New bike tire - saved by the bus

Wednesday I hopped on my bike to leave work and ug, a flat - it was not totally flat so I rode 2 blocks and right then, the South Main Street bus was coming along - I quickly paused at the bus stop, switched off my bike lights, took off my panier bag, and placed my bike in the bus's front bike rack. I was home in about 15 minutes! I was still able to get home in time to get into the car and pick up my wife, before we stopped by Bike Barn.

I had called ahead and Scott had pulled a couple of choices for me. I selected a Flak Jacket Reflective Specialized 700mm Infinity tire, 35mm wide for my Trek commuter. This fairly heavy tire seems pretty beefy, and since I could see the threads on my old, original rear tire, a new tire was in order. I am still considering a replacement bike such as a 2013 Raleigh Roper, cyclocross bike, or possibly converting my old '99 Lemond Tourmalet to my commuter. The Roper seems pretty slick, but I am not thrilled about the brown color, nor the fact that I cannot put my hands on one until sometime in March.

Ah such is life - I am appreciative of the fact that I can debate such choices in life right now. My "old" trek commuter has served me well but now is skipping a gear right when I need it most, such as when I step down hard to cross the street, and it needs a whole new drive train pretty soon - NOTE TO SELF: Change the chain every year! It's cheaper!