| When I started bicycling in the middle of the summer | | | | psi) but that had little effect. I just assumed that |
| of 2007 I only had one bicycle. It was the bicycle my | | | | mountain bikes were just that much more work than a |
| parents bought me when I was 14 or 15 years old. A | | | | rode bike. |
| Schwinn Traveler. I had it hanging in my garage and | | | | I bought the bike in the middle of October of 2007. And |
| one day I decided I needed to start working out again | | | | I rode the bike at least every other day and worked |
| so i filled the tires with air and went for a bike ride. I | | | | my way up to riding 20 miles at a time. I would have to |
| was really enjoying bicycling but the weather was | | | | say I was very happy with the bike. I rode it all winter, |
| getting colder and I was wondering how I was going to | | | | assuming the temperature (windchill) was above 5 |
| continue riding during the winter. Plus I knew a road | | | | degrees. |
| bike wouldn't work for winter riding. So I went to my | | | | Then in the spring I went for a bike ride with one of |
| local bike dealer and asked them which bike they | | | | my friends. I assumed he would have a hard time |
| recommended. | | | | keeping up with me. I had been riding all winter and I |
| The salesman recommended the 2008 Specialized | | | | was back to riding 20 miles at a time (because of the |
| Hardrock XC Disc. I really wanted disc brake (because | | | | snow and cold I was riding 12 to 15 miles at a time |
| they look really cool - I know that isn't a good reason | | | | during the winter). When we went for a ride I couldn't |
| but that's who I am). They recommend the bike | | | | keep up with him. I was embarrassed and couldn't |
| because it was in my price range, it has an aluminum | | | | figure out why I was so slow. I eventually found out it |
| frame so it should hold up during winter riding, it had | | | | was the bike. It is very heavy and has cheap |
| disc brakes which work better in the snow because | | | | components. I guess you get what you pay for. |
| the braking system is up and out of the snow and it | | | | One problem I had with the bike was that I kept |
| has front suspension. | | | | braking spokes in the back. The second time I brought |
| Now I have to tell you about a stupid decision I made. | | | | the wheel in to get new spokes they said they would |
| The salesman recommended a 17 inch frame for me. I | | | | upgrade the wheel for me. I guess they had problems |
| rode the bike and I liked it. But I also bought a bike rack | | | | with the rear wheel on this bike. I haven't had any |
| that connects to the spare tire of my Jeep. I put the | | | | trouble with the bike or rear wheel since it was |
| bike rack on my Jeep when I got home and tried to | | | | upgraded. |
| put my new bike on the rack. The new bike didn't fit on | | | | I feel that overall I'm satisfied with the 2008 Specialized |
| the bike rack. Plus when I looked at the bike it just | | | | Hardrock XC Disc. Yes it is heavy and I cannot keep |
| looked small (It may have had something to do with it | | | | up with my friends when I ride it. But that wasn't why I |
| not fitting on the bike rack). So I took the bike back and | | | | bought it. I bought it as a reasonably prices mountain |
| got the next size up - 19 inch frame. This was a | | | | bike to ride during the winter. And it has served that |
| mistake. I should have stayed with the 17 inch frame. I | | | | purpose well. Plus I like to ride it when I'm riding alone |
| now know that they make a bar that goes across | | | | on the trails by my house. I have to work much harder |
| from the handle bars to the seat post just for such | | | | on this bike and I use it for training so when I do ride |
| situations. | | | | with other people on my road bike or other mountain |
| Now it's time to take the bike for it's first ride. At this | | | | bike it's easier to keep up. |
| time I was riding LRT trail in Eden Prairie. I was riding | | | | But if you are looking for good mountain bike for off |
| my road bike 20 to 22 miles at a time with little | | | | roading or are riding with other people (especially if |
| difficulties. I was amazed at how much harder this bike | | | | they are as competitive as some of my friends), I |
| was to ride. I could barely ride it 6 miles the first time I | | | | would not recommend this bike. It's just too heavy and |
| tried it. I thought something was wrong with the bike. I | | | | that makes it too difficult to keep up with people. |
| filled the tires up to there maximum air pressure (80 | | | | |