Biker Joe
Über Member
- Location
- Nr Harlow, Essex.
Hi everyone,
I haven't been around on this forum for quite a while. The reason being continued health problems.
It all started around one and a half years ago when I caught pneumonia.
I tried to get back on the bike earlier this year but it wasn't a success.and I suffered a relapse.
However, I think it is safe to say that I am finally back to full health. A few weeks ago I started riding again on my trusted 'Look' carbon framed road bike.
My joy was short lived and turned to despair when my beloved steed was stolen.
I did have a rather nice Hybrid bike but I had given it to my Son who was in desperate need and, of course, family.
A kindly neighbour gave me an old MTB.
To say it was heavy is an understatement. Steel frame with full front and rear suspension and big balloon tyres.
I think the tubing was full of lead.
.
I used it for trips along the river and, in the mean time, I was on the look out for a replacement road bike.
I was hampered by the fact that I was pretty short on funds having just payed for a holiday.
I kept hunting on Ebay,Gumtree and Preloved. It always turned out that, when I found something I was either outbid or the bike had already gone. A very frustrating time.
Two days ago I struck lucky. A Carrera 'Vanquish' was on offer not far away for £250.
I was a bit dubious about what I had heard about Carrera bikes. So I shot off down to Halfords to check the 'Vanquish' out.
I was surprised to find that this bike was very nice and was retailing at £499.00. I gave it a thorough going over and, apart from a future need to upgrade some components at a later date, I decided to go for the used one on offer.
It turned out that the bike had only been used a couple of times and the bike was virtually new.
The chap had purchased it on a whim, fell off, ( a clipless moment) and decided cycling wasn't for him.
Well I've done the necessary adjustments. Put on a 'Charge Spoon' saddle, changed the cassette for Tiagra 11/25 and been out for two 15 mile rides.
To put it shortly, I'm well satisfied. The bike handles very nicely thank you.
Due to my time on the MTB my fitness level is coming along nicely and I'm looking forward to many more rides before the weather turns too detrimental.
Thanks for listening.
Catch you again soon.
Joe
I haven't been around on this forum for quite a while. The reason being continued health problems.
It all started around one and a half years ago when I caught pneumonia.
I tried to get back on the bike earlier this year but it wasn't a success.and I suffered a relapse.
However, I think it is safe to say that I am finally back to full health. A few weeks ago I started riding again on my trusted 'Look' carbon framed road bike.
My joy was short lived and turned to despair when my beloved steed was stolen.
I did have a rather nice Hybrid bike but I had given it to my Son who was in desperate need and, of course, family.
A kindly neighbour gave me an old MTB.
To say it was heavy is an understatement. Steel frame with full front and rear suspension and big balloon tyres.
I think the tubing was full of lead.
.I used it for trips along the river and, in the mean time, I was on the look out for a replacement road bike.
I was hampered by the fact that I was pretty short on funds having just payed for a holiday.
I kept hunting on Ebay,Gumtree and Preloved. It always turned out that, when I found something I was either outbid or the bike had already gone. A very frustrating time.
Two days ago I struck lucky. A Carrera 'Vanquish' was on offer not far away for £250.
I was a bit dubious about what I had heard about Carrera bikes. So I shot off down to Halfords to check the 'Vanquish' out.
I was surprised to find that this bike was very nice and was retailing at £499.00. I gave it a thorough going over and, apart from a future need to upgrade some components at a later date, I decided to go for the used one on offer.
It turned out that the bike had only been used a couple of times and the bike was virtually new.
The chap had purchased it on a whim, fell off, ( a clipless moment) and decided cycling wasn't for him.
Well I've done the necessary adjustments. Put on a 'Charge Spoon' saddle, changed the cassette for Tiagra 11/25 and been out for two 15 mile rides.
To put it shortly, I'm well satisfied. The bike handles very nicely thank you.
Due to my time on the MTB my fitness level is coming along nicely and I'm looking forward to many more rides before the weather turns too detrimental.
Thanks for listening.
Catch you again soon.
Joe
