Psylock1045
Well-known member
Ok, so in making my final preparations for my upcoming departure in the Spring, I've come to a bit of a dilemma. I have 2 bicycles, and no clue which one I should use for the trip XD.
My original intention was to avoid cities whenever possible and stick to mountain/forest trails and back roads most of the time. But while I still plan on doing that, I have a feeling I'm going to end up in cities more frequently than first thought. And thus the issue.
pic #1, my current main bike. This thing sat chained to the side of my brothers house for a year, exposed to all weather. When I lost my job in January 2014 and came back for it, it still worked just as good, just needed some air in the tires. 21 Speed, overall pretty sturdy. It's actually inactive at the moment, because the front wheel has fallen apart entirely. The bike is simply sitting on the axle in this picture, it's not attached. I was a moron and lost all the ball bearings when trying to fix it after a nasty blow out and some other shenanigans. I had half the right sized bearings, half bearings that are too big for the hub, resulting in a lop-sided ride, and frequently tightening the quick-release. But last week, the wheel totally gave out and won't stay attached anymore. Brakes need to be fixed/replaced, hand grips are falling apart. No suspension, but seat is more comfortable. I have ridden this thing for an hour and a half straight, total of 11 miles, and was sore as hell for 2 days after. ( Which is expected, considering the most activity I usually do is the 5 minute ride to the grocery store once or twice a week )
pic #2, my "project" bike. I bought this with the plan of cannibalizing off of the old bike, and making this beast my touring bike. It is fixed-gear, courtesy of the previous owner. Has full suspension ( minus the seat ) and is VERY bouncy. Brakes work great, although they feel a little stiff. Both wheels are in great shape, the hand grips are more comfortable, but have no rubber inside and slide off the handlebars very easily. The seat is like sitting on a jagged rock. This bike is heavier, and overall very strong and tough. The previous owner had used it as an actual mountain biking bicycle, and this thing feels as badass as it looks.
bike #2 would be a LOT more work, and would be heavier, but has the suspension and sturdiness for potential offroading, which I do plan on there being plenty of. Bike #1, however, is less work, and has already proven itself to be able to handle a TON of abuse and keep on rolling. I am NOT gentle on my belongings at all, and bikes are no exception. Bike #2 looks better, has shinier parts, ( like the chain for example ) but bike #1 is already halfway ready for the trip. I can't decide which would be better for my trip, I see a lot of benefit of both. So what do you guys think?
My original intention was to avoid cities whenever possible and stick to mountain/forest trails and back roads most of the time. But while I still plan on doing that, I have a feeling I'm going to end up in cities more frequently than first thought. And thus the issue.
pic #1, my current main bike. This thing sat chained to the side of my brothers house for a year, exposed to all weather. When I lost my job in January 2014 and came back for it, it still worked just as good, just needed some air in the tires. 21 Speed, overall pretty sturdy. It's actually inactive at the moment, because the front wheel has fallen apart entirely. The bike is simply sitting on the axle in this picture, it's not attached. I was a moron and lost all the ball bearings when trying to fix it after a nasty blow out and some other shenanigans. I had half the right sized bearings, half bearings that are too big for the hub, resulting in a lop-sided ride, and frequently tightening the quick-release. But last week, the wheel totally gave out and won't stay attached anymore. Brakes need to be fixed/replaced, hand grips are falling apart. No suspension, but seat is more comfortable. I have ridden this thing for an hour and a half straight, total of 11 miles, and was sore as hell for 2 days after. ( Which is expected, considering the most activity I usually do is the 5 minute ride to the grocery store once or twice a week )
pic #2, my "project" bike. I bought this with the plan of cannibalizing off of the old bike, and making this beast my touring bike. It is fixed-gear, courtesy of the previous owner. Has full suspension ( minus the seat ) and is VERY bouncy. Brakes work great, although they feel a little stiff. Both wheels are in great shape, the hand grips are more comfortable, but have no rubber inside and slide off the handlebars very easily. The seat is like sitting on a jagged rock. This bike is heavier, and overall very strong and tough. The previous owner had used it as an actual mountain biking bicycle, and this thing feels as badass as it looks.
bike #2 would be a LOT more work, and would be heavier, but has the suspension and sturdiness for potential offroading, which I do plan on there being plenty of. Bike #1, however, is less work, and has already proven itself to be able to handle a TON of abuse and keep on rolling. I am NOT gentle on my belongings at all, and bikes are no exception. Bike #2 looks better, has shinier parts, ( like the chain for example ) but bike #1 is already halfway ready for the trip. I can't decide which would be better for my trip, I see a lot of benefit of both. So what do you guys think?