I felt I should explain the cycling itself that I do.
As near as I can recall, I found this just over seven years ago, on sale at Walmart. Using my tax refund that year, I paid a little less than $200 (US). Of course, this is the smallest common frame size available. Somehow it turned out to be just right for the way I ride, even though I’m 5’10” (1.78m). I’ve kept this thing longer than any bike I ever owned.
The first thing I did was add a rear carrier rack. It was junk, so I upgraded, but that required some ingenuity because the frame is not typical geometry. There is a thick piece of flat PVC cut from a square decorative fence post between the rack and the mounting arms. Later I found out about handlebar risers and got this thing up to a reasonable height for someone with arthritis in the shoulders and elbows. The seat post was never long enough and I kept it up just past the “safe line” until someone recently discarded this alloy post that was just the right length, but just a little thinner. A standard automotive hose clamp helps keep it from slipping in the frame clamp. That’s the third saddle and is actually comfortable. I use that rear-mounted kickstand a lot. Those are not the original pedals, either. The front shocks are just springs and the boots cracked open years ago.
The front rim is the second, the rear is the third — a high quality seamless steel rim. I’ll never buy another alloy rim. Steel is far, far better for my use. The guy at the bike shop told me the tires were called “Asphalt” and are used by our municipal police departments. They run 1.95″ wide and these have lasted a very long time already. I prefer thorn-proof tubes and thorn straps, too. In case you haven’t caught on, with my weight running 220# (100kg) or more, I don’t find that much advantage in stressing over ultra-light bicycle accessories.
The original shifters and derailers were the cheapest junk from Shimano (Tourney). I upgraded to the good junk (Alivio) and really like how smooth and consistent they shift for me. If there’s anything I’ve spent time on, it’s fine tuning the shifters. This is also the second cassette and chain. I use heavy gear oil (95w or higher) on my chain, and re-lube about every quarter. Gear oil cleans its own residue while sticking nicely to the metal.
I ride mostly on paved surfaces. While a mountain bike is slightly more work than those hybrid or road bikes, this is the first bike I’ve had that didn’t break down all the time. It just keeps rolling under my considerable weight.
During the summer months, I carry lots of water. In the picture you see two US military canteens saddle-bagged on the rack. I found an old chunk of plastic-coated wire rack and cut it to fit. The standard Alice clips work just fine, but I use bungees to stabilize against the legs of the rack. The bag atop the gooseneck is a newer type 2-quart canteen cover, loaded with a patch kit and essential tools I actually use while riding, including the shortest air pump I could find. For rides above 25 miles, I tend to carry two 24-ounce bottles with two canteens. Even over 100°F (38C) I’m fine as along as I keep moving and have enough water. That Oklahoma tends to be windy year-round helps.
Oklahoma has a 3′ (1m) passing clearance law and most folks try to pass almost completely in the next lane. Around 10% ignore that, but I’ve never felt threatened by someone passing too close. Okies tend to be decent, though plenty are still resentful. You have to understand that back 35 years ago when it became a federal standard to ride with the traffic, Okies refused to change their laws for a very long time later. Even now I see lots of folks riding against the traffic.
I’m not an activist and I don’t try to make people behave according to some strict standard. I wear bright colors or even reflective safety vests at times. I have lights for when I expect to ride in darkness and my primary concern is actually not impeding traffic. I try to avoid the busiest routes. Inside the cities I take the back routes as much as possible, learning my way around the twisty streets of those trendy suburban layouts. When a bike route is available, I try to use it.
Most days the routes I take end up running 25-28 miles (40-45km). If I really hurried and powered through, I might make it in 2.5 hours. Taking pictures, stopping for a snack or lunch, etc., adds an hour. This summer I’m trying to hit some rides closer to 40 miles (64km), maybe more.
