Just came here to start a new bike thread, but figure mine will fit into this one w/out hijacking it....too much
I've been biking for many years. Used to do a lot of trail riding, and the bike I ride now is still the same one I rode trails with 20 years ago. As far as fit, it's fine. It's older and has no shocks, but I've kept it well maintained. I haven't ridden near as much as I used to since we've been spitting out kids over the past 12 years, but do so when I can.
I usually go to the gym during lunch and mostly do cardio, but I hate being in the gym when the weather is nice. I had been throwing the bike in the truck and riding at lunchtime, but recently I've started riding to work. The route I take is 14.9 miles each way with 3 hills involved, 2 of which are killers! It's tough on the way there, but fun on the way home
Just one hard hill on the way home.
Except for the big hills, most of the ride is relatively level, some up and down grading but at most only have to drop a gear or sometimes two. Those long level stretches are where the seat fit really comes into play. That's where one tends to use the seat the most. Also where numbing sometimes occurs on certain body parts.
Which is why I just ordered the padded drawers. I used to have a gel cover on the seat which prevented that numbing.
I may take the plunge and buy a new bike this Winter, but for now the ol' Raleigh is fulfilling the need. Kinda proud of the condition it's still in (as well as this 50 year old body)! And that I can ride along with the others on the trails that are riding on newer bikes with all the bells and whistles.