Ok I finally got a bike that doesn't suck!

[elaineo]

<img width=600 src="http://www.eecs.harvard.edu/~elaine/stuff/f4i/004.jpg">

[elaineo]

I can't get over how smooth and responsive it feels compared to the stupid EX's I've been riding!!

My roommate pointed out to me that this is the fourth bike I've had this year... haha. and I don't even have a car! i sure have my priorities straight

Before even riding the bike, I decided to install a set of frame sliders (yes, i'm paranoid). I did it myself!! Man it did not feel good to be cutting holes in perfectly good plastic.

Here is a picture of the bike with frame sliders on:

<img width=600 src="http://www.eecs.harvard.edu/~elaine/stuff/f4i/022.jpg">

[Rye]

Nice bike, but unless I am very mistaken.....it's either in Floriduh or Cali!

[elaineo]

Hey, can someone tell me if i need new tires? I don't know what these tires are supposed to look like new. i bought new tires already, but i'm not sure if it's too soon to replace the old ones.

the bike has 6000 miles on it, and the tires are still the original ones that came with the bike. the previous owner said he only rode the bike to and from work every day on the highway.

here is the front tire. it feels pretty round and ok.

<img src="http://www.eecs.harvard.edu/~elaine/stuff/f4i/023.jpg">

<img src="http://www.eecs.harvard.edu/~elaine/stuff/f4i/028.jpg">

here is the rear tire. it has a very distinct and narrow flat spot going all the way around the tire. you can see it in the picture, and the tire feels kinda square although the tread doesn't look that bad.

<img src="http://www.eecs.harvard.edu/~elaine/stuff/f4i/029.jpg">

<img src="http://www.eecs.harvard.edu/~elaine/stuff/f4i/030.jpg">

[elaineo]

Originally posted by Rye
Nice bike, but unless I am very mistaken.....it's either in Floriduh or Cali!

correct! the sunshine gives it away, huh? i'm in CA right now... at some point i'll hafta figure out how to get the bike back to boston

[court1129]

nice, have fun and be safe. how's cali treating ya?

[court1129]

Originally posted by elaineo
correct! the sunshine gives it away, huh? i'm in CA right now... at some point i'll hafta figure out how to get the bike back to boston

ya know, I have nothing to do this summer. you buy me a ticket out and I'll drive your bike back for ya.

[elaineo]

Originally posted by court1129
ya know, I have nothing to do this summer. you buy me a ticket out and I'll drive your bike back for ya.

it's been in the 80s and 90s all week! it's great! you should def visit i don't ever wanna go back

[PinHead]

Nice ride ! Quite an upgrade from an EX.

[BeeStang]

Go for a ride in the mountains and it will round out your tires for you while having fun.

[craig]

congrats on the sweet bike

[PinHead]

Originally posted by court1129
ya know, I have nothing to do this summer. you buy me a ticket out and I'll drive your bike back for ya.

Ummm...Stonnerstock in a couple weeks
Thats something.

[Jank]

Nice! I bet that thing doesn't make any noises that would make corner workers think it's about to explode!
That rear tire has still got a little life left in it. I wouldn't want to ride it cross country, but it ain't quite dead yet.
I think we need to set up a NESR relay team! I'd meet you in Chicago!

[greenmonster]

Elaineo-
I'd say you need new skins, relatively soon. Your wear bars are showing, and your rear is flat in the middle, as you pointed out. Newer tires are rounded in cross-section, not flattened such as yours. 6K on the odo sounds about right for the OEMs to be at the end of their lifespan. They would definitely be a liability in the rain and/or on wet streets. Nice looking bike!

[Rye]

Those hoops look good for only a limited time. The sides, however, look like the bike was never even leaned over. BTW, the sunshine was a tipoff but I was thinking more about the palm trees. Not many of them on Comm. Ave.

[craig]

Is that an I <3 UNIX sticker on the other bike in the first pic??

[TheIglu]

Get that chain lubed! It's shiney! Shiney is no bueno!

Nice bike by the way! Perhaps I'll see it on Comm Ave if you live there. My girlfriend just got a place on the same road.

Congrats!

[Nikon]

great lookin bike my friend

[MissTwisties]

awsome elaineo!!! Congrats on the new baby!!!

[elaineo]

Originally posted by craig
Is that an I <3 UNIX sticker on the other bike in the first pic??

yes - you are very observant!

it makes a good anti theft device i think it also like, improves performance and adds 5 HP or something.

[elaineo]

thanks for the tips everyone!! i really appreciate it! one last (stupid) question -- what are wear bars?

[Jank]

Originally posted by elaineo
thanks for the tips everyone!! i really appreciate it! one last (stupid) question -- what are wear bars?

On the side wall of the tire there is a little arrow. In the tread by that arrow there is a "wear" bar. If the wear bar is hitting the ground, the tire is done.

[Stoneman]

Fuggin' shit is RIGHT! Way to go!

[Cam22]

Gorgeous Elaine! I love it! You better come back with it!

[zx7rou812]

Nice bike Elaine ! But where the hell are there palm trees in Cambridge????


Hope you're enjoying the riding !



P.S. : Jank's is correct in the wear bar description