So a year or so ago, I was presented with a Hercules bicycle. It’s a really reliable cycle and stood me in good stead over quite a few long trips that I made. Of course, by the end of the trip, every muscle of mine would be strained, but at least I was getting some good exercise in the bargain (and burning more calories too).

But I figured that it was time to upgrade. Especially seeing folks talk lovingly about their Treks and Meridas made me also think of taking a step up in the cycling world. Of course, it’s always difficult to make that decision. Which bike to buy?
~ Road or MTB or hybrid?
~ How much should I spend on a bike?
~ Which brand? Trek/Merida/Cannondale/Bianchi/Hero/Firefox?

So as you can see, it wasn’t easy reaching a decision. I had ridden a borrowed hybrid bike once on a long trip and found it really smooth and comfortable. As the Duathlon event came closer, I thought it was high time I finally got myself a bike. So I mailed the nice boys at Bums and Saddle to check if they could procure one for me. After a few mail exchanges, it seems they were getting a consignment of the Trek 7100.

Rohan Kini of BOTS fame (a very nice young man, I must add!) even sent me the link of his review of the 7100 so I was already convinced. It is always easier to make up one’s mind when someone else has already done the homework.

Then a few days later he said he might not have the bike in my frame size after all. Rather dejected, I decided that I would give the Duathlon a miss.

And then on the Wednesday before the event, I get a mail saying the bike was ready and in the size I needed!

I was thrilled to bits.

I went to the store and checked out the bike. Sleek, sexy and very smooth.

And then on Saturday, the day before the Duathlon, I was at the BOTS store at 11 am to pick up my brand new bike. Looking at the queue there, it seemed like there were many more people waiting for their bikes too.

Siddharth and Vasu tinkered with the bike and fixed the height and other cool devices like a tail-light 🙂 I got myself a helmet and a lock and I was all ready to take on the world. Or the road, to start with.

The traffic is pretty scary out there but I am hoping I get used to it after a while. I am going to make a brave attempt to cycle to work once in a while. And ride longer distances at least once a month. And cycle to Cubbon Park on one day of the weekend.

So here I am – the proud owner of a Trek 7100. Yippee! And here’s to much more cycling 🙂

Useful Links

Wheelsports
Bums and Saddle
Bangalore Bikers Club
Ride a Cycle Foundation