Sold the car, looking for a bike.

I came to conclusion to sell my car, turn in all plates, and cancel insurance. Keep my license valid, in case I need to rent a car. But since most of my work/studies at the moment is done at home and local commutes is always under 10 miles. I am using the cost of savings as my motivation with a benefit of loosing weight.

I found that doing classes out of the home and in Starbucks/Park is a major help (One way 3-5 miles). So I will being doing at least 6-10 miles a day and an estimated of 75-100 miles a week. The roads/sidewalks in my area are either smooth as glass or construction. I been looking at a few bikes, that will last me five years and that I can grow on. After my AS degree is finished I would like to possibly ride to University of Tampa, about 23 miles one way.

I mostly been looking at the following Treks; mostly the Lance connections and always wanting one.

Trek 7.5 FX Disk

Trek 8.5 DS (This looks like it would smooth out the rough areas around town, but still be quick)

It's been a few years since I been on a bike and the last bike I had was a full suspension Mongoose that was not the greatest on pavement. What's your opinions on the above bikes or should I open up my eyes and look else where?

~Kurt

Well like I said, the main reason is financial... Moving out here, I knew my insurance would go up due to being more populated and terrible traffic. I figured $100-200 a 6 month term, not a 4x increase! That's insane, it would cost me over $500 to insure, maintain, and fuel a vehicle a month. I also moved out here with my mother to save money and concentrate on my studies. Paying $500 a month to have a luxury item such as a car, is deviating the purpose.

I have been walking the 3.x miles to Starbucks 4-5 days a week and it's tolerable. It will be even easier with a bike. I know if I need a car, I have use of moms car (Doctors and occasional trips to see old friends back home). I hope that when I start at University of Tampa, I will be in shape to do 23 miles one way (If not fine, with money saved and hopefully my investments pay off. I can move closer). That would be outstanding and would save a huge penny. But in 6 months, I may buy a scooter or a small motorcycle for long distance. I was quoted $30-65 a month to insure and that's reasonable compared to what they wanted to insure a car.

Either way, I see this as a smart move. That will not only get me in shape (that I am in dire need of), but save a great deal of money in the long run. Providing, I don't get run over.

~Kurt

Groceries are not much of a problem, I will be installing a rack on the back. As I said, moved back in with mother... But she's only here during the week, Mon-Thursday. She leaves work and heads back home "home" Friday till Monday morning.

The "true" road bike looks great, but my concern is comfort (Stiffness and that bent over posture). But they do look like they will be fun and if they could cruise at a decent rate, but still do a speed run down the beach roads would be terrific. I definitely don't want to feel the need to go to a chiropractor at the end of the day.

I am not die hard set on a Trek either, just the first quality bike brand that comes to mind... I also prefer to buy new... Stupid reason, I just want something new. Most of my clothes is thrift store or clearance section. Cars always been used, but I prefer classics. Most my computers been used, etc. Like I said stupid reason to feel the need to buy new. I mostly bought clearance or used, not because I can't afford it, but being cheap. I just think it would be cool to buy something new, use it allot and ride it into the ground. Plus a bike is a cheaper option then a car.

~Kurt

Edit: I should note, I live in Clearwater, Florida. It does rain in the afternoons (mostly). So I could find my self riding in wet conditions...

That's a nice bike, but with only one Surely dealer within 10 miles and they don't stock many bikes or parts, maybe a problem (I think) if I intend to ride it allot.

I am slightly worried about a bike with fixed forks. I like the idea of the Trek 8.5 DS, with lock out. You can (un)lock it on the fly if the road is smooth so you can ride faster (with less nose dive or loss of momentum going up hill) or if it's going to be bumpy. At least, that's what the sales guy explained to me. I never rode a bike with no suspension and afraid for daily, it maybe rough? How do those handle bars compare to a normal bar? They look complicated and extremely uncomfortable for long distance (creating more lean)?

~Kurt

I explained to the Morgan at Trek, I was just looking for a general overview at what Trek had to offer and what I was doing. He was not pushy or anything, but did not seem to knowledgeable as I would like. I never told him a price, but it was nice to see he was reasonable and showed me every bike under $3,000 MSRP (extremely high end for what I am willing to pay). Is it reasonable to ask for a discount or expect one? I was only offered 10% off accessories, I believe for a year... But if they have everything priced at MSRP, I maybe better ordering the extras online.

I will look into the drop down handle bars a bit more and check on test riding one. They look cool, but intimidating. So do the "clipless" pegs... I will also consider a rigid fork more, since from a bit reading around it's not so bad even in the rough.

My stepfather also recommended Specialized, said they where very comparable to Trek, but usually a few hundred cheaper. Is there any other brands I should consider? Google I kept getting lower end bikes. How are the electric assist bikes, worth looking into?

I am also going to look for a general bike store in my area next week, I think they maybe more helpful then a Trek specific store.

Thanks for the help so far!

~Kurt