An Ode to My Bicycle After 20,000 Miles!

My “relationship” with this bike began in 2008. Of all the bicycles I have owned in my lifetime,
this one has taken me the farthest and to some of the most interesting destinations.

When I purchased this bike in October 2008, I never expected or dreamed of all the places it would take me.

This bike has been with me at home in Pennsylvania, down the shore in New Jersey,
and has escaped part winter for the last seven years in Florida.
It has given me experiences and enjoyment far beyond what I ever expected.

This bike was with me when I had my cycling accident on March 1, 2018 in St. Pete Beach.
I was left with a broken arm after being knocked out briefly...but the bike was whole!
Though I crashed due to a motorist’s error, I saved the fantastic wheels of this bike! 😜

The “relationship” or interest in this style of bike really began on May 4, 2008.
On that day our daughter, Laura, and I completed the Five Boro Bike Ride in New York City.
For that event we each rode borrowed mountain bikes for I did not want to take my fine road bike, my only bike back then, to that event.

While riding through the streets of NYC’s five boroughs with 30,000+ other cyclists I noticed others were either riding
road or mountain bikes or this style of bike. It looked like a mountain bike but it had thin and not knobby tires.
I was curious as to what kind of bike this was.

About ten years ago the major bike companies started seeing a great interest in this style of bike.
Sometimes known as a “flat-bar road bike” or a “fitness bike”, this style of bicycle has since become the most popular style of bike in the industry.
In fact, some of the new incarnations of this style feature all the high end touches of the best road bikes such as carbo fiber frames and disc brakes.

Still, my 2008 model has withstood 20,000+ miles still on the original wheels. I’ve replaced drivetrains, tires, pedals, computers,
and other parts, but of all the bikes I’ve owned this one holds a special place in my heart.

I enjoy riding this bike - though it’s not as light weight and efficient as my fine Trek Domane SKR7 Road Bike -
but my enjoyment comes from its totally utilitarian and functional purpose.

In fact, I own two of these models! One I keep in Sea Isle City at our shore condo and one I keep at home along with the Domane.
The 2013 7.5 FX model kept in Downingtown takes me on the paved trails and roads of Chester County and along the Chester Valley and Schuylkill River Trails.
(Note: the wheels on the newer 2013 model are not as good as the wheels on my original 2008 model. In fact, I’ve already replaced the rear wheel!)

I’m not sure where this bike will take me in the future, but I am ready for the ride and the adventure.
Thanks for 20,000+ fun-filled miles. Here’s to the next ride!