I have registered for the lottery to enter the TD Five Boro Bike Tour I won’t hear before February 7. I think I will delay buying a bike until after I’ve heard whether or not I have been selected to participate. I have heard mixed reports about how difficult and steep the approach to the Verrazano is and if I get to ride, I will buy an 8 speed derailleur to train on rather than the commuter bike I had planned to purchase.
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| Raleigh Detour |
I have decided that I will rent a bike should I go to New York and the bikes offered for rental are Trek 8 speed hybrids. I will test one of these Treks when the weather warms up. I have ridden the 8 speed Raleigh Detour 2.5 and really enjoyed the ride. The 2.5 is at the low end of the price range for a Detour but it has a steel frame and I prefer that to aluminum.
On the other hand, if I don’t get in and I do the Chicago ride, I will go with a 3 speed internal hub. So far the KHS Manhattan Green tops my list. I like the look of this bike and really enjoy the ride. I am, however, currently re-examining my need to buy a commuter bike. I plan to ride mostly on trails and locally. I will do everything I can not to ride in the rain or at night so maybe I should go with a lighter weight bike without fenders, a rack and a light. At these price points maybe I can have one of each. We'll see.
Meanwhile, I have begun my training for the ride by going to the gym and riding the stationary bike and doing some Tae Bo tapes at home. Having a specific goal in mind makes exercising easier for me.
Looking forward to an exciting May in either event.
