Back to the WOOMB...

Back to the WOOMB...

The W.O.O.M.B. is my Worn Out Old Mountain Bike, a GT Aggressor hard-tail mountain bike, vintage 1997, bought new back then, and I just can't let go of it.

We all have the need to go back to the womb, so to speak, to find our own inner peace and comfort, and this is my way. I find peace on this bike, and getting on it and riding clears my mind better than most things that I can think of.

It came with a pretty light CrMo frame, which is tough as nails, RST front shocks, Shimano Deore V-brakes, Deore rear derailleur, and Deore rapidfire shifters, which I've never had the need to replace. It's now on its third gel seat, the original being a bit too hard on my ancient ass. Broke the original (crappy) pedals the first month I had it, but the local dealer upgraded them at no charge.

It's on its second set of nubby Tioga Psycho Edge tires, and though a bit of overkill on pavement, they've been great when it goes off-road, which happens frequently. Added handlebar extensions, a Blackburn rack and a few accessories over the years, and as you can see, the vertical bottle holder is perfect for a 24-ounce cup of morning coffee from the local WAWA convenience store.

This has been the most low-maintenance bike that I've ever owned, and lasted much longer than I ever expected. Have looked at others many times over the years, but can't seem to find one that I like as much, though there have been a few that I've considered since (Gary Fisher, Trek, Specialized, etc.). Just haven't been able to find the perfect replacement.

My son doesn't want me to trade it in and has asked that I keep it for him, so I guess that I'll have to.

Read the full story here.

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dustylenscap: 07/30/2007 9:10 AM
Rock on !! and of course pass it on to your son............
I'll be 69 in a few weeks....still try to do about 35 to 50 miles several times a week..very satisfying.and amazing what you see out and about...plus great photo opps!! Had just replaced a set of tires and had my last bike tuned up.only to have it stolen off a second story patio !! so the replacement is basic..but gets the job done...at least if stolen won't be out as many $$$ as before...;o)
bizarreland: 07/30/2007 9:11 AM
It's hard to say goodbye to your old friends...I agree with your son You have to keep it for him it's part of the family........JJ : )
nopantsboy: 07/30/2007 9:16 AM
my dad gave me his bike when i was 10yrs old, i gave him to keep when i left home , he still has it and claims he rode it not long ago, bike must be 30yrs old
Seb ™★★★: 07/30/2007 9:29 AM
Nice bike.
I havent ridden a bike for awhile, but as they say you never forget. It would be awesome if your son could use it. Oh are things from 1997 vintage, now? Groovy.
twisssssted: 07/30/2007 9:41 AM
Of course you need to keep it and pass it down..... great memories to keep in the family. :-)
paxgitmo: 07/30/2007 10:10 AM
Dustylenscap, that is so inspiring. My uncle did his first double century on his 50th birthday, twenty years ago, and he keeps going strong.

I'm loving all these bike tales. This picture and this post are taking away the bad taste in my mouth lingering after the last rancid Tour de France.

Nopantsboy - Buzznet this bike.
bizarreland: 07/30/2007 10:32 AM
Hey Seb that nopantsboy is going to jump on Spanky....Weeee.......JJ : )
kathy1981: 07/30/2007 10:35 AM
I think Rhiwena will leave a nice comment here... :-)
catiag: 07/30/2007 12:17 PM
bikes and me... a sad story :-(
verena: 07/30/2007 3:17 PM
good old bike
Total: 27 1 2 3
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JargonTalk
Male Bucks County PA, US
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