I love my new bike!
October 18, 2011
I have never had an "adult" bike which wasn't a mountain bike. This is my first one, and I love it so much. I was worried that my mom wouldn't buy it for me, because my riding level was at "interested, but not getting out much". She did, and not only that, but paid extra to have it shipped. I have the Gateway City Bike from Target, which is this bicycle in a cream color. The men's version was a gorgeous sparkling brown. We had to order the bike online because all Target's were removing these bikes from their shelves. So that's the backstory.
I LOVE this bicycle.
It felt odd, I remember, when I first got on it. The steering was super-fast and the bike was very quick. I wasn't used to the curved handlebars at all!
I specifically picked this bike for it accessories including the skinny tires. They do great on the road or bike path, and through grass and gravel parking lots. I was worried that skinnier meant more fragile, but I've bumped my bike over curbs and such with no problems- not something I like to do anyway.
The fenders haven't been used nearly as much as I'd like, but after a thunderstorm they are great for letting you splash through puddle like a kid without anything resulting but laughter.
My rack wasn't as useful as I'd hoped without baskets to hook to it. Grocery bags loop through the springy latch just fine, but I've now bungied a crate to the rack, which suits me better.
The seat is pretty comfy, though I think the angle could be adjusted better. One notch and I usually adjust back every so often, but one notch tilted up is too much. So I scoot back a little every so often. At least my rear end is not sore for a week after riding my bike 20 minutes like used to happen on every other bicycle.
I love my handlebars, they are comfy and the leatherish grips are secure without making my hands all sweaty. I poked holes in the plastic endcaps to add ribbon streamers for even more girly glee.
The gearing does seem a little odd. I only use higher than 3 on a downhill, but usually only up to 5, rarely 6. 3 is good for flat areas without wind. If there is any wind at all I am a wimp and must use 2 to fight it. I end up using 2 when I ride longer than my usual commute also.
As far as this bike being sturdy, I'd say that I expect to keep it forever, even if I do end up with something else long-term. I've done all maintenance myself, other than my dad putting my bike together out of the box. I've had to twist the barrel on my derailleur, tighten various bolts such as handlebars (kickstand!) and chain guard. The tires have put up with quite a bit of debris and I and finally got my first flat tire 8 months after I got the bike. Tubes are super cheap, yay.
You have no idea how much this bicycle makes me happy. The people at work think I'm a nut to ride the whole whopping 3 miles (I sometimes wish I lived further) back and forth. I added lights, streamers, a bell (I ring it at everyone with a grin), a crate. I just found a cupholder!
I love my bike so much: If you are thinking about this one I highly encourage you to buy it. Don't let a Walmart or Target guy putting it together badly dissuade you- get them to fix it or pick a different retailer, it's completely worth it. Pacific Cycle is awesome about warranties also- I received a bent rim when my bike was shipped and they sent me a new one no questions asked, with a tube too (my issue was the rear tire not holding air, we amateurly trued the rim when assembling the bike and I rode 5 months, but its coming back out- they sent me the solution).
If you are in salty air, I would recommend preventive measures such as waxing the frame, polishing the chrome bits and otherwise protecting everything. :) The bike survived our cross-country move with only a dented chain guard and some bug guts, too. Now I'm pedaling happily in Oregon. <3
