for pedestrians and bicycling. There are a few hills, but I could always walk on them if it was too much for me starting out biking. Of course I'd still use the car for major shopping trips, but for the little errands close to home, I'd rather bike and get some exercise. I didn't used to bike, but did used to walk from other places I've lived to grocery stores when I just needed one or two items and had the extra time. Where I currently live, it's not possible...the roads are just plain dangerous for bikers or pedestrians, and certainly not for the novice biker.

Maybe I can find something inexpensive at a garage sale. I don't want to spend a lot when I don't know much about what I'm choosing. As you know, I can always upgrade later if I start using it a lot for further distances.

I don't know what the bike situation is in Mozambique. Many of the populations I'll be dealing with there are suffering from such abject poverty, they wouldn't have bikes...they will walk for a day or two to get to a clinic. It might be different in cities or areas where tourists go. I will be in Beira for part of my visit, but as plans are unfolding, it sounds like I will be visiting the more rural clinics too.

[wheelspinner]

Starting out cheap is probably a good idea, but be careful. It's essentially that a bike fits you, and it is not going to seem cheap after you get aches and pains every time you ride it. Make sure they let you test ride it; don't touch it if they won't.

You could try thrift shops, Cash Converters, craigslist or eBay as well - there are lots of 2nd hand outlets.

[Calluna]

I'll probably consider garage sales or thrift shops...maybe there's a shop in town that sells used bikes...I never paid attention since it wasn't something I wanted until now. I'd be too afraid to buy something off eBay or craigslist...I just don't trust those, and since you say testing it is important, I can't do that with an online purchse.