I’m in a state of shock. A few off hand remarks to a friend of mine just got me a free bicycle.
I’ve been thinking about getting a bike for months now. I was talking with a friend of mine and I asked if he’d be at pool party/cookout our church is doing tomorrow night. When he said he probably would, I asked if he was driving. (I don’t own a car and was hoping to go so I needed a ride you see.) He said that sorry, but he was planning to ride his bike. I casually mention that I’d kind of like to get a bike.
He responds, casual as all get out, “I’ve got one you could have.”
Once I’d picked myself up off the ground after tripping on my jaw, he explained that it’s he got it several years back at a mega-mart type store and has since gotten a newer bike. He no longer rides the old one very often but didn’t want to just throw it away.
About a million "are you sure?"s and "thank you so much"es later, I now own a bike. It’s kind of old and the breaks squeak a little, but it’s mine. I’ll be going out and buying a helmet and a lock when I have some free time in the next few days. Man, this rocks!
Someone at a bike shop should be able to fix those brakes up easily-- they’re probably a little misaligned. Also make sure you get some real bike chain/stuff lubricant, rather than using WD-40 or some other insane thing. Welcome to the club. A bit of work and it should be fine until it explodes (the mega-mart kinds of bikes aren’t so much made for repairing as for replacing, so when, say, a hub or bottom-bracket starts getting cranky there’s not much replacing or repairing the individual part). But it should be workable until you’re hooked and lay down some larger bit of cash.
That’s awesome! About a month ago I bought a bicycle (walmart variety) for my boyfriend. He said that he hadn’t been on one in probably 30 years and it shows! But he’s happy with it and I’m happy he’s riding with me. Now, if I can only get him to lift weights with me…
A quick question to bike owning dopers (this may go better in GQ, but I’ve already got this thread so I’ll use it.)
When I go out and buy a helmet and lock, what else should I get?
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[li]When I go out and buy a helmet and lock, what else should I get?[/li][li]How much should I expect to pay?[/li][li] capybara mentioned chain lubricant. How and how often should this be used?[/li][li]How much would getting the brakes looked at/fixed usually cost?[/li][/list]
capybara, Regarding chain lubircant, would 3 in 1 oil be okay (or is that just insane)?
The brakes may just be squeaking because of the aluminum rims.
For the cheap bike you’re describing, you could use 3 in 1 on the chain. Just make sure not to use an excessive amount and wipe down the chain after you apply. (Personally, I use Phil’s oil, and some folks like White Lightning. Depends on you)
Holy cow! I got a bike!
Can I ride it if I like?
Does it have a basket, a bell that rings, and things to make it look good?