Finally pulled the trigger and picked up this bad boy.
It ended up being the cheapest brand-new bike I could find from a major brand in a frame size that actually fits my height. It’s a leftover 2022/2023 model, and from what I’ve read online, it has some budget components due to the COVID-era parts shortages. I’m assuming those two factors are why the price was so heavily discounted.
I had it shipped to my place and finished the assembly myself. Unfortunately, the front tube was sliced, but honestly, it turned into a good opportunity to learn how to change a bicycle tire and tube. That also sent me down the rabbit hole of tire sizes and valve types… and most of it still doesn’t make sense to me.
For my current goals, though, this bike is perfect. I mainly want to get more physical activity in while doing everyday tasks.
Took it for my first ride today. just a quick short 3 km trip to the library, and it was pure suffering. My quads were on fire, which is a good sign, because those were also the first muscles to give out during my first track-riding course back in May. Strengthening them (and building some endurance) is part of the reason I wanted a bicycle in the first place.
And of course, in classic me fashion, I overshot something: the theft-prevention setup. I bought a Kryptonite Fahgettaboudit chain and lock (50% off from Amazon Warehouse). It was meant for when I start commuting to my new job… but that thing is ridiculously heavy, almost 7 kg (about 15 lbs). At this point, I think it’s going to stay at home as a motorcycle-level security measure rather than something I haul around on a bicycle.
www.cyclingweekly.com
