Proud bike owner

The other thing we did this weekend was buy bikes!

Matt and I had done a little research on bikes, bike prices and what features we would be looking for in a bike. We both agreed that we’d rather pay a little extra for a quality bike that was going to be easy to use, comfortable and lightweight. We had tested a bike when we rode at the Trinity Trail last time (and used a groupon to rent the bikes) and therefore knew the features and comforts we were looking to buy.

Our first stop was to Dick’s. We spoke with a guy there that didn’t have what we wanted – but gave us a few tips on what to look for in a bike and which bike would be the best for us. He encouraged us to buy online, but mentioned there was a large bike store not that far from the Mall, where we could go to look at bikes and test out the size/type we liked. Although – he told us not to buy from there because they were really overpriced (in his opinion).

We headed to said bike store and were immediately blown away by their selection, expertise and the sales man that was helping us. We did not get the impression the bikes were overpriced (based on the online research we had done recently) and were very pleased with the service we were receiving!

I realized while we were at the store that we may be able to get a better deal online, but it would be a lot more hassle and risk on our parts to try to figure out what we liked without testing anything or talking to someone about features that were important to us. Plus the store added all the accessories and add-ons that we requested at no additional cost and gave us lifetime tune-ups on the bikes. You seriously can’t beat that deal!

So what did I buy? Well I was looking for a bike that would be comfortable to ride recreationally, but could still be used for a sprint triathlon (which is becoming a more and more real goal seeing as I can’t run right now and have to take up swimming). I was pointed in the direction of a Trek Hybrid bike that I LOVED. It was so comfortable to ride and exactly what I wanted in a bike. The tires are thicker than a road bike, but not as thick as a mountain bike. If needed, I can ride in the grass or on a gravel trail for a short amount of time – which is perfect for the trinity trails.

The bike was $409 and I had the following added on:

• Kickstand
• Bike lock
• Water bottle cage
• Toe clips
• Fuel bag/storage bag

We also bought helmets, but forgot them at home on accident so we couldn’t wear them on this ride.

I love, love, love this bike.

Saturday we took the bikes out for a ride at the Trinity Trails and brought along a friend with us! It was a great ride and we rode 13.5 miles in just under an hour and a half. The wind was pretty fierce again, so it slowed our pace down quite a bit.

Because I have my convenient fuel bag, I was able to bring my camera along and take pictures with minimal difficulty WHILE riding the bike!

Matt opted for a mountain bike, rather than a hybrid bike like me. He had a lot of fun riding through the trees and being a little boy.

I even shot a short video of him riding up and down this embankment. I opted to stay on the bridge!

Luckily this time I remembered the sun block…

… which then made my face and neck break out (ugh). So I’ll have to find some different sun block for my face – but plan on using this for my back and arms every time we ride now so I don’t get super sunburned again. My arms are still peeling from my sunburn two weeks ago!

I am super excited to own a bike now and I am hoping we can go down to ride the Trinity Trails at least once a week now!

For the rest of the April challenge, I’m planning to stop stepping (per DR orders) and either ride my bike in place once a week or spin 3 days a week and ride my bike for fun. I’ll start experimenting with swimming once the April challenge is over.

Do you own a bike?