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Thursday, May 19, 2011

New Bike + Test Trip

Cycling is one of the few sports I participate in, so its fitting that I add it on this blog about my interests. Well the bike I bought recently is not new, I bought it used, and had to fix some things like get a new seat and brake pads, but its a fairly good bike, even if its not the latest model that costs like $2000, I'm satisfied with what I got for about $200 with the new parts. I'm not a bike specialist so I can't give you a good idea about performance, but what I can say is that whereas my last bike (which was a hybrid) tired me out quickly and I was always being passed by the other bikers, with this one I can reach a much higher speed with less effort, and although I know this one was made specifically for the road, I still feel the quality of the bike is much better than my previous one.

As for the test trip, I went along the Washington & Old Dominion Trail, which, if you know your Virginia cities, it stretches from Purcellville to Alexandria, which makes it about 45 miles in length. I only went about 15 miles on it, but it was a comfortable ride and I didn't feel particularly strained by it. Even so, I was getting tired and there were some renovations being done so I turned back.

I'd like to add that when I was buying something from Kmart, I noticed a sign that said its National Bike Month, which I doubt anybody keeps in mind. May has probably been labeled as such because, as has apparently happened to me, it might be the month most people buy or fix their bikes in anticipation for summer. I'm planing on still using my other bike too though, since there's this non-asphalt trail that I want to check out and maybe post pictures of if there's anything interesting about it, it apparently leads to Great Falls Park and might be fun to check it out. The W&OD is on the right and the entrance to a connection of the Cross County Trail is on the left.


19 comments:

  1. What makes a bike worth that much or perform that much better? I know that you said you aren't an expert, but even in general? A better frame? Better gears? I wouldn't even know where to start, lol.

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  2. @Xenototh
    If you mean the $2000 bikes, they are generally made from much lighter and higher performance materials like a carbon fiber frame (which is much lighter than aluminum, what my bike frame is made of) or gears that shift more quickly and quietly. I guess a bike's weight matters, but I personally think it also has to do with the tires. Just like racing tires vs. regular tires for cars, a road bike tire that sticks better to the ground and gives less resistance to movement will greatly increase performance. Maybe brand, higher production cost, and quality control is what really drives the price up though.

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  3. I think that I've already forgotten how to riding a bike.

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  4. Yay... I'm doing some cycling soon too!

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  5. I need to practise this more, my bike is getting rusty.

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  6. i am goin to ride my bike today! mountins here i come.

    +followed

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  7. great bike. Mine is so crapy :O

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  8. Where abouts do you bike? I would bike but i am to fat.

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  9. That left way is sure is scary

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  10. I should save for another bike, mine is a little old and rusty.

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  11. Cycling is fun. I should probably fix up my bike for the summer.

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  12. Wow, haven't gone cycling since I was a kid. Perhaps it's time to catch up!

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  13. I've been thinking about cycling more and more lately, I loved it when I was a kid and it's tempting to just go ride for a few hours, exercise, and enjoy the outdoors.

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  14. Interesting post. Keep em coming.

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