new bike, new sport, new fun!

I feel like a kid again! I'm sure all who lurk here have seen posts like this, but it's amazing to
me because it's true, and so few other things can generate that feeling of getting a new bike. When
I get home from work I pause to look at it, beckoning me to hop on for a quick spin before dinner.
In the morning, I look longingly at it before climbing into my car for the commute to work, thinking
"shouldn't I take today off and go riding?"

The only thing that comes close is getting a new guitar. But I suppose that belongs in alt.guitar.

I have a road bike, which I've been riding for the last 20 years or so (an old Univega), but
caught the mountain bike bug when looking to get a new bike. And now, about a month later, I can
ride the trails, though still with some trepidation as I gaze down a rocky hill, or up a loose,
leaf-covered climb.

I've read a couple of books to help me learn technique on technical terrain, and I have a few
buddies to ride with to learn from. But I have a few questions about my bike. I got a Rocky Mountain
Elevation (2003 model), which comes with a nice set of components:

Deore v-brakes, Deore shifters, Deore front derailleur, Deore cogs Deore LX rear derailleur Raceface
cranks Ritchey scuzzy logic headset and some other things I know less about.

The pedals were the clipless shimanos, but I bought a set of Haro platforms until I'm ready to make
the switch to clipless.

Wheels are Alex Ace 19 rims with DT Champion spokes and Maxxis MoFo XC tires.

While I don't see any reason to do upgrades just yet, I was wondering what the first thing you all
would suggest is most in need of upgrading. Brakes? Shifters? Derailleurs?

Thanks for any suggestions. And oh, it's great to be a kid again!

Mark mjr@grok.org

"Mark J. Rosen" <mjr@grok.org> wrote in message
news:e4a955e8.0311041442.27b3e0d7@posting.google.com... <snip giddy tale of new bike>
> While I don't see any reason to do upgrades just yet, I was wondering what the first thing you all
> would suggest is most in need of upgrading. Brakes? Shifters? Derailleurs?
>

Nothing until something is broken or giving you trouble. Just ride!

Matt

On 4 Nov 2003 14:42:34 -0800, Mark J. Rosen wrote:

> The only thing that comes close is getting a new guitar. But I suppose that belongs in alt.guitar.

I know that feeling, too! I still love my slack-key taro-patch-tuned acoustic.

> While I don't see any reason to do upgrades just yet, I was wondering what the first thing you all
> would suggest is most in need of upgrading. Brakes? Shifters? Derailleurs?

Lungs, most likely.

I'd probably expect you'll want to replace the saddle first. The saddle that comes with most bikes
is crap. You may or may not be happy with the tires. Think little stuff for initial tweaks. The rest
can be upgraded when it breaks and needs replacement.

--
-BB- To reply to me, drop the attitude (from my e-mail address, at least) "It's a shallow life that
doesn't give a person a few scars" - Garrison Keillor

> On 4 Nov 2003 14:42:34 -0800, Mark J. Rosen wrote:
>
>> The only thing that comes close is getting a new guitar. But I suppose that belongs in
>> alt.guitar.
>
> I know that feeling, too! I still love my slack-key taro-patch-tuned acoustic.

Oh yeah! New Guitars...gotta love em.

>
>> While I don't see any reason to do upgrades just yet, I was wondering what the first thing you
>> all would suggest is most in need of upgrading. Brakes? Shifters? Derailleurs?
>
> Lungs, most likely.

hehehehe, good point.

>
> I'd probably expect you'll want to replace the saddle first.

Yep, that was going to be my suggestion. It was the first thing to be replaced in my case. Then came
the Bomber! It was all downhill from there...(pun intended)

"MattB" <somedudeus@yahoo.com> wrote in message news:bo9be8$1c6am5$1@ID-86156.news.uni-berlin.de...
>
> "Mark J. Rosen" <mjr@grok.org> wrote in message
> news:e4a955e8.0311041442.27b3e0d7@posting.google.com... <snip giddy tale of new bike>
> > While I don't see any reason to do upgrades just yet, I was wondering what the first thing you
> > all would suggest is most in need of upgrading. Brakes? Shifters? Derailleurs?
> >
>
> Nothing until something is broken or giving you trouble. Just ride!
>
> Matt
>
>

Good advice!

--
- Zilla Cary, NC (Remove XSPAM)

On Tue, 04 Nov 2003 23:39:54 -0000, Dave W wrote:
>>
>> I'd probably expect you'll want to replace the saddle first.
>
> Yep, that was going to be my suggestion. It was the first thing to be replaced in my case. Then
> came the Bomber! It was all downhill from there...(pun intended)

Was the originally really so bad that you had to spend a few Franklin's to replace it? I really
can't see the gain in doing that. I rode my Judy until I couldn't get her apart with a hammer! Sure,
the Bomber is better, but if the original was still working I'm not sure I'd feel as if I got $300
more in riding satisfaction. That's almost 11 cases of Trippel!

(note: any indulgence in my life these days is inevitably compared to the price of a case
of Trippel)

--
-BB- To reply to me, drop the attitude (from my e-mail address, at least) "It's a shallow life that
doesn't give a person a few scars" - Garrison Keillor

> On Tue, 04 Nov 2003 23:39:54 -0000, Dave W wrote:
>>>
>>> I'd probably expect you'll want to replace the saddle first.
>>
>> Yep, that was going to be my suggestion. It was the first thing to be replaced in my case. Then
>> came the Bomber! It was all downhill from there...(pun intended)
>
> Was the originally really so bad that you had to spend a few Franklin's to replace it?

Yeah it was. a pos RST something or another that came stock on the K2 and it started sticking pretty
badly. I still have it though. Gonna go on a beater. Whenever I get around to creating one. :-)

>I really can't see the gain in doing that. I rode my Judy until I couldn't get her apart with
>a hammer!

Pretty much where it was at.

> Sure, the Bomber is better, but if the original was still working I'm not sure I'd feel as if I
> got $300 more in riding satisfaction.

That's just it, it wasn't working worth a crappola.

The bomber was $250.00 from Bikesmart...and worth every dime AFAIAC!

> That's almost 11 cases of Trippel!

well a guys got to have his standards. ;-) And man, yours sure are high...

>
> (note: any indulgence in my life these days is inevitably compared to the price of a case of
> Trippel)

Ah, just a simple case of priorities...

"BB" <bbauerAtitude@freeshell.org> wrote in message
news:bo9ei8$1c45od$1@ID-130844.news.uni-berlin.de...
> On Tue, 04 Nov 2003 23:39:54 -0000, Dave W wrote:
> >>
> >> I'd probably expect you'll want to replace the saddle first.
> >
> > Yep, that was going to be my suggestion. It was the first thing to be replaced in my case. Then
> > came the Bomber! It was all downhill from there...(pun intended)
>
> Was the originally really so bad that you had to spend a few Franklin's to replace it? I really
> can't see the gain in doing that. I rode my Judy until I couldn't get her apart with a hammer!
> Sure, the Bomber is better, but if the original was still working I'm not sure I'd feel as if I
> got $300 more in riding satisfaction. That's almost 11 cases of Trippel!
>
Absolutely. I busted my Judy in a crash and replaced it with a Z1 BAM which cost $550 incl/King
headset. I couldn't believe the difference it made and wished I'd done it sooner. The Judy was
working but not like the Z1. And yes, as Dave put it, it's been all DH from there. I then plunked
down more than 33 cases of Trippel for a Shiver for my DH bike.

> (note: any indulgence in my life these days is inevitably compared to the price of a case of
> Trippel)
>

I can relate. ;^)

Mike

"Mark J. Rosen" <mjr@grok.org> wrote in message
news:e4a955e8.0311041442.27b3e0d7@posting.google.com...
> I feel like a kid again! I'm sure all who lurk here have seen posts like this, but it's amazing to
> me because it's true, and so few other things can generate that feeling of getting a new bike.
> When I get home from work I pause to look at it, beckoning me to hop on for a quick spin before
> dinner. In the morning, I look longingly at it before climbing into my car for the commute to
> work, thinking "shouldn't I take today off and go riding?"

Yes, when given the option between riding and working...always take the ride.

> The only thing that comes close is getting a new guitar. But I suppose that belongs in alt.guitar.

We have a few guitars and a piano in the house. They all look pretty, too bad we spend more of our
time jamming on our bikes rather than jamming our music.

> I have a road bike, which I've been riding for the last 20 years or so (an old Univega), but
> caught the mountain bike bug when looking to get a new bike. And now, about a month later, I can
> ride the trails, though still with some trepidation as I gaze down a rocky hill, or up a loose,
> leaf-covered climb.

Your confidence and skills will improve over time.

> I've read a couple of books to help me learn technique on technical terrain, and I have a few
> buddies to ride with to learn from. But I have a few questions about my bike. I got a Rocky
> Mountain Elevation (2003 model), which comes with a nice set of components:
>
> Deore v-brakes, Deore shifters, Deore front derailleur, Deore cogs Deore LX rear derailleur
> Raceface cranks Ritchey scuzzy logic headset and some other things I know less about.
>
> The pedals were the clipless shimanos, but I bought a set of Haro platforms until I'm ready to
> make the switch to clipless.
>
> Wheels are Alex Ace 19 rims with DT Champion spokes and Maxxis MoFo XC tires.
>
> While I don't see any reason to do upgrades just yet, I was wondering what the first thing you all
> would suggest is most in need of upgrading. Brakes? Shifters? Derailleurs?

You don't to upgrade anything. What you have is perfect. Ride it until it falls apart. When your
skills and confidence improve, then you can consider upgrading or getting a different bike.

> Thanks for any suggestions. And oh, it's great to be a kid again!

Indeed it is.

I will infer my great motto that I infer on everyone who knows me:

"You're dead longer than you're alive, so enjoy life and live it like you mean it"

Oh, and welcome to alt.mountain-bike! You are now expected to post some ride reports, that is
your duty :-)

- CA-G

Can-Am Girls Kick Ass!

"Zilla" <zilla62XSPAM@bellsouth.net> wrote in message
news:<aRWpb.33687$SV2.10435@bignews3.bellsouth.net>...
> "MattB" <somedudeus@yahoo.com> wrote in message
> news:bo9be8$1c6am5$1@ID-86156.news.uni-berlin.de...
> >
> > "Mark J. Rosen" <mjr@grok.org> wrote in message
> > news:e4a955e8.0311041442.27b3e0d7@posting.google.com... <snip giddy tale of new bike>
> > > While I don't see any reason to do upgrades just yet, I was wondering what the first thing you
> > > all would suggest is most in need of upgrading. Brakes? Shifters? Derailleurs?
> > >
> >
> > Nothing until something is broken or giving you trouble. Just ride!
> >
> > Matt
> >
> >
>
> Good advice!

I'll third that. Like our friend Paladin says...don't buy upgrades, ride up grades.

JD

Thanks for the encouragement. Looks like the only thing that needs upgrading is me, rather
than my bike!

Better lungs, better legs, better skills. Now if only I could buy them at my LBS....

OK, my first brief ride report. I live in Bryn Mawr, near Philadelphia, so it's a short drive over
to Wissahickon and some monstrous trails. I decided to do some of the yellow trail, beginning at
Bells Mill, so within a couple of hundred yards I began with the climb dubbed "Widowmaker Hill".
Ugh. I had to walk up much of it, as it was fairly steep, and very rocky, and covered with newly
fallen leaves. My first taste of technical climbs. I did manage to ride bits of it, but mostly
walked. After that, though, I was able to handle the climbs, and there were some great downhill
sections. Until I went too slow off a huge root/dropoff into a big rock, and took my first big
spill. I wasn't hurt other than a few bangs on my legs, but the bike came down on a rock and cracked
a spoke. I wound it around a neighbor, trued the wheel as best I could, and continued on, handling
the rest of the trail gently until I reached the gravel Forbidden Drive, which I took back to Bells
Mill and my car. Lots of fun! Unfortunate broken spoke.

Today, I'm headed off to French Creek state park for the Mill Creek trails. Looks good from the
description in one of the books I have. I'll report back later.

Mark

"Carla A-G" <khsgrl@NOJUNKyahoo.com> wrote in message news:vqi1a6jtmkdjac@corp.supernews.com...
> "Mark J. Rosen" <mjr@grok.org> wrote in message
> news:e4a955e8.0311041442.27b3e0d7@posting.google.com...
> > I feel like a kid again! I'm sure all who lurk here have seen posts like this, but it's amazing
> > to me because it's true, and so few other things can generate that feeling of getting a new
> > bike. When I get home from work I pause to look at it, beckoning me to hop on for a quick spin
> > before dinner. In the morning, I look longingly at it before climbing into my car for the
> > commute to work, thinking "shouldn't I take today off and go riding?"
>
> Yes, when given the option between riding and working...always take the ride.
>
> > The only thing that comes close is getting a new guitar. But I suppose that belongs in
> > alt.guitar.
>
> We have a few guitars and a piano in the house. They all look pretty, too bad we spend more of our
> time jamming on our bikes rather than jamming our music.
>
> > I have a road bike, which I've been riding for the last 20 years or so (an old Univega), but
> > caught the mountain bike bug when looking to get a new bike. And now, about a month later, I can
> > ride the trails, though still with some trepidation as I gaze down a rocky hill, or up a loose,
> > leaf-covered climb.
>
> Your confidence and skills will improve over time.
>
> > I've read a couple of books to help me learn technique on technical terrain, and I have a few
> > buddies to ride with to learn from. But I have a few questions about my bike. I got a Rocky
> > Mountain Elevation (2003 model), which comes with a nice set of components:
> >
> > Deore v-brakes, Deore shifters, Deore front derailleur, Deore cogs Deore LX rear derailleur
> > Raceface cranks Ritchey scuzzy logic headset and some other things I know less about.
> >
> > The pedals were the clipless shimanos, but I bought a set of Haro platforms until I'm ready to
> > make the switch to clipless.
> >
> > Wheels are Alex Ace 19 rims with DT Champion spokes and Maxxis MoFo XC tires.
> >
> > While I don't see any reason to do upgrades just yet, I was wondering what the first thing you
> > all would suggest is most in need of upgrading. Brakes? Shifters? Derailleurs?
>
> You don't to upgrade anything. What you have is perfect. Ride it until it falls apart. When your
> skills and confidence improve, then you can
consider
> upgrading or getting a different bike.
>
> > Thanks for any suggestions. And oh, it's great to be a kid again!
>
> Indeed it is.
>
> I will infer my great motto that I infer on everyone who knows me:
>
> "You're dead longer than you're alive, so enjoy life and live it like you mean it"
>
> Oh, and welcome to alt.mountain-bike! You are now expected to post some
ride
> reports, that is your duty :-)
>
> - CA-G
>
> Can-Am Girls Kick Ass!