I want one of these! Nah! I need one of these!

There are several reasons for my needing a bicycle! and in no particular order they are:

1. My doctor says, "It is better for your broken... er... fixed foot to be biking rather than walking or running on aspalt!". Yes, yes, I broke my ankle a decade or more ago and I should be grateful that I can walk, but overtime, I have brought it up to be able to walk 3-4 miles without issues and even go running when it takes my fancy! But I think what my doctor is saying very very diplomatically, is that I am getting old! Right! and I should take care of the old Bones (or cartileges or tendons etc etc)! He suggested that at some point in exceedingly far future I may need a cane! Hmmm! Me thinks...... should I get one with a silver head or gold plated. Que Sera Sera! 

2. The gas prices are atrocious! Now, I really don't use my car to commute to work, so, I really not that shamed that I don't over indulge in using in the worlds resources! Blimey! I just annoyed some folks who legitimately need to drive to their work. I am not beating you guys up at all. Actually, I really don't care how the rest of the world commutes to work, whether they are concious of or abusive of the natural resources. That is their lookout. But, my concern is my 'recreational and other commuting' that takes up roughly 40-50 miles a week! argh! That is actually the amount some folks drive to their first job. Something has got to be done for this!

3. I live  a sneeze and cough away from the Bike Path in Arlington, MA.

4. I have this vague recollections that after initial hic-cups with learning to ride a bicycle, I actually enjoyed it! The initial hic-cups include, falling down bursting knees, ramming into stationary trucks, ramming into hedges, and loads of other very exciting and side-splitting stuff that my sister can narrate endlessly in family gatherings.

Now, I have just to find one a good one that I love, so I will use it more often than not. Unfortunately, living in New England, means, I can use it about 4 months, may be 5 months in the year. But, it is just turning summer, so, I have few solid months ahead that I can use to ride.

Step 1: The bikes thus far! I have not ridden a bicycle in about 12-13 years! Actually after my ankle breaking episode, I don't believe I have ridden a bicycle! This will be so interesting to 'test' ride bikes. Where do I start? There is a bike shop less than three-fourth mile away called Quad-cycles. I may as well start there. They appear to know what they are doing. So, I test rode some bikes.... they were:

1. Fuji Absolute 1.0 17 inch
2. Fuji Absolute 2.0 17 inch
3. Breezer Town Bikes (U Frame) 17 inch
4. Schwinn Ultra Comfort Voyageur 19 inch

Of all the above bikes, the Absolute are just absurdly expensive. If my bike is going to be a thousand dollars, then I need it gold plated, and if it is then I will keep it in the glass package, which defeats the purpose of owning a bike in the first place! The Schwinn was absurdly clunky! Sorry, I thought that because I got spoilt with the ultra smooth ride that fuji bicycles provide. Hmmm! Lest you read me wrong! I loved the Absolute 2.0, and if I could justify paying $700 for it, then I would. But I cannot... not at this stage. Perhaps in a few years time.

Today I continued with my bike testing.... LLbean! 
I wanted to test ride Acadia Cruiser (by Schwinn!)... but they are completely sold out.... and I have to wait a week! But I test rode the K2 T:Nine Crosswind Womens and gosh! felt and reacted exactly as the Absolute... but a little more heavier and little more reliable on brakes and at half the price (more or less)! Go figure!

So, conclusions thus far!
I would love to have the Absolute 2.0, but I may get the K2: T:Nine or the Acadia Cruiser as my first bike! This week will tell the story.... and I cannot wait.