Showing posts with label bike. Show all posts
Showing posts with label bike. Show all posts

Monday, March 21, 2011

You shall be called???

I got my back less then 24 hrs after I ordered it.  My super awesome husband went and picked it up for me because I was teaching all afternoon in multiple locations and couldn't get to the store before they closed.  I was SO excited to get it and immediately took her out for the inaugural ride to break her in.  As I was heading out the door I noticed my pedals weren't the super duper upgraded bare-foot pedals (for those beach days). I immediately emailed the contact at the store who responded back within 30 minutes telling me he was so sorry it wasn't communicated to me and that they should be in this week. He also told me I could have a free bell or cup holder for my troubles.  Talk about customer service. 

My first ride was a little over three miles.  I couldn't go much longer b/c the kickstand was not bending properly and the left pedal hit every time it went around. It was driving me nuts! So when I got in I emailed the guy back thanking him for the quick help. I also mentioned the kickstand and one other issue. The "fork" of the bike was the wrong color.  It's really not a huge deal but I wanted silver and it's white.  He emailed back and said that changing the fork was no problem and that he could bend the kickstand.  Yay, all easy fixes. 

The weather here has been amazing and I couldn't not ride her on my day off so I took her out for 5.4 miles today.  I was able to fix the kickstand myself-score! So I've gotten 8.4 miles down...a lot more to go before she's "paid off" in my mind : ).  I found this great app for my phone called cardio trainer.  It uses GPS and tracks where you go, miles, calories, rate of speed. It's pretty amazing!



So, what do you think? Isn't she a beaut? Can you tell where the fork is?


I think I want to name her...any suggestions...or is she a he? I'm a dork...I know : )

Monday, March 14, 2011

Christmas in March

I got a present from the hubs today.  A BIKE!  I am so stinking excited about this present.  I've been wanting one for almost 9 months now.  I even added some options to my amazon wishlist in time for Christmas this year.  But I did not get one for Christmas... in December at least.  We never celebrate Christmas at our own own home.  It's either at my dad and stepmom's house in NC or Drew's folks in GA.  So...he would have a hard time hiding that from me as we drove from state to state. 

Fast forward to March.  The weather has been super nice in Charleston and I have been on a mission to find the perfect bike.  I love working out and dancing but I want another activity to do and biking is my choice. I have been trying to be frugal in my quest.  I've searched online, at Target and Wal-mart, at local bike shops, and even craigslist.  I've been looking for a beach cruiser...not just b/c we live at the beach.  I always had beach cruisers as a child and loved them! My mountain bike experience has never been great.  I like the ease and comfort of the cruiser. 

After searching and researching I finally decided on a local, awesome bike shop called affordabike. They custom build bikes to your liking.  It's a really cool company started by two local guys in Charleston. Check out their website and you can play around with the "build your bike" section.  It's so cool. 

I tend to over think things for a super long time.  So I decided today was THE day to get the bike.  I talked Drew into going with me...thank goodness.  You can start with a basic steel frame @ $110 or get the aluminum rustproof frame @ $160.  I was planning on going with the cheaper option, but after thinking it over and getting the go ahead from the hubs I went with the aluminum frame.  The rustproof will be great since I do planning on riding on the beach some and it is also a lighter frame, which will be helpful since we live on the 2nd floor. After that you can get the basic accessories or you can upgrade.  I did a couple of little upgrades-chain guard, fenders, better pedals and even a cute little basket. It was more then I intended to spend but I am very happy with my final decisions.  Well, I think I am.  I don't actually have the bike yet b/c it takes them 2-3 days to make. But I am excited about the model I made online and am sure I will like the final project.  I will take pics and post soon.

Christmas in March rocks!   And so does my hubs.