New bike!

[misterx]

So, I've to commute to work via bicycle. To this end, I purchased a new bike yesterday... nothing fancy, a Schwinn "hybrid", which I find ideal. It's not a full-out comfort cruiser, but does make some nods towards comfort with a front shock and sprung seatpost. (I may ditch the seatpost to cut weight though)

Here it is:


You can't really see it in the pic, but the tires are between mountain bike and road bike thickness, for less rolling resistance while retaining some light trail-going abilities. It's a basic bike. I need to tweak the derailleurs some, the back one isn't quite on.

Anyway, I rode it to work this morning. I love it. My old bike... well, let's just say I bought it in the late 80's. It would need lots of parts to feel this good. Unfortunately, in my speed and enthusiasm, I was reminded the hard way that skinny tires don't roll over cracks the way mountain bike tires do. I went to take a fast right and my tire decided to follow a crack/ridge in the concrete, resulting in front wheel going straight while the rest of me was trying to turn. Somewhere in there gravity asserted itself.

I can do better with practice, but here are the wounds I managed in this initial effort.









Plus various bruises that are still appearing. Like I said, not so great. I know I can do better. :)

Comments

[adamantplatypus.livejournal.com]

Ouch. I'm betting the one on the palm is the worst, because...let's face it, we humans use our hands for nearly everything.

There's a lot of folks getting into mountain biking/regular biking, lately. I don't know if it's new to my friend's page or what, but it seems to be more prevalent than it used to.

[misterx.livejournal.com]

I would have thought the palm too, but it's healed up real nice, while the knee is still a dramatic looking mess.

I don't know about biking, but I've noticed that scooters are multiplying like happy spring bunnies, likely due to gas costs.

[midnightsrain.livejournal.com]

Hey, not too bad! Road rash hurts for a bit, but then it's gone! I had to remember to lean in with the bike; not pull away from it. Until I learned that again, I was forever wrestling with my bike. Whoever exclaimed, "It's just like riding a bike!" Obviously hadn't. Glad you are enjoying the new toy.

[misterx.livejournal.com]

I went back and looked, it's an evil crack. I'd draw a diagram but I'm not feeling talented at the moment. Anyway, I slow way down when I go over it now.

[theweary.livejournal.com]

What on earth do you think you are doing? skinny tires? that's just not good ... honestly I do hope you feel better asap tho *HUG*

[misterx.livejournal.com]

I'm wondering if I'm going to regret it. I am becoming noteful of all the broken glass along my routes. It's hard to avoid.

[violatedjoy.livejournal.com]

I can do better with practice...

That's what I'm afraid of. Why must you worry me? Is it a necessity, really?

[misterx.livejournal.com]

not a necessity, just a lucky bonus. :)

I said bad words yesterday... was bringing the bike inside the building and raked the surface of the pedal over my knee. that felt goooooooood.