My “Used/New” Ride – TREK 7300 Hybrid

Introducing ...."(haven't thought of a name yet)"

Today I’m introduced into the “bike community” 🙂 Yaaay!

I’ve been on a hunt for a used bike, although I’d love a new one but with the budget I had to spend, it had to be used. I’ve never been much of a bicyclist other than a child and I have to say. This has been a very good learning experience. My purpose to initially decide to buy a bike was to save money. Times are hard, as for many, and a couple of hundred dollars is what I’ll be saving utilizing my bike instead of my car. Plus, its good for the environment.

I bought, let’s just call him “Trekki” for now, at a pawn shop. Value Pawn that’s located on Gandy Blvd in Tampa. It was surprisingly an excellent experience. I’ve never really gone to pawn shops other than when I was looking for an amp for my guitar and heard I could find them reasonable there, but after watching that PawnShop show on t.v., I was a little apprehensive. I was greeted immediately and saw the bikes available. This little bad girl was all by her lonesome (next to a Cannondale I’d LOVE to have). Robert, my sales guy who later to me know was the manager, approached me. He smiled brightly and had a nice tone (good salesman I say and why he’s MANAGER *wink*wink). I looked it over then explained I was shopping and was going to look over some other bikes, which I did and wasn’t as impressed as I was with this one.

I returned a couple hours later, ready to test drive “Trekki”. After giving my DL, I took him outside and pedaled around the parking lot. The positives; Gears shifted smoothly, although had some difficulty in some gears, but overall was nice. Brakes stopped on a dime, VERY nice. Tires (mismatched, rear is a replacement) are in decent condition and I seemed to sit comfortably on it feeling in control of the bike. Quick release wheels. No rust.  SOLD. Now the negs; The SRAM gears need some tuning and grip replaced, handlebars need new grips, new crankshaft (although it rides good for now, just noticed some teeth bent which isn’t good for the chain), new cable, new chain, more comfortable seat and better pedals. It’s like a car needing its 100,000 mile tune-up.  Some little extra perks it has which to me saves  me money from having to buy; the rear rack, mini air pump, bottle holder (although standard on this model) and a mirror.

So how much did this badboy cost me – $80 buck-er-roos. It was marked 120 but like the outside side says..”Let’s make a deal” and Robert did after I showed him some of the work that this bike needed. I got the extended plan which if in 6 months I’m not happy I can take it back. Wow I thought. How awesomemer can it get. 🙂

So I take “Trekki” home and eagerly grab my lock chain I bought 2 months again for this moment, grabbed a bottle of water, my glasses, mouth piece (I like my teeth, lol) and bag. I was out like lighting. My first stop. The Westshore Mall 3 miles from my place.

My first stop

There’s a couple of things I never really paid attention to as I will now….Bike Racks to park my bike! Where the heck are the bike racks I rode around to find. Finally I asked a little ol security guy and he escorted me to them. Nice fellow. Well after a stroll and some rest at the mall, not to mention to buy my  HALO Reach. 🙂

After some nice chill time, I decided to head back. A couple of other things I am now aware of being of this new “community”.

1. People REALLY don’t pay attention to you nor realize the stop line is 20ft BACK
2. People like to yell out of their cars like crazies at you with mumble jumble that you REALLY can’t hear nor understand
3. Comfy seat is a MUST on a bike
4. Gloves are not a bad idea to prevent blisters and provide better grip
5. AND Definitely need handlebar adjusted to a comfortable position. I’m sure as I continue on this new voyage I’ll find other “new lessons”

I have to say. I LOVED to wind blowing in my hair. Being able to notice all the little things you can’t appreciate while being in a car, like the smile of flowers or sewage (blah), pretty houses and landscape, little squirrels and lizards on your path, the sun giving you some love, being healthy and not having to wait in traffic (only at redlights unless it’s safe to cross) 😉

And there you have it. Thanks.

Much Love, Peace & Hair Grease – dz

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