Biking!

Well, on black friday, my wife and I were able to get a couple of mountain bikes for a really good price (Diamondback Outlooks for $99!! - reg price $249!) and we took them out yesterday for the first time. I haven't ridden a bike in about 10 years and the last time I did, I felt so uncomfortable and winded. Well, we didn't go far due to the "kinks" (need a better seat and no helmets yet), but I have to say, I felt so good on that bike! It was like a whole new freedom discovered!

I plan on riding my bike to work as I live very close to my work (about 2 miles each way) and eventually ride to my gym (about 5-6 miles each way).

Question about upgrades... The bike itself has shimano grip shifts, basic cranks and deraileurs... are any of these things upgradable? or would it be worth it at all? I would like this bike to last a while, so I would rather put money into it to make it better than buy a new bike...

If all you're doing is commuting with the bike I wouldn't change a thing unless something breaks.  It should have Shimano Tourney deraileurs with SRAM MRX twist shifters. Those are decent entry-level components and will last you a good while. The bike will handle mild trails/off-road but I wouldn't take it where there are a lot of roots, roots or other rough terrain.  I would definitely upgrade your seat. FYI, wider is not better. It may look comfy, but in the long run you'll wish you had your stock seat.  Buy a narrower seat that has the dip in the middle.  Go to a local speciality bike shop and talk to the guys there about what kind've seats they prefer. Let them know what type of riding you'll be doing. They'll get you set up. You're going to have butt issues for the first week or so of riding the bike.  You'll see after about day 3 it starts getting better. It's almost like you have to condition you rump. It's been used to sitting on comfy couches. heheh

I've got an entry-level bike myself; a Trek 3700. I love riding, but the winter time proves to be a *****! Too damn cold! Can't wait for spring.

I would get a pair of bike shorts and gloves.  The seat will improve the ride, but the short will help out greatly. 

You dont have to get the tight ones, they make shorts that have the padding.  Stop at your local bike shop and they should have some.

 

happy riding

Thanks for the input guys. I really appreciate it. I did buy a big seat, but the nice thing is, the bike shop said there's a no-hassle return policy, so if I don't like it, I can return it no problem. I plan on trying it out tomorrow or thursday depending on the weather...