Newsed bicycle.

A couple of weeks ago I posted about changing a one speed cruiser, to a three speed. I found some parts, but never ordered them. In the mean time I've looked at some new bikes. The cheap stuff is just that, cheap. The good stuff is $$$ and up.

In my pawn shop/thrift store wanderings, I came across this today.

It's a Trek 3700 with a 21" frame. Everything works except the front gear changer needs some adjustment. It's not a cruiser, but it's big enough for my long legs. Now I just need to ride it daily.

Total spent, $95 tax included. I can't decide if that was a good deal or not. Used bikes around here seem to run from $50-$2000.

Next up, bike helmets. In 47 years of bike riding, I haven't needed one, do I really need one? I'm older and fatter so I probably hit the ground a lot harder.

Can I pick one up at the discount store, or do I need a good one? Preferences?

You will only need a helmet once if you're not wearing one. That's a fairly decent bike, and the model we sold to all the Mormon missionary kids when I worked at the bike shop (they're going to heaven but they're hell on bikes...). If you need to dial in the front derailleur, the first step is to lube the cable where it passes under the bottom bracket (where the pedal axle goes through the frame). It's best to use a dry Teflon - based lube as it doesn't pick up grit and turn into a black oily slime. This is also the best stuff to use on your chain, and while you're at the bike shop, you can try on a couple of helmets. There should be a standard entry level helmet in the $40 range that will suffice, and last longer and fit better than a one sizer from Walmart.

Toyman01 wrote: Next up, bike helmets. In 47 years of bike riding, I haven't needed one, do I really need one? I'm older and fatter so I probably hit the ground a lot harder. Can I pick one up at the discount store, or do I need a good one? Preferences?

Go to a bike shop and get an "entry level" ($40 or so) helmet. Get something that fits your head perfectly and is comfortable. They all meet the same impact standards, so more expensive gets you less weight and more aero--moot on a 30+lb mountainbike.

I've hit my head a few times on a bike (once on a wet road, a massive one mountainbiking and a medium one on a cyclocross bike. Wear the helmet. Your wife/partner isn't interested in wiping your butt for the rest of time. $40 is cheap prevention.

As for the bike, it's fine. You can putt around bike paths and up to moderate off-road. I'm sure it will serve your purposes fine. It's lightyears better than a comparably priced walmart bike.

If there's a local bike co-op (I volunteer at one), that's a great place to tune it up while learning how to work on it.

Yeah, looks like you got a good deal to me. Definitely wear a helmet.

Make sure the helmet fits and is comfortable. If its not, you won't wear it.

I like having lights on my bike too. There are some really good flashing LEDs that are cheap. I feel like cars see me better this way. Beyond that, just ride it.

Always wear a helmet. I have an entry level giro for road and a different model for trails. Awesome find though!