My New Ride
After researching bikes for a couple of weeks, I decided to go with a Hybrid. This is a cross between a Road Bike and a Mountain Bike. The nice thing about the Hybrids is that you sit a little more upright on the bike and the tires are a little wider making for a smoother ride. From what I understand, the biggest compromise with this bike (as well as mountain bikes in general) is speed. Since I’m not planning to do any bike racing, I could care less about going fast.
I test drove a few bikes and decided on the Schwinn Sierra GS. I loved the ride and it was very cute which is important! I think the last bike I owned was purple. That was about 30 years ago. I’m not exaggurating!
A word about supporting local business:
It can be difficult to pass up the big box stores on purchases like bicycles. My good friend bought a Schwinn bike she adores from Target for almost 1/2 what I paid for mine and when I started out down the buy-a-bike road, that was my plan. It was purely financial. However, after visiting Barnard’s in Oak Park, IL there was no question I’d be spending a little more money to get a better bike, take advantage of their expert service and most importantly support local business. Barnard’s has been in business since 1911. The sales guy took his time to educate me on the differences of the bikes they sell and after he described the challanges of buying bikes from big box stores, I was convinced. If you buy a bike from a big box store, you’re on your own to assemble and service it. But, at Barnard’s, the pros assemble it, then give you a free tune up at 90 days, 1 year, and 2 years - FREE! SOLD!
A word about customer service:
When I went to buy my bike on Saturday, Barnard’s was unexpectedly closed. And since I’m the most impatient person on the planet, I promptly went over to another cycle store in the area to try to find a bike. I walked in and strolled around for about 5 minutes and nobody said a single word to me. It was as if I wasnt there. What offended me was that, when a bicycle police guy came in the door, they were all over him with their great customer service. What am I, chopped liver? I left having never spoken to a sales person. I was very tempted to name the store in this post to illustrate what bad customer service can do, but I’m sparing them this time. Shame on you, snooty bike shop! You lost a sale, buddy!
I took my new ride out for a few minutes last night but there seems to be a problem with the seat slipping so I’ll need to take it back to the shop tonight. But, other than that, I’m in love already! I think this thing is going to change my life.
What kind of bike do you have? Do you ride often? What kind of riding do you do?
{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
I bought a Giant FCR3W a few months ago and I love my bike, although I do wish it was a bit lighter, but anything’s an improvement over my old 40#+ mountain bike I was riding. I sought out to buy the lightest bike I could afford, because we have wicked hills around here, and it’s tough to lug around my weight + the weight of a heavy bike.
I don’t ride as much as I should, but it’s been incredibly hot and smoky here in my neck of the woods. Excuses, excuses. Chris and I usually ride to work, or around our town (we don’t have to go far, it’s like 5 miles square). I do wish I either had padded shorts or a more padded seat. Ride a little and you’ll see why.
Wow–it looks awesome and so pretty. My bike is the same color. It will go off road too. I think you are going to enjoy this once your rear adjust. It took me about a month to get use to new stuff I was doing to my body. Good luck with it—it’s beau-ti-mus!
Congrats on your new bike purchase! It sounds like a keeper. I am a big fan of supporting the local businesses, as the customer service and relationships that you build with owners are very valuable. I don’t own a bike, however, while visiting my parents’ down the shore today, I took one of their bikes out for an 8 mile ride and enjoyed every minute. I look forward to hearing more about your bike adventures!
katie - the place I bought my bike did not stock Giant bikes or I would have definately test drove one. That one got several recommendations. I thought I remembered that you were riding to work but I bet that’s been nearly impossible with the heat and the air quality following the fires, huh?
Anna - thanks! I love the color, too!
Alexis - if you enjoyed the bike ride so much maybe you should get yourself one? We can be online bike buddies!
i have a giant sedona dx women’s bicycle. it’s a hybrid/comfort bike, so it can handle hills, but is also comfortable for rides around town, etc. i ride up to school (up= uphill all the way) &back down (down= downhill all the way)
my only qualm is that it is on the heavier side, so it’s harder for me to power up. i’m looking in to the Giant FCR3w for an upgrade. maybe i just need to pump some iron!
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