The bicycle......

Ok, my origional purpose for this was to document my thoughts as I reintroduced my body to cycling after a 15 year hiatus. The first couple of posts digressed into my current frustration about gas prices.

So here are the bikes......

Everyone should have a stable, a choice of transportation, based on one's mood for the day. Cars would be nice, but since I'm not Jay Lena, I've had to settle for bike. Each one has a place in my heart and stories written in milage.

1984 Faggin: Nice steel road frame, currently not built up. I used to use it for fast rides with friends and did several 100 plus miles rides.

Late '70's japanese steel touring bike: This is a legitimate 27" frame (68 cm). Currently built with vintage Shimano 600ex components. I was climbing a hill once and wrapped the deraileur into the spokes, bending the rear dropout in the process. There was a frame builder in L.A. called Medici. They repaired the frame and installed "double laterals" to stiffen it up. It's big, stiff and with a 46" wheelbase, rides like a Cadillac! I'm hoping to get it smoothed out enough to do some touring on it with my son.

Early '80's Raleigh Track: OH WHAT FUN!!!! I truly love this bike! Full Campy track groupo, currently wearing modern aero clincher rims and an upright set of bars. I used it as my main ride for several years after leaving the velodrome.

2004 Specialized FSRXC: This is my only modern bike. Currently used for commuting. It is the one I ultimately end up grabbing most mornings. Half of my commute to work is on dirt roads and the double suspension with handlebar and rack trunk does a good job of carrying all my commuting stuff.

If I lived somewhere else, I'm sure the Specialized would spend more time in the garage, it seems out of place when we go on vacation and ride in the city. (more thoughts on that later). Commuting places different demands on cycling that sport riding does, but for the current situation, it works well.

I know there is a major debate going on right now as to the best "STYLE" of cycling, lots of blogs and even more opinions.

Bottom line, IMHO, find a bike that works for you, and go!!!!! All that really matters is saddle time!