We have had a real issue with bikes here in Akron. Patty has had several bikes since we moved here. The first was a bike she brought here from the apartments and it was stolen. The kids each received a bike lock, and they got to set their own number combination, and another bike was bought at the Akron bike auction. That bike was stolen as well. The third bike fell apart, because it was cheap and used to begin with and the fourth bike had the rear derailleur bent in by some type of force when it was chained up outside the Firestone library. Derailleurs can be replaced, but the bike was a cheap Wal-Mart bike, so it was hardly worth it. That brings us to today’s bike.

Searching for a used bike has proven to be rather difficult. Whether this is a problem unique to Akron or not there seem to be a great many resellers in the area who buy used bikes, that would have suited Patty just fine, and then attempt to sell them for at least twice what they paid. Determined to find a bike the search continued until this bike popped up. This perfect bike. Patty has gotten very serious about riding a bike. It is not uncommon for her to travel upwards of 20 miles on a trip. She really needed a good bike that would let her go that far, and possibly further.

The bike was being sold by a couple who had purchased road bikes. Someday if Patty gets serious about bike riding for physical fitness perhaps she will want a road bike, but for now a hybrid is the best option. It is a comfortable bike and fits her perfectly with plenty of room if she happens to grow a few more inches. The thinner tires are perfect for the road and the Towpath. Bike season is sadly coming to a close here in North East Ohio and it will soon be snowing, but Patty did get to ride the bike for a week before the weather started to turn. Maybe there will be one more weekend with decent weather.