’08 Trek 7100
This is my first ‘real’ bike, having spent years riding cheap (<$150) WalMart specials. Let me tell you, I’m never going back. This bike is what they call a ‘hybrid’, which is basically designed for road and paved trail but more upright and comfortable than a traditional road bike (important, since I have minor back problems). At a glance it looks basically like a mountain bike, but it’s got narrower/smoother road-style 700c tires and a road-oriented geometry.
- Model: 2008 Trek 7100 Hybrid.
- Frame: Alpha White Aluminum, 17.5″.
- Color: Blue and Silver.
- Tires: Bontrager Select Invert 700x35c.
- Drivetrain:
- SRAM 3.0 Comp 7 speed Shifters.
- Shimano C102 front dérailleur.
- SRAM ESP 3.0 rear dérailleur.
- SR Suntour NEX-208 48/38/28 crank.
- Sun Race 13-34 cassette.
- Assembly: Spokes, Etc. in Ashburn, VA.
- Purchased: October 2007 (new).
’07 Schwinn Mesa
My Trek hybrid has served me very, very well, but it’s not designed for unpaved trails like the C&O Canal trail, Cross County Trail, or other unpaved excursions in the DC metro area. I decided, so I would have access to those trails, to pick up a decent, inexpensive mountain bike as a secondary bike for rougher riding.
- Model: 2007 Schwinn Mesa.
- Frame: Schwinn Aluminum, Medium.
- Color: Navy Blue.
- Tires: Kenda Klaw XT, 26″ x 2.1″.
- Drivetrain:
- SRAM SX-4 Dual Trigger control shifters.
- SRAM 3.0 front dérailleur.
- SRAM SX-4 rear dérailleur.
- TruVativ X-Flow 42/32/22T crank.
- Shimano CS-HG30, 11/32T, 8-speed cassette.
- Assembly: Performance Bicycle in Fairfax, VA.
- Purchased: August 2008 (new).
CycleOps Fluid2 Trainer
It’s not really a bike, but this trainer is part of my bicycle regimen. When the weather turns cold and outdoor biking becomes a big hassle, this device allows me to use my Trek hybrid (above) as an indoor stationary bike. It’s a pretty neat rig that holds the bike in place and connects a flywheel and resistance gizmo to the rear tire, providing road-like resistance that increases with speed (allowing you to adjust resistance while riding simply by shifting gears). With this trainer, I can stay in shape (or at least closer to it) during the off-season.
- Model: CycleOps Fluid2.
- Type: Fluid Trainer.
- Flywheel: 2.75 lbs.
- Purchased: December 2008 (gift).
Bike Predecessors:
- Cheap WalMart Bikes.
