My new ride - An Orbea Toubkal Running on a treadmill looking at the wall in front of you is just about the most boring ways to try and loose the extra cellulose. Unless, ofcourse you have the luxury of doing the same thing in a nice gym with fellow joggers looking out of a glass window. But then, what do I do with the treadmill at home which I bought during a moment of madness. Well nothing! But then its an excuse for not joining a gym. So the treadmill remains, occupying precious space. Do use it sometimes, to hang clothes when its pouring outside. The urge to loose weight, however, is quiet strong and I was desperately looking for something that would be interesting as well.
Tried fixing up something for playing badminton or tennis. Somehow none of the courts had slots available. It was when I was parking the car that I noticed my old cycle, a hercules MTB,rusting away in the corner. I had found my new work out. Promptly took the cycle to the local cycle wallah. Well, it was almost falling apart. He said most of the parts would need to be replaced. I decided to go in for a new one and thus began my quest for a new bike.
Firefox was the first brand that came to my mind as i had decided I would go for a good one to keep the enthusiasm going. Did some research on the net. I quickly realised that the cycling world had gone leagues ahead. Hybrids were something new to me. The specs didnt mean anything then. I somehow liked the Roadrunner pro. Probably because of the looks. I liked the colour combos on them. Went to the firefox station here in Coimbatore the next day. The Roadrunner was there on display. It looked quite nice. But then the tires looked really skinny. Besides, I started doubting whether the frame can take my weight (am 95) along Coimbatores roads which are permanently dug up or filled poorly. Decided then and there that I needed a sturdier bike and so started looking at the MTBs. I did see a few Treks there but didnt pay much attention as they were way beyond my budget. Was almost sold on the Target 21 without the disc brake, though I didnt like the blue colour.
Something told me to do a little more research.
Stopped over at the BSA Hercules showroom on the way back. Felt like I had just discovered a treasure trove. What with some amazing bikes on display. Cannondales, Shwinns, GTs, Montras. Liked the Montra Jazz a which was similarly priced as the Roadrunner with a 5% discount. The Montra Blues were nice too. But then a little beyond my budget and my doubts on the hybrids prevailed.
Came back home for further research. Stumbled on the track and trail website. There were 2 dealers in Coimbatore, one of was the Bsa dealer I had already been to. Gave a call to the other one, MVS enterprises. They told me to come over the next day. Further research went on and I had a rough idea of what was available in India.
I went looking for MVS enterprises the next day. Was expecting a showroom but was surprised to see they operated from an office inside a huge mill compound. Met Mr.Sanjay and when I told him my budget he showed me a Montra Rock 1. For the first time I was offered a test ride. I loved the bike. I had never ridden an imported bike, so I cant really judge. But I loved it all the same. He offered a test ride on an Axis as well. But I liked the Montra better. But then, I was in for a surprise when Mr. Sanjay told me that my 6 foot frame needed a larger bike. The Montra was a medium. An instant liking for Mr. Sanjay for being frank and not trying to shove an ill fitting bike on me. He didnt have a large frame on any bike in my budget. Went home disappointed with a new criterea - size.
More research and phone calls.
Decided to up my budget a bit more.
Spoke to a guy who stocked Giant, Huffy, Raleigh, La Sovereign and Fuji. A little more educated now, I insisted on a L size. He offered a Fuji Nevada 2.1 within my budget. Had never seen the brand on Indian sites until then. He assured me that he had a L frame. I told him I will check and see him in his store the next day.
Did some further research on the net.
Fuji had some good reviews though most of the reviwes were for their high end bikes. But then I liked the Nevada. I thought I finally had my bike.
Made a very expectant trip the next day. But then when you really want something you dont get it. The Fuji was unboxed in front of me. A small frame! He apologised. He offered me other bikes. But then the damage was done. I no longer trusted him. Tried a Huffy Denali 29er. Though I didnt like the bike, the large tires were a revelation.
Went back home and researched more on 29ers. Firefox had Gary Fisher 29ers way beyond my budget. Further searches bore no fruit. All of them had 29ers but not in Coimbatore. Large frames were available on order. But I didnt want to put my money on something I hadnt tried.
Finally gave a call to Mr.Sanjay with my new budget. He offered an Orbea Toubkal and if I stretched a little more, a Scott 680. Enter cyberworld again. Orbea would do just fine. Trip to Mr. Sanjay for a test ride. Rode the Orbea and the Scott. May be inexperience, but I didnt feel any difference. I had my new bike. Mr.Sanjay is quite rigid with his prices. No discounts. But then I knew I was going to buy it even if he didnt. Probably he knew too. No accessories except for a free side stand. Anyway, he had only high end accessories and I felt I could do with cheaper stuff from the Bsa/Firefox bin for the time being.
And so I rode home in the Toubkal today.
Am no judge and I cannot compare. But it rides like a dream. A little tough on my butt after about 20kms. But then i guess the butt will get tougher in a while. As of now I intend to use it for working out only and am planning 1 hr rides in the morning. No accessories yet.
I plan to go in for a speedometer, front and rear lights and a bell for the time being. Suggestions are welcome.
I will post a few pics in a while from now.
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Last edited by n_aditya : 6th March 2013 at 10:41.
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