Katie, This was such a awesome video and it is a great example of why truly independent cycling RUclipsrs like YOU are sanctuaries who protect the best things about cycling. I am sure the last thing bike manufactures want to see is the argument made that you don't need a new, expensive bike every 3-5 years to feel the joy that comes with getting fit, the sense of being fully alive that comes with wind on your face, and the fun that comes from riding with cherished mates. You are a good soul. Keep up the great work! 👏👏👏
My sons first road bike was a second hand Giant Defy, looks of a similar age to yours, I sold it to a friend for £300 after I upgraded his bike. That bike has done around 20K miles in the time my friend has owned it and it's still going well.
I still have my first bicycle … received it from my parents on my 16th birthday. Last year, I rode it on its 50th birthday! Steel Italian Torpado ten speed … heavy but wow, so many great memories! It carried me everywhere during my teen years including to my first summer job that turned into a life long career with a famous aero engine manufacturer. Yes, that same aircraft engine builder in Derby where I spent a year and a half as a graduate apprentice. That’s when I discovered The Peak. My 2020 Giant Defy is light years ahead but that old ten speed is still dear to me! Ride on Ducky! 🚴♂️😄
Had a bespoke titanium frame made in 2003, everything except seat post and headset has been replaced/upgraded over the years, and is my first & only road bike. Still going strong and will out last me no doubt. Lots of adventures had near and far, with more planned in the years to come. And yes of course I talk to her, she is called Sevennah.
Riding your old bike - just feels like coming home to comfy slippers! So much fun and shared adventures on 2 wheels! Yes I talk to my bike and always thank it after a ride!
great video, my old faithful that still use is a 2015 boardman carbon pro its done like 47,000 miles, new forks. 6 bottom brackets, like triggers broom.
I still have my refurbished 1998 Apollo mountain bike, he's in the shed now connected to an indoor trainer for winter, only recently been retired when I got my new carbon hardtail late last year 🚴
I’m a mountain biker, but do have a road bike. My Marin Nail Trail 2009 was stolen in 2018. I was absolutely gutted, like I lost a limb. Although being a 26in it came with me to New Zealand for 4 years and did ride some awesome off road trails, long distance mtb route and bikepacking and did lots of trails centres and natural trails in Wales and the south west. I miss it so much and none of bikes I have now live up to that invested experiences and memories despite being more expensive and advance tech.
At home in the US my main bike is a Tarmac. Whilst on sabbatical at the University of Birmingham I purchased a used Allez for 200 quid from a bike shop that featured used bikes. I brought my own pedals and saddle from home and loved the ride. It served me well for 6 months.
I started riding 2 and a half years ago and bought a bike with mechanical shifters and rim brakes. I am so happy with it. I have no thoughts of upgrading. 😊
The red Giant Avail 2014! It goes even further back than I remember it being your roadie bike, before I stumbled upon this channel; and I have to say, those are fond recollections! First APN, Fred Whitton, RAB, The Alps!! Ahh love the Alps, my personal favourite when it comes to bike and hiking as well. And this site you are recommending us might be just a downright gem, just suited to my own mindset of drawing the maximum value out of the least amount of money. I mean, I've only been riding an old broom worth less than €200, heavy as a tank! And doing wonders with it eh! :] but that's about time I upgrade just a little:/ The less than £ 500 bracket might be the one to take a look at first, in fact I'm out already sifting through the pages. Thank you for all the memories you've been sharing with us, I don't take it for granted that you're still here being present for us, inspiring us and giving out the best tips you know can make a difference to us all lives. Be well Katie and always take care! =] 🌝 😄😊🙂 👋
I can understand why that bike is special! It’s the bike that was with you during a big transition in your life. The value of how that bike changed your life is way more than the monetary value. Nice video!
Your findings don't suprise me at all, you'll get just as much benefit from riding that as any so called "high tech" over the top money pit which would be way over spec for most cyclists unless they're Tour de France matetial. So glad you kept it, my oldest is aSteel framed Coventry Eagle I restored which is 50 years old, love it 😊😊
Great vid. I have a 2015 allay defy and it's still quality. I have carbon on the others but love the simplicity of the bike. Love giant!! Bike looks great.
Super helpful video Katie! Thanks for this cool down to earth content! And the tips for BuyCycle! I think that this will go far to push back against the bike industry's insane prices!
My first grown up bike was a Peugot UO10 that was stolen within a year so I didn't get to ride it much, but it was my first "real" bike with gears, drop bars and everything. My second bike was a steel Trek that saw me through college and beyond and was really nice for its time and for what my budget allowed, but after 20 years had long since outlived its usefulness, being heavy, slow and with a bent steel fork and wheels that could no longer be trued. I replaced it with my third bike, that I custom built myself on a Ti frame with mid to top-tier components, and have been happily riding it ever since, over 20 years now. Still feels as fresh and new as the first time I rode it, and while it's clearly out of date with rim brakes, a horizontal top tube, 1" head tube, raked fork and external cable routing, I don't care because it's still a great bike. My only concern is finding replacement parts when the need arises. But I'll deal with that when I cross that bridge. I don't really get sentimental about bikes. My favorite will always be the one I'm currently riding.
My current road bike is an upgraded entry level Trek from 2007! I love it! It’s now pretty much completely upgraded apart from the frame, forks and seatpost 🤣 it was quite heavy, but it’s now just over 8kg. Not too shoddy for an old aluminium bike 😊❤️
I have a LeMond Reno I bought 20 years ago for $800. Still ride it today. Never thought about buying a new bike. I don't even think I could. I love my LeMond.
My 11 year old Trek Madone 3.1, Bernie, is my first bike. It has had numerous upgrades in its 20,000 mile life, so now sports full uUtegra & a DA crankset. It still makes me smile when I ride him from time to time. Mostly because of the memories of riding RAB & St Malo to Bilbao. He'll never be sold!
Hi Katie! I bought my Scott Speedster 3, alloy, full 105 Shimano, new in 2005. It has had minor upgrades; saddle and bars and soon will have a fresh modern mechanical groupset! Still riding it and loving it, no telling how many miles she's done (a lot!), don't see any reason to change!
My first road bike would be over 60 years old now. It was a Raleigh something, and it weighed a ton. I came back to cycling in 2002, and shortly after that bought a Cannondale CAAD8 R2000. I loved that bike! I still have the frame, but I dented it in a crash and haven’t trusted it since (light alloy bikes of that time are paper-thin). I have a Kinesis Tk3 that’s now 13 years old, and is still a cracking ride.
Hello Katie, yes I am the proud owner of a Vitus 979 shimano 105 with downtube shifters. It used to be 52-39 by 11-21, but nowadays it has evolved to a more rideable 11-28. I periodically ride it for nostalgic reasons Keep on riding!!
My first road bike was 43 years ago, saved up from my paper round to buy it. I loved the down tube shifters and the gears had to be Campagnolo or you weren't cool. It disappeared years ago. Took up cycling again when I retired and bought a LaPierre and gave that to my son when I bought a Scott (wanted disk brakes for the wet weather). The Scott is doing good service but tends to get beaten up in winter so I spoiled myself this year with a Wilier as a summer bike and am really looking forward to the sunnier days to ride that.
Mate left a way too big for me M/L Defy in the shed when he moved out. Got into cycling using that. Finally bought a size small Defy. Best part? It was perfect condition for £155. I absolutely love it.
I've been talking to my bike lately with the weather being so bad this year. "I miss you! We're going to go for a ride soon!" as I give it a pat on the seat.
Just got back into cycling. Bought an alloy frame Trek, from 2009, from a friend. Has a 105 groupset and its in great condition. Rides really well. I've never ridden a carbon bike and I'm not too bothered about it.
My first bike was an alloy Boardman from over a decade ago - I've built the bike up with custom components, bombproof wheels, set up for British winters; and it still rides like a dream. The bike is definitely earning the nickname of "old faithful". Whilst my carbon bike is great for summer days, racing etc, my Boardman is always ready for shopping, commuting, or whatever the weather throws at it. "Entry level" bikes of this era are absolutely capable machines. Not as fast as their high end counterparts, but not sluggish either.
I was so excited to watch this! I started following you because I had one of those too (silver & blue) and yes I talk to my bikes! 😊 I still have mine upgraded to within an inch of its life and am thinking of respraying it with something badass because there are a good few chips on it and I'm so attached! Thanks for b cycle too, I've got a feeling it's something I've been looking for. I absolutely love how you show ways to make bike riding simple and accessible for many people ❤
I'm still riding my 'first' bike from 2018, an alu cross bike I use for mostly gravel type riding, Norco threshold 2017 with hunt wheels I got after a while. My next purchase during covid was a second hand Planet X pro carbon from 2014, and it's a joy to ride - second hand bikes can be such a treat when they're good! My partner and I have to draw lots over who gets the 'wee bike' (It is never me who wins somehow!). Hopefully with minor tweaks and maybe a groupset change in the future they'll both keep trucking on happily!
Brilliant video Katie and great comment about the best bike in the world is the one you own. Like it. Love my Giant Defy, rim brakes, done me proud over the last 15 years. Another option for value for money start up bikes is the range at Decathlon. My Triban 3, £300 preceded the Giant by a year and has served me well as a mudgaurded winter bike. 🥰
I bought my first road bike like you to lose weight and I loved it! Cost less than 500 it was a pinnacle alloy with tiagra and I was on it daily! I was then lucky enough to be able to upgrade to my current KTM. I gave my Pinnacle to a friend who couldn’t at that time afford a bike and he still uses it to this day over 5 years later however I do wish I had kept it, I won’t make the same mistake with the KTM. Love the content Katie!
That Giant rocks, and has taken you on so many adventures and I am sure there are many more to come. I do think we can become very attached to certain bikes and I think it is the memories that you create riding them that mean the most. Also, liking that Rapha jersey, looks mint.
The best bike really is the one that you already own! I have my 19 year old mountain bike that I've ridden everywhere over the years. When I finally got my roadie I wanted to make sure it would last that long too.
Still riding me Dawes Galaxy from 1974! Not a great bike but was me pride and joy. Loved keeping it shiny and clean. I was pained to lose one of the original wheels. Everything else is original except pedals.
My first road bike was a Specialized Allez bought in 2011. Sadly I found a crack in the frame last summer so I’ve had to retire it. Actually brought a tear to my eye! Some amazing cycling memories on that bike ❤
2007 Giant OCR still going strong! At the frame/seatpost/fork. Everything else replaced or upgraded over the years but still love as my road bike in the stable
I had an Enigma Echo that I built from a frame set, always said it would be a bike for life, but unfortunately life gets in the way and I wasn’t riding it as much as it deserved so sold it on. I know it’s now getting the use it deserves, so all good. Replaced it with an Orro STC Gold and have been so pleased with it.
My first road bike was a 1985 Raleigh Winner I’ve still got it. It’s in the cellar and needs new wheels as the rims disintegrated going down Huddersfield road into Newhey 😅
great vlog and some really good points - i think people all to often get consumed by bike spec and become weight obsessive, the reality is it makes minimal difference to getting out and having fun! Alloy absolutely has a place, along with titanium (but again getting pricey) but my point being give me a choice between a £5k+ carbon frame or a good £1k alloy frame to go ultra remote bike packing say alaska/canada, accross Aus, or even northern scandinavia, no way am i taking a Carbon frame (after having one fail). The reality is an accident can make the difference between end of trip/event and a long weight for help or just mending/replacing say the rear mech, shifters and realigning handlebars and being on your way. I think the worse is when you see you bike case being tossed onto the luggage carts coming out the plane and its like FFS, esp when packing carbon. For anyone starting out, i think its a great point you make, get a preowned bike, or even just the alloy frame, bang on mechanical say even 105 and off you go! At the end of the day the big gains you can make on your fitness amd the enjoyment to be had far outwiegh a couple of Kg's on the bike weight (esp if the rider is a stone or two overweight to start with)! Then in your first winter say go for a wahoo core and well that second year is going to get alot easier. As for bike prices, yea they are crazy now, components also, but also i think manufactures are pushing the consumer into a 3/4 year cycle to upgrade etc. I think the move to electonic's gives them a way to further enhance that.
Till got my first Bianchi via nirone 7 - love it - they still make these, and have made them what feels like forever. The frame has actually been used at the paris/rubaix - and it is fantastic... I see no reason what so ever til buy another - just change the components when they wear out... Dont care that a new carbon bike will be 5% faster - I am not in a hurry..
My first road bike was a Liv Avail advance 3, 15700 miles ridden on it since 2018. Just bought a new 105 Ribble 12 speed, but I’ve kept my liv as a spare as she was such a good workhorse and as I’m getting a swift hub one smart trainer for my 50th birthday this year that’s what I will use the liv for.
Still got my first "recent" bike (I gave away my old 1970s steel "school bike" and now regret it), a 2008 model Spesh Allez Sport. A bit of a "Trigger's Broom" , different groupset, upgraded wheels etc, but it's great and probably does as many miles as the newer bikes put together. Now building up a new steel bike targeting 9 kg.
Looks like you had a happy relationship with your old Giant bicycle. My first bicycle after returning to riding was 2006 Performance carbon bicycle with triple chainrings and full Ultegra kit. I made a huge mistake selling the bicycle a year later.
Decathlon and Halfords both have good entry level options sub-£1K IMO, although there are always stories about the assembly quality from some Halfords branches. Haven't ridden it in years but I've still got my first "adult" bike, a Raleigh Criterium 12 from the 80s. Steel frame, 2x6 groupset with a Sachs Huret Derailleur, the major reason I haven't ridden it is the downtube friction shifters and very skinny tyres. Might give it a shot in the summer when the weather is better and there's less muck on the roads.
My first road bike was a giant with a third granny chain ring, something you don’t see anymore. The cheapest I’ve had but will always be my favourite. Sadly got stolen so I don’t have anymore.
🚲 Still have my first all aluminum road bike. 2004 Giant OCR Black with yellow stripes. 130-140K mi. Many parts have worn out and been replaced,many times over but frame and fork still solid. 🙂 I use nail polish to cover any paint that comes off. This is my most comfortable bike for long rides 100+ mi. and have many adventures with it,mostly good,so will never get rid of it.
Loving this kind of content 🙌🏻 you’re right the bike industry is totally out of hand, it’s refreshing to see one cycling RUclipsr not pushing the carbon/top level components down our throats. IMO if you’ve got weight to lose up top, and you’re not racing no need to bother with carbon. Good old AL for me.
Great video on your first bike story and Buycycle. Looking to get a gravel bike for my next bike and that platform looks to be a great option to browse. Might even get a road bike if I find a bargain 😂 Also, my first bike (back in school) was a Apollo hardtail from Halfords, so it was really a cheap budget MTB and a bike to muck around with as kids. Got it sent to scrap when I started college and uni as I was studying/living away from home. But then I got my first proper but still budget end hardtail MTB, the Trek Roscoe 6 (the one I was riding when we met in Oxenhope) in the summer of 2022 and been riding and loving it since. Bought it as new, but on a sale at £885 and last October, started to put upgrades on it such as replacing the fork for a lighter air spring fork (the stock one was a heavy coil spring fork), new rear wheel and new front and back tyres as the stock tyres turned slick/worn through. But I love the bike, it's a great all rounder and easy to maintain as a hardtail. Looking to upgrade the brakes too, to something more powerful at some point and also in the next five years or so, might even redo the whole bike up again and change it to a 29er (700c for roadies) with 12 speed drivetrain. It's currently on 27.5 wheels (650b) which are pretty good, but the 29er conversion will make it faster.
In theory yes, 2004 KHS flite 800 purchased second hand in 2006 instead of an entry level alloy bike. Steel frame and ultegra/105 drive train was the selling points. I say in theory, as everything has been replaced except the frame, lost the forks to a car running a red light. Still in regular use as is my 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th road bike. The advantages of have a large shed
If there's enough (27.2 mm diameter or even 25.4 as in CAAD bikes) seat post sticking out of the seat tube, you'd be amazed how comfy can an alu frame be. I can push on the saddle with my hands and feel it flex - I can even see the seat tube flexing slightly in the middle.
I don't still have my first bike. I bought it from a bike shop that sold second hand bikes as I couldn't afford a new one. They claimed to check all the bikes for safety etc. Wellll....... yeah. I had problems and eventually took it elsewhere to be checked and found out the frame was unsafe. :( I was devastated. We then got me another bike a Specialized which was more of a road bike (claimed to be a hybrid but just looked like a road bike with straight handlebars) secondhand. I still have that but can't really ride it anymore as it causes pains in my neck due to the boneshaking. Now riding a Giant mountain bike that my wonderful husband bought me. MY FIRST EVER BRAND NEW BIKE! No plans to replace or get rid of either. Husband still has his Rayleigh Maverick from when he was a kid but now rides a Specialized mountain bike.
My first proper shaped racer bike was a 1978 Halford's Espada. I absolutely loved it. But our Window Cleaner nicked it out of my shed. 😭👋🚴 At least it was insured and I restored her replacement, a 1980 Raleigh, during lockdown. My current road bike cost me just £65.
Good to see it all still works, I still have my first bike a steel Giant GSR200 sort of mtb hybrid 26" wheel bought for my birthday by some friends for helping therm with sons motocross. Eventually replaced all the parts with better components when I bought another bike (secondhand) took all the bits and put it on the new bi and it then became flat bar road bike did few charity is on it currently sat as a frameset though I have wondered if it could take 650B wheels and convert it to disc brakes.
My first "proper" Road bike is my Soma Smoothie (Tange Prestige Cr-Mo) I built it from the frame up with a Pro-Lite Carbon fork and Campy Wheels, super attached to it, its one of those bikes where the scales don't do it justice as feels way lighter to ride and climb on than it is. I always feel a bit guilty when I pass pushing another bike, and I once sincerely apologised to "her" in full earshot of my wife when I borrowed the saddle for another bike, she never said a word but the look on her face said "Oh my God I married that" 😂
Thank you for an awesome video. I also have my first " grown up" bike. Bought it used. A 1968 Raleigh steel racing bike. Made in Nottingham. Campy gears. Brooks saddle. I swear the front wheel weighs as much as my carbon bike entire.😅. Can't bear to part with it. I named him Sir Walter. ❤
my road bike is coming up to its 10th birthday and all i changed was the rear cassette and long cage due to where i was using it. Saves my thousands ££ every year by not buying a new one :-)
My first bike when I got back into cycling as an adult in the early 2000's was a Giant TCR C1 which came with Ultegra and alloy wheels. I did upgrade the wheels to some Mavic Cosmic aero wheels, which lasted me until I got my second bike a Fondriest TF1, which I had built up for me at the bike shop. absolutely loved that bike, still do but unfortunately, I had to sell it in 2021. My current bike is a 2016 Trek Domane, with Ultegra Di2, on which I have covered some 12000 km's on cause I did not do much the first few years and since then I average like 1500 km's per year riding basically once a week. As good a bike the Domane is the Fondriest would have been considered an early aero bike, which meant a little harsh a ride (a lot of vibrations), but oh it gave you the thrill of speed was better to me..
Hi Katie well done getting on your giant.To go back to your early years.membro belier & reflect how components high light ride&riders ability you got the ability to ride on the hills well done 😊🚴my dad got me my first 5 speed Racer.oops am I showing my youth of cycling.awesome.keep up the good work you are doing well.your you tube is great good info as always from endurance John 😊
Bought my own first bike in 1992..2nd hand. got it stolen... bought another later...road and new mtb steel.. Then another alloy.. new then alloy road new with basic different. Changed them to full claris... ..now I want to change to 105.. or ultegra...getting a frame then build... project 2024. 😊
I still have my first road bike, also a Giant Avail, think it was a 3W, cost about £500 in 2009. Sadly, I got knocked off it in 2020 so it has been permanently relegated to my turbo. But I won't get rid of it!
i dont have my first but i do have my first bike i built, it's an mtb it was the last christmas present my mother ever gave me. just the frame and i built it with rock shox quadra(the original) a mix of suntour and deore dx / lx and stx its a mutt but rides really well. My second ever new road bike arrived today, to cold around here to ride so its going on the trainer to get it adjusted and tuned to me. its 105 but looks awesome.
My 1st and only road bike is the Liv Avail SL 1 Disc 2017 which my boyfriend surprised me with on Xmas morning! She was brand new and I just loved her immediately. I’d never get rid of her, but I have been thinking about upgrading in the next year or so but wondering if I really need things like a carbon frame or Di2?? I’m a bit torn. But you’re right, the prices of bikes are insane!
After being in storage so long I hope it was in better condition than your gravel bike was 😂 Great to see you still have a lot love for your first bike ❤
you are tremendous. Alloy doesn't feel bad, all my three bikes are alloy 'cos I am poor and even if I had the money, carbon makes me truly fear having a crash or that it falls apart as of suddenly. Hope my bikes last like yours or even more. My first "modern" (I mean adulthood, not adolescent or pre puberty bike) is a Giant MTB. A Giant Talon 2 from 2016. The other bike I have is a road bike from Decathlon, and I also have my favourite a fitness (hybrid) bike, the Canyon Pathlite 6. My dream bike is the Canyon Roadlite 6, the 2023 model, a fitness bike too, which is very fast.
I built my bike from a £20 1980's steel frame Peugeot during the lockdowns with Triban 3 gearsets & new components totalling £220 & it rides perfectly. There's no need to spend £1k's on a bike when you can custom build your own.
Got my new (second hand) bike on leboncoin 🙂Haven't tried it yet, too bad weather here, and I can't bare riding in the cold and/or in the rain. Maybe in the next few weeks… I hope I really found a bargain. Light/Carbon frame/Carbon aero wheels/Ultegra Di2/Rim brakes ;-) Can't wait !
I ride a Alegro Digari Nedi Road Gravel CroMo 4130 I bought 2010 designed in Melbourne Australia Northcote 1km down the road where i lived nearby Thornbury Preston Before that a 1962 Raleigh Robinhood made in Nottingham England Same as Sheldon Brown
As an aside, I bought a Ridley Fenix Classic alloy bike abd boy, is ut brilliant my goto bike for winter miles in Ireland. Best 430euris i ever spent. Sure its old, but its a gem. Means I dont have to ride the carbon bike in the rain and muck too.
You got a bargain there! Last year I bought an unused 10 year old Scott pro cr1 with full Ultegra for €700. Best bike I have ever had and I'm 66. Irish living in The Netherlands since 1978.
I'm still riding my 2006 Norco crr carbon. It's still a fun ride. I don't see a reason to buy a new bike. I'll admit it is getting hard to find replacement 10speed 105 components when things wear out though.
Next time something wears out, make the jump to 105 R7000 11 speed (so long as frame and wheelset allow). I ran 105 10 speed 5800 for years, and the switch to R7000 was nearly revelatory.
Does your bike have a name? I've not heard you call a bike by a name. Mine are Cini, Simmo, Tiago, Sean, Alan, David, Paddy & 2Pic. Cini is a 30 y.o. Simoncini cyclocross bike.
I ride a Alegro Digari Nedi Road Gravel CroMo 4130 I bought 2010 designed in Melbourne Australia Northcote 1km down the road where i lived nearby Thornbury Preston
I sold my first bike and used that money to buy a better bike. Then I did the same with my second bike. Then I sold my third bike’s frame and purchased a new frame and had a bike built with the parts harvested from my third bike :-)
Katie, This was such a awesome video and it is a great example of why truly independent cycling RUclipsrs like YOU are sanctuaries who protect the best things about cycling. I am sure the last thing bike manufactures want to see is the argument made that you don't need a new, expensive bike every 3-5 years to feel the joy that comes with getting fit, the sense of being fully alive that comes with wind on your face, and the fun that comes from riding with cherished mates. You are a good soul. Keep up the great work! 👏👏👏
This is EXACTLY it thank you!!!! :)
My sons first road bike was a second hand Giant Defy, looks of a similar age to yours, I sold it to a friend for £300 after I upgraded his bike. That bike has done around 20K miles in the time my friend has owned it and it's still going well.
I still have my first bicycle … received it from my parents on my 16th birthday. Last year, I rode it on its 50th birthday! Steel Italian Torpado ten speed … heavy but wow, so many great memories! It carried me everywhere during my teen years including to my first summer job that turned into a life long career with a famous aero engine manufacturer. Yes, that same aircraft engine builder in Derby where I spent a year and a half as a graduate apprentice. That’s when I discovered The Peak. My 2020 Giant Defy is light years ahead but that old ten speed is still dear to me! Ride on Ducky! 🚴♂️😄
Had a bespoke titanium frame made in 2003, everything except seat post and headset has been replaced/upgraded over the years, and is my first & only road bike. Still going strong and will out last me no doubt. Lots of adventures had near and far, with more planned in the years to come. And yes of course I talk to her, she is called Sevennah.
Riding your old bike - just feels like coming home to comfy slippers! So much fun and shared adventures on 2 wheels! Yes I talk to my bike and always thank it after a ride!
great video, my old faithful that still use is a 2015 boardman carbon pro its done like 47,000 miles, new forks. 6 bottom brackets, like triggers broom.
I still have my refurbished 1998 Apollo mountain bike, he's in the shed now connected to an indoor trainer for winter, only recently been retired when I got my new carbon hardtail late last year 🚴
I’m a mountain biker, but do have a road bike. My Marin Nail Trail 2009 was stolen in 2018. I was absolutely gutted, like I lost a limb. Although being a 26in it came with me to New Zealand for 4 years and did ride some awesome off road trails, long distance mtb route and bikepacking and did lots of trails centres and natural trails in Wales and the south west. I miss it so much and none of bikes I have now live up to that invested experiences and memories despite being more expensive and advance tech.
At home in the US my main bike is a Tarmac. Whilst on sabbatical at the University of Birmingham I purchased a used Allez for 200 quid from a bike shop that featured used bikes. I brought my own pedals and saddle from home and loved the ride. It served me well for 6 months.
I started riding 2 and a half years ago and bought a bike with mechanical shifters and rim brakes. I am so happy with it. I have no thoughts of upgrading. 😊
Love it glad you’re enjoying it xx
The red Giant Avail 2014! It goes even further back than I remember it being your roadie bike, before I stumbled upon this channel; and I have to say, those are fond recollections! First APN, Fred Whitton, RAB, The Alps!! Ahh love the Alps, my personal favourite when it comes to bike and hiking as well.
And this site you are recommending us might be just a downright gem, just suited to my own mindset of drawing the maximum value out of the least amount of money. I mean, I've only been riding an old broom worth less than €200, heavy as a tank! And doing wonders with it eh! :] but that's about time I upgrade just a little:/
The less than £ 500 bracket might be the one to take a look at first, in fact I'm out already sifting through the pages.
Thank you for all the memories you've been sharing with us, I don't take it for granted that you're still here being present for us, inspiring us and giving out the best tips you know can make a difference to us all lives.
Be well Katie and always take care! =]
🌝 😄😊🙂 👋
I can understand why that bike is special! It’s the bike that was with you during a big transition in your life. The value of how that bike changed your life is way more than the monetary value. Nice video!
Thanks for understanding it and me totally Mark! :)
One of my bikes I’ve had from new in 2013 Giant defy and it’s still like new today. Love it and has never let me down. Love giant bikes.
CONGRATULATIONS PETER, ON YOUR JOURNEY TO BETTER HEALTH!🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉
Yassss to Peter!!! 📮
Your findings don't suprise me at all, you'll get just as much benefit from riding that as any so called "high tech" over the top money pit which would be way over spec for most cyclists unless they're Tour de France matetial. So glad you kept it, my oldest is aSteel framed Coventry Eagle I restored which is 50 years old, love it 😊😊
Great vid. I have a 2015 allay defy and it's still quality. I have carbon on the others but love the simplicity of the bike. Love giant!! Bike looks great.
Super helpful video Katie! Thanks for this cool down to earth content! And the tips for BuyCycle! I think that this will go far to push back against the bike industry's insane prices!
My first grown up bike was a Peugot UO10 that was stolen within a year so I didn't get to ride it much, but it was my first "real" bike with gears, drop bars and everything.
My second bike was a steel Trek that saw me through college and beyond and was really nice for its time and for what my budget allowed, but after 20 years had long since outlived its usefulness, being heavy, slow and with a bent steel fork and wheels that could no longer be trued.
I replaced it with my third bike, that I custom built myself on a Ti frame with mid to top-tier components, and have been happily riding it ever since, over 20 years now. Still feels as fresh and new as the first time I rode it, and while it's clearly out of date with rim brakes, a horizontal top tube, 1" head tube, raked fork and external cable routing, I don't care because it's still a great bike. My only concern is finding replacement parts when the need arises. But I'll deal with that when I cross that bridge.
I don't really get sentimental about bikes. My favorite will always be the one I'm currently riding.
My current road bike is an upgraded entry level Trek from 2007! I love it! It’s now pretty much completely upgraded apart from the frame, forks and seatpost 🤣 it was quite heavy, but it’s now just over 8kg. Not too shoddy for an old aluminium bike 😊❤️
I have a LeMond Reno I bought 20 years ago for $800. Still ride it today. Never thought about buying a new bike. I don't even think I could. I love my LeMond.
My 11 year old Trek Madone 3.1, Bernie, is my first bike. It has had numerous upgrades in its 20,000 mile life, so now sports full uUtegra & a DA crankset. It still makes me smile when I ride him from time to time. Mostly because of the memories of riding RAB & St Malo to Bilbao. He'll never be sold!
Hi Katie!
I bought my Scott Speedster 3, alloy, full 105 Shimano, new in 2005. It has had minor upgrades; saddle and bars and soon will have a fresh modern mechanical groupset! Still riding it and loving it, no telling how many miles she's done (a lot!), don't see any reason to change!
My first road bike would be over 60 years old now. It was a Raleigh something, and it weighed a ton. I came back to cycling in 2002, and shortly after that bought a Cannondale CAAD8 R2000. I loved that bike! I still have the frame, but I dented it in a crash and haven’t trusted it since (light alloy bikes of that time are paper-thin). I have a Kinesis Tk3 that’s now 13 years old, and is still a cracking ride.
Hello Katie, yes I am the proud owner of a Vitus 979 shimano 105 with downtube shifters. It used to be 52-39 by 11-21, but nowadays it has evolved to a more rideable 11-28. I periodically ride it for nostalgic reasons Keep on riding!!
My first road bike was 43 years ago, saved up from my paper round to buy it. I loved the down tube shifters and the gears had to be Campagnolo or you weren't cool. It disappeared years ago. Took up cycling again when I retired and bought a LaPierre and gave that to my son when I bought a Scott (wanted disk brakes for the wet weather). The Scott is doing good service but tends to get beaten up in winter so I spoiled myself this year with a Wilier as a summer bike and am really looking forward to the sunnier days to ride that.
Mate left a way too big for me M/L Defy in the shed when he moved out. Got into cycling using that. Finally bought a size small Defy. Best part? It was perfect condition for £155. I absolutely love it.
I've been talking to my bike lately with the weather being so bad this year. "I miss you! We're going to go for a ride soon!" as I give it a pat on the seat.
Just got back into cycling. Bought an alloy frame Trek, from 2009, from a friend.
Has a 105 groupset and its in great condition.
Rides really well.
I've never ridden a carbon bike and I'm not too bothered about it.
My first bike was an alloy Boardman from over a decade ago - I've built the bike up with custom components, bombproof wheels, set up for British winters; and it still rides like a dream. The bike is definitely earning the nickname of "old faithful". Whilst my carbon bike is great for summer days, racing etc, my Boardman is always ready for shopping, commuting, or whatever the weather throws at it. "Entry level" bikes of this era are absolutely capable machines. Not as fast as their high end counterparts, but not sluggish either.
I was so excited to watch this! I started following you because I had one of those too (silver & blue) and yes I talk to my bikes! 😊 I still have mine upgraded to within an inch of its life and am thinking of respraying it with something badass because there are a good few chips on it and I'm so attached!
Thanks for b cycle too, I've got a feeling it's something I've been looking for. I absolutely love how you show ways to make bike riding simple and accessible for many people ❤
I'm still riding my 'first' bike from 2018, an alu cross bike I use for mostly gravel type riding, Norco threshold 2017 with hunt wheels I got after a while.
My next purchase during covid was a second hand Planet X pro carbon from 2014, and it's a joy to ride - second hand bikes can be such a treat when they're good! My partner and I have to draw lots over who gets the 'wee bike' (It is never me who wins somehow!). Hopefully with minor tweaks and maybe a groupset change in the future they'll both keep trucking on happily!
Brilliant video Katie and great comment about the best bike in the world is the one you own. Like it. Love my Giant Defy, rim brakes, done me proud over the last 15 years. Another option for value for money start up bikes is the range at Decathlon. My Triban 3, £300 preceded the Giant by a year and has served me well as a mudgaurded winter bike. 🥰
I bought my first road bike like you to lose weight and I loved it! Cost less than 500 it was a pinnacle alloy with tiagra and I was on it daily! I was then lucky enough to be able to upgrade to my current KTM. I gave my Pinnacle to a friend who couldn’t at that time afford a bike and he still uses it to this day over 5 years later however I do wish I had kept it, I won’t make the same mistake with the KTM. Love the content Katie!
That Giant rocks, and has taken you on so many adventures and I am sure there are many more to come. I do think we can become very attached to certain bikes and I think it is the memories that you create riding them that mean the most. Also, liking that Rapha jersey, looks mint.
Thaaaaank you :) bought pre-loved off eBay for a bargain price haha :)
The best bike really is the one that you already own! I have my 19 year old mountain bike that I've ridden everywhere over the years. When I finally got my roadie I wanted to make sure it would last that long too.
Katie and the gang would make great riding partners, such a cool vibe! Keep it up, and enjoy your rides ;)
Do visit Portugal for some bike riding ;)
Still riding me Dawes Galaxy from 1974! Not a great bike but was me pride and joy. Loved keeping it shiny and clean. I was pained to lose one of the original wheels. Everything else is original except pedals.
My first road bike was a Specialized Allez bought in 2011. Sadly I found a crack in the frame last summer so I’ve had to retire it. Actually brought a tear to my eye! Some amazing cycling memories on that bike ❤
2007 Giant OCR still going strong! At the frame/seatpost/fork. Everything else replaced or upgraded over the years but still love as my road bike in the stable
I had an Enigma Echo that I built from a frame set, always said it would be a bike for life, but unfortunately life gets in the way and I wasn’t riding it as much as it deserved so sold it on. I know it’s now getting the use it deserves, so all good.
Replaced it with an Orro STC Gold and have been so pleased with it.
Buycycle is a gem!! Top shelf.
Yaaaaaaas!!!
My first road bike was a 1985 Raleigh Winner I’ve still got it. It’s in the cellar and needs new wheels as the rims disintegrated going down Huddersfield road into Newhey 😅
great vlog and some really good points - i think people all to often get consumed by bike spec and become weight obsessive, the reality is it makes minimal difference to getting out and having fun! Alloy absolutely has a place, along with titanium (but again getting pricey) but my point being give me a choice between a £5k+ carbon frame or a good £1k alloy frame to go ultra remote bike packing say alaska/canada, accross Aus, or even northern scandinavia, no way am i taking a Carbon frame (after having one fail). The reality is an accident can make the difference between end of trip/event and a long weight for help or just mending/replacing say the rear mech, shifters and realigning handlebars and being on your way. I think the worse is when you see you bike case being tossed onto the luggage carts coming out the plane and its like FFS, esp when packing carbon.
For anyone starting out, i think its a great point you make, get a preowned bike, or even just the alloy frame, bang on mechanical say even 105 and off you go! At the end of the day the big gains you can make on your fitness amd the enjoyment to be had far outwiegh a couple of Kg's on the bike weight (esp if the rider is a stone or two overweight to start with)! Then in your first winter say go for a wahoo core and well that second year is going to get alot easier.
As for bike prices, yea they are crazy now, components also, but also i think manufactures are pushing the consumer into a 3/4 year cycle to upgrade etc. I think the move to electonic's gives them a way to further enhance that.
Great video as I've been depressed at the price of bikes recently. I appreciate your honesty and recommendation 👍
Till got my first Bianchi via nirone 7 - love it - they still make these, and have made them what feels like forever. The frame has actually been used at the paris/rubaix - and it is fantastic... I see no reason what so ever til buy another - just change the components when they wear out... Dont care that a new carbon bike will be 5% faster - I am not in a hurry..
My first road bike was a Liv Avail advance 3, 15700 miles ridden on it since 2018. Just bought a new 105 Ribble 12 speed, but I’ve kept my liv as a spare as she was such a good workhorse and as I’m getting a swift hub one smart trainer for my 50th birthday this year that’s what I will use the liv for.
Yassss Heidi xx
Still got my first "recent" bike (I gave away my old 1970s steel "school bike" and now regret it), a 2008 model Spesh Allez Sport. A bit of a "Trigger's Broom" , different groupset, upgraded wheels etc, but it's great and probably does as many miles as the newer bikes put together. Now building up a new steel bike targeting 9 kg.
Love it happy Katie sharing the joy of cycling 😊
Looks like you had a happy relationship with your old Giant bicycle.
My first bicycle after returning to riding was 2006 Performance carbon bicycle with triple chainrings and full Ultegra kit. I made a huge mistake selling the bicycle a year later.
Decathlon and Halfords both have good entry level options sub-£1K IMO, although there are always stories about the assembly quality from some Halfords branches.
Haven't ridden it in years but I've still got my first "adult" bike, a Raleigh Criterium 12 from the 80s. Steel frame, 2x6 groupset with a Sachs Huret Derailleur, the major reason I haven't ridden it is the downtube friction shifters and very skinny tyres. Might give it a shot in the summer when the weather is better and there's less muck on the roads.
My first road bike was a giant with a third granny chain ring, something you don’t see anymore. The cheapest I’ve had but will always be my favourite. Sadly got stolen so I don’t have anymore.
Noticed the indie surf music in the background last couple of vids, been well into that myself lately. You must be pining for summer nights too 😅
🚲 Still have my first all aluminum road bike. 2004 Giant OCR Black with yellow stripes. 130-140K mi. Many parts have worn out and been replaced,many times over but frame and fork still solid. 🙂 I use nail polish to cover any paint that comes off. This is my most comfortable bike for long rides 100+ mi. and have many adventures with it,mostly good,so will never get rid of it.
Loving this kind of content 🙌🏻 you’re right the bike industry is totally out of hand, it’s refreshing to see one cycling RUclipsr not pushing the carbon/top level components down our throats. IMO if you’ve got weight to lose up top, and you’re not racing no need to bother with carbon. Good old AL for me.
Great video on your first bike story and Buycycle. Looking to get a gravel bike for my next bike and that platform looks to be a great option to browse. Might even get a road bike if I find a bargain 😂
Also, my first bike (back in school) was a Apollo hardtail from Halfords, so it was really a cheap budget MTB and a bike to muck around with as kids. Got it sent to scrap when I started college and uni as I was studying/living away from home. But then I got my first proper but still budget end hardtail MTB, the Trek Roscoe 6 (the one I was riding when we met in Oxenhope) in the summer of 2022 and been riding and loving it since.
Bought it as new, but on a sale at £885 and last October, started to put upgrades on it such as replacing the fork for a lighter air spring fork (the stock one was a heavy coil spring fork), new rear wheel and new front and back tyres as the stock tyres turned slick/worn through.
But I love the bike, it's a great all rounder and easy to maintain as a hardtail. Looking to upgrade the brakes too, to something more powerful at some point and also in the next five years or so, might even redo the whole bike up again and change it to a 29er (700c for roadies) with 12 speed drivetrain. It's currently on 27.5 wheels (650b) which are pretty good, but the 29er conversion will make it faster.
In theory yes, 2004 KHS flite 800 purchased second hand in 2006 instead of an entry level alloy bike. Steel frame and ultegra/105 drive train was the selling points. I say in theory, as everything has been replaced except the frame, lost the forks to a car running a red light. Still in regular use as is my 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th road bike. The advantages of have a large shed
If there's enough (27.2 mm diameter or even 25.4 as in CAAD bikes) seat post sticking out of the seat tube, you'd be amazed how comfy can an alu frame be. I can push on the saddle with my hands and feel it flex - I can even see the seat tube flexing slightly in the middle.
I don't still have my first bike. I bought it from a bike shop that sold second hand bikes as I couldn't afford a new one. They claimed to check all the bikes for safety etc. Wellll....... yeah. I had problems and eventually took it elsewhere to be checked and found out the frame was unsafe. :( I was devastated. We then got me another bike a Specialized which was more of a road bike (claimed to be a hybrid but just looked like a road bike with straight handlebars) secondhand. I still have that but can't really ride it anymore as it causes pains in my neck due to the boneshaking. Now riding a Giant mountain bike that my wonderful husband bought me. MY FIRST EVER BRAND NEW BIKE! No plans to replace or get rid of either. Husband still has his Rayleigh Maverick from when he was a kid but now rides a Specialized mountain bike.
My first proper shaped racer bike was a 1978 Halford's Espada. I absolutely loved it. But our Window Cleaner nicked it out of my shed. 😭👋🚴 At least it was insured and I restored her replacement, a 1980 Raleigh, during lockdown. My current road bike cost me just £65.
Good to see it all still works, I still have my first bike a steel Giant GSR200 sort of mtb hybrid 26" wheel bought for my birthday by some friends for helping therm with sons motocross. Eventually replaced all the parts with better components when I bought another bike (secondhand) took all the bits and put it on the new bi and it then became flat bar road bike did few charity is on it currently sat as a frameset though I have wondered if it could take 650B wheels and convert it to disc brakes.
My 1st bike was a Dawes Giro. Wasn’t the greatest & it was too big for me but it got me started.
My first "proper" Road bike is my Soma Smoothie (Tange Prestige Cr-Mo) I built it from the frame up with a Pro-Lite Carbon fork and Campy Wheels, super attached to it, its one of those bikes where the scales don't do it justice as feels way lighter to ride and climb on than it is. I always feel a bit guilty when I pass pushing another bike, and I once sincerely apologised to "her" in full earshot of my wife when I borrowed the saddle for another bike, she never said a word but the look on her face said "Oh my God I married that" 😂
Old is always gold. As long as a bike is maintained it can last.
Thank you for an awesome video. I also have my first " grown up" bike. Bought it used. A 1968 Raleigh steel racing bike. Made in Nottingham. Campy gears. Brooks saddle.
I swear the front wheel weighs as much as my carbon bike entire.😅. Can't bear to part with it. I named him Sir Walter. ❤
my road bike is coming up to its 10th birthday and all i changed was the rear cassette and long cage due to where i was using it. Saves my thousands ££ every year by not buying a new one :-)
2013 Orca bronze (3rd hand from my brother) and given to a work mate to get them into cycling (Still going strong).
My first bike when I got back into cycling as an adult in the early 2000's was a Giant TCR C1 which came with Ultegra and alloy wheels. I did upgrade the wheels to some Mavic Cosmic aero wheels, which lasted me until I got my second bike a Fondriest TF1, which I had built up for me at the bike shop. absolutely loved that bike, still do but unfortunately, I had to sell it in 2021. My current bike is a 2016 Trek Domane, with Ultegra Di2, on which I have covered some 12000 km's on cause I did not do much the first few years and since then I average like 1500 km's per year riding basically once a week. As good a bike the Domane is the Fondriest would have been considered an early aero bike, which meant a little harsh a ride (a lot of vibrations), but oh it gave you the thrill of speed was better to me..
Hi Katie well done getting on your giant.To go back to your early years.membro belier & reflect how components high light ride&riders ability you got the ability to ride on the hills well done 😊🚴my dad got me my first 5 speed Racer.oops am I showing my youth of cycling.awesome.keep up the good work you are doing well.your you tube is great good info as always from endurance John 😊
Bought my own first bike in 1992..2nd hand. got it stolen... bought another later...road and new mtb steel.. Then another alloy.. new then alloy road new with basic different. Changed them to full claris... ..now I want to change to 105.. or ultegra...getting a frame then build... project 2024. 😊
I still have my first road bike, also a Giant Avail, think it was a 3W, cost about £500 in 2009. Sadly, I got knocked off it in 2020 so it has been permanently relegated to my turbo. But I won't get rid of it!
i dont have my first but i do have my first bike i built,
it's an mtb it was the last christmas present my mother ever gave me. just the frame and i built it with rock shox quadra(the original) a mix of suntour and deore dx / lx and stx its a mutt but rides really well.
My second ever new road bike arrived today, to cold around here to ride so its going on the trainer to get it adjusted and tuned to me. its 105 but looks awesome.
I absolutely talk to my bikes. I let them know we are going for a ride, i like to think they get excited like a dog going out for a walk.
😂😂
My 1st and only road bike is the Liv Avail SL 1 Disc 2017 which my boyfriend surprised me with on Xmas morning! She was brand new and I just loved her immediately. I’d never get rid of her, but I have been thinking about upgrading in the next year or so but wondering if I really need things like a carbon frame or Di2?? I’m a bit torn. But you’re right, the prices of bikes are insane!
After being in storage so long I hope it was in better condition than your gravel bike was 😂
Great to see you still have a lot love for your first bike ❤
Hahah ayup don’t be mean hahah
you are tremendous. Alloy doesn't feel bad, all my three bikes are alloy 'cos I am poor and even if I had the money, carbon makes me truly fear having a crash or that it falls apart as of suddenly. Hope my bikes last like yours or even more. My first "modern" (I mean adulthood, not adolescent or pre puberty bike) is a Giant MTB. A Giant Talon 2 from 2016. The other bike I have is a road bike from Decathlon, and I also have my favourite a fitness (hybrid) bike, the Canyon Pathlite 6. My dream bike is the Canyon Roadlite 6, the 2023 model, a fitness bike too, which is very fast.
Okay that website is pretty cool! And available in the USA. I was a little worried it would be a UK only.
My brother still has my original road bike, an Abeni custom build with campi parts from 1978 :-)
I built my bike from a £20 1980's steel frame Peugeot during the lockdowns with Triban 3 gearsets & new components totalling £220 & it rides perfectly. There's no need to spend £1k's on a bike when you can custom build your own.
My first roadbike was a specialized secteur alloy bike. I still ride it Zwift 😉
Great video Katie. What camera are you using these days?
Thaaanks - GoPro outside and indoors Sony a7s3 :) just bought the ZV-E1 though
You can't beat a giant tcr just a good all-rounder was my 1st carbon road bike.
Go, go, go, Postman Pete!!
i hope one day i can go even half that fast up hills like those while talking and looking relaxed like its flat
Got my new (second hand) bike on leboncoin 🙂Haven't tried it yet, too bad weather here, and I can't bare riding in the cold and/or in the rain. Maybe in the next few weeks…
I hope I really found a bargain. Light/Carbon frame/Carbon aero wheels/Ultegra Di2/Rim brakes ;-) Can't wait !
PS: yeah, I still have my first bike from 9 years ago. A Canyon RoadLite, that I turned into a - kinda - gravel bike with wider tires.
I ride a Alegro Digari Nedi Road Gravel CroMo 4130 I bought 2010 designed in Melbourne Australia Northcote 1km down the road where i lived nearby Thornbury Preston
Before that a 1962 Raleigh Robinhood made in Nottingham England
Same as Sheldon Brown
Ten years later and it’s a battle 🥴🚴🏼♀👀
Did DR help you buy it Katie. A proper steed is a ptoper steed. Ive a winter Alu bike almost prefer over Carbon summer bike
Get in…..i’m looking for a new bike but my bike shop wants £3000 + for a doozy bike.This is just what i need,thank you for this website Katie.👍🚴🏼
YASSSSSSS - go and have a look some proper bargains on there. Let me know how you get on :) Want to know which bike you find :)
@@KatieKookaburra Cool,i’ll do a review no doubt,but i’ll defo let you know anyways.Nice one 🚴🏼👍
Is Buycycle just for U.K. ?
I remember you selling the giant. did you buy it back?
Never sold it! I sold a carbon giant….
As an aside, I bought a Ridley Fenix Classic alloy bike abd boy, is ut brilliant my goto bike for winter miles in Ireland. Best 430euris i ever spent. Sure its old, but its a gem. Means I dont have to ride the carbon bike in the rain and muck too.
You got a bargain there! Last year I bought an unused 10 year old Scott pro cr1 with full Ultegra for €700. Best bike I have ever had and I'm 66. Irish living in The Netherlands since 1978.
I'm still riding my 2006 Norco crr carbon. It's still a fun ride. I don't see a reason to buy a new bike. I'll admit it is getting hard to find replacement 10speed 105 components when things wear out though.
Next time something wears out, make the jump to 105 R7000 11 speed (so long as frame and wheelset allow). I ran 105 10 speed 5800 for years, and the switch to R7000 was nearly revelatory.
@@MrPharmageek frame allows it, but my rear wheel hub can't take an 11 speed cassette. Will upgrade when the wheels wear out.
Does your bike have a name? I've not heard you call a bike by a name.
Mine are Cini, Simmo, Tiago, Sean, Alan, David, Paddy & 2Pic.
Cini is a 30 y.o. Simoncini cyclocross bike.
I ride a Alegro Digari Nedi Road Gravel CroMo 4130 I bought 2010 designed in Melbourne Australia Northcote 1km down the road where i lived nearby Thornbury Preston
I sold my first bike and used that money to buy a better bike. Then I did the same with my second bike. Then I sold my third bike’s frame and purchased a new frame and had a bike built with the parts harvested from my third bike :-)
I talk to my motorbike. Her name is Katie too. Ktm 1290 Super Adventure. 😂
That's why I bought a 10 yo from someone when I came back to road cycling. Most people overspend to pursue the latest.
Great video …
Sold my bike through buycycle it was very smooth and I sold it within a couple of days.
Katie: I find it interesting you never had any hybrid bikes or fitness bikes which are like flat bar bikes intended for road /pavement ?
Nope never had them. Went straight to road :)