So, it’s been a while.
Hello Internet. I feel like I’m running into a bad ex except the bad ex is me and this blog has every right to be reproachful.
I had a bit of a downward turn with my cycling, and with my fitness journey in general. It was like nothing was sticking, and as the weather got colder and we headed into a New York winter I found more and more reasons to sleep in later and get on the subway, rather than be up and bright-eyed and bushy tailed about cycling. I kept telling myself that I was going to bike again when the weather got better, and it just never totally happened.
To be fair to myself, I haven’t not biked at all. I rode to the Redhook Crit and back, and went on some smaller rides. I haven’t ceased biking entirely, but it definitely hasn’t been my primary mode of commuting. So, I’m determined to get back into the swing of things this year.
At the risk of sounding like I’m making excuses, my bike has also become increasingly difficult to ride. I own a montecci folding bike, and while it worked relatively well when I got it two years ago, it’s become increasingly finicky and difficult to ride since. I’ll be posting the link to montecci website at the bottom of this blog post. The brakes are now continually sticking, which makes rising it an absolute (literal) drag because my wheels are constantly fighting to…move. I’m not good with the technical terms. I some how lost a screw from the hinge on the steering neck (or long front bar thingy, if you’re me), so there’s a definite wobble when I ride. My brakes squeal, and I’ve had to replace five of the back spokes. It’s terrible on potholes and hills too, which if you ride in New York…forget about it. You have to be able to handle those two things.
I initially got a folding bike because I worked two jobs and it was totally convenient. I’d ride to one, zip crosstown on lunch, and then I’d fold it up in the back of a car (I was a nanny). Now that I work a 9-5 though, I’m not sure that the foldability of the bike is outweighing the…suckiness of it.
It’s possible that I rode it a little harder than intended. I’m not sure that these bikes are necessarily made for 16 mile round trip commutes every day, or long trips to upstate New York. Basically, I really need a new bike. Unfortunately, I’m somewhat lacking the funds at the moment. I think what I need is a good hybrid bike, something that works for commuting and longer trips, but those run a pretty penny.
My boyfriend is trying to convince me to buy one secondhand, just find one of craigslist, but I’m nervous. I don’t feel like I know enough about bikes to do that. He says he’ll help me, of course, but wandering into a bike shop I already know and trust and just having them recommend me a bike seems so much easier. What if I buy a total lemon? What if I’m riding it home after I buy it and it collapses under my chubby butt and I’ve wasted all that money? Why are bikes so damned expensive anyway? Sure, they save you money commuting in the long run but damn, it would be nice if they weren’t quite so much to begin with.
Anyway that’s really just one excuse in a long line of excuses. The fact of the matter comes down to me really just not trying hard enough. So I guess it’s time to pick myself up, dust myself off…and get back on the bike.
Sorry, couldn’t resist. Anyway, keep your eyes peeled for my next post. I’m seeing a couple things at the Bicycle Film Festival this weekend, and I’ll post reviews for all (4) of you. Or like, whoever stumbles on this darn thing.
Thank for reading.
** This is the bike I have:
thechubbygirlcyclist 