Money saving tip

I have discovered that bicycles are great! Just like how cars are also great. The only differences between the two is one requires money to run. April this year I decided that all of my in town commuting would be done with the bike. The first bike I had was a good one, it wasn't the best for commuting though. It had big meaty 2.1in thick tires with fairly low gearing. The two disadvantages with that were the tires creating a lot of rolling resistance, which required me to try harder to keep a high pace, then the gearing is mean't more towards climbing. Climbing was not something I did too often. The bike was a 19in Diamondback Response. It was a really nice bike, had the all Shimano components and performance 6in disk brakes. My friend let me barrow this bike for a short while.

Shot at 75mm: ISO320: f/4: 1/60th

While this was the only bike I had to use, I was looking for a road bike to replace the beast of a mountain bike the Diamondback was. Doing research, I learned many things about both mountain bikes and road bikes. To the outside eye, they both seem to get the same job done. Which is true, they each both have their advantages. I'll get to that a bit more at the end. Looking through craigslist I found the perfect frame. It was a Bridgestone 400 frame. The midrange road frame. All I had was the frame, fork and front derailuer. I began to do some research on which parts would fit best on the bike and also fit me. About a month later I came across another Bridgestone at a swap meet. This was a huge bike, HUGE! It was a complete bike, which is why I bought it. The wheels, tires, stem, and handlebars were all in good condition. The crank did not fit, the 400 frame took a different crank arm than the complete Bridgstone had; neither did the saddle. Still needing parts I kept looking through Craigslist for affordable parts that I would be able to use. I found a place called, "The Fresno Bike Kitchen". I found the address and went to the location. I told the guy running the shop what I wanted. I other words I wanted the bike to run. The rear wheel was off true, I needed a seat post, a saddle and crankset. Finally about 2 hours later and $55. The bike was complete. A single speed road bike. No derailuers, no extra cables, and no shifters. Simple is what I wanted and simple is what I had.

Shot at 15mm: ISO100: f/5.6: 1/125th

I still have the bug, since the day I got the bike running, I have came up on 5 other bikes. Half of them run and the other half needing some help.My main focus still being on the road bike, on making it a really light bike and also keeping all of the strength. Having put at least over 1,000 miles on the frame I still get excited before each ride.

After having some behind the bar experience. I learned how the road bike excels in the road, and how the mountain bike excels on the trails. When I rode the MTB, it worked just fine. It took me to work and took me around town, nothing to brag about. On the other hand the bike worked wonders on the trail. The meaty tires gripped the loose dirt and made the bumpy ride tolerable. the riding position was just right to peddle and continue to flow through the bumps and turns as I stood. All of the components held on tight when the ride got rough. The trail is where I can brag about this bike.

The road bike, this bike also gets me to work and around town just great. Almost too great, it's so smooth and quiet. With the simple drivetrain and thin smooth tires. The bike gets me going at a good speed and I don't struggle staying at that speed. The high gear is a bit tough getting going, but right after that I can speed up quite fast. When sitting in the crouched position I can accelerate and keep a high cadence at a high speed with ease. I get to work sooner and don't tire myself as much.