Conference noted::bicycle

    If you are still out there and still want info let me know.
    There are several mags "Fat Tire" for example that could
    be helpful.  I'll pass you some info.

    OK I know it's an old note...
    
    We just ordered, as my husband's 20-yr DEC anniversary 'present', a
    Huffy "blades" 26" mountain bike, IROC, 18 speed.  [amazing things you
    can now get for your Digital anniversaries....pots and pans, bikes,
    rings -- nothing with the Digital logo on it....]  We're planning on
    saving it for a while till our 12 yr old wants to be more like his
    friends and won't ride his 3-speed Schwinn anymore (at which point Dad
    will take it  :>}  ).
    
    Is this a good/decent/bad bike?  We know nothing about mountain bikes
    except that lots of people are riding them these days.  Right now our
    son doesn't do a whole lot of riding except up and down the street and
    through the neighborhood, but I imagine that'll change as he gets a bit
    older.
    
    Thanks.
    
    Sandy

    
    	I wouldn't expect miracles from a Huffy, because from what I've
    	seen, they use OK components and don't worry too much about the
    	bike's total weight [estimated weight of some of the "department
    	store" mountain bikes I've seen/lifted is about 30-35 pounds].
    
    	But Huffy has been around for years now, so they must be doing
    	something right.
    
    	So I'd say that if you're looking for a pretty good bike that
    	can be used for off-road riding, you're about to get one.
    

    
    It doesn't sound like your husband regularly trashes the woods and
    you are buying the mountainbike for the same reasons a lot of people
    buy a 4WD, i.e. it will never be taken cross-country.  The Huffy is
    "a bike" and used as such, you should be quite satisfied with it. 

    the only thing good about the bike is that it was free (unless you
    equate all the years at Digital to the price).
    
    Huffy is still around because they fill in the department store,
    disposable bike market. i believe there is a need for the market.
    
    just don't be disappointed when things don't work as they should.

    Huffys are GOOD!  They help keep the local bike shop in business and
    keep the prices down for the rest of us shopping there.
    
    Bob

    Okay Bob, I suppose you're right. They probably also provide slave
    labor opportunities in China and other far eastern countries.
    
    Sorry I missed those incredibly valuable by-products.
    
    Chip

    Hey, don't knock Huffy.  My Huffy road bike was free also (and it's
    worth every cent) and has run trouble free for 7+ years through daily 
    commutes.  However I noticed something when I started riding it again 
    after a 2 year rest (exclusively mtb) - the Huffy is a heavyweight, 28lbs !
    I am putting it on a diet, cleaning off about 1 lb of grease and dirt.  
    Replacing pedals & saddle are on the menu.

    i'm not knocking it. it is was it is period. that's all i'm saying.

    
    Eh?

    
    	He meant:
    
    	"It is what it is".
    
    	IE, it's a bike.
    

    It's 3:30 AM and the 7 month old needs to be tranquilized.  I use a
    bottle and the TV to do this.  What's on ?  Info-mercials.
    
    The one we watched was the Auto-Bike product.  Automatic, 6 speed
    transmission.  The sales pitch was slick.  A coat & tie dressed man
    says, '6 speeds is plenty', as his eyes shift to the left (a sure sign
    of a blatant lie).  A competitive mtb-er runs the Auto-bike through 
    muddy trails and then comments, 'The rims aren't bent, the tires and
    brakes work'.  An apparent bike shop owner, 'loves Auto-bike for
    the simplicity'.  A bike designer 'raves about the quality' as he
    hammers the frame on a work bench.  A bike messenger says, 'it shifts for 
    you so you can keep your eyes on the road'.  A student 'likes the big, 
    springy seat'.  An elderly man 'hates to decide on what gear to use'.
    On and on it goes, '4 payments of $89.99 plus $49.95 shipping'.
    
    I have also seen the Auto-bike for sale in the JC Penney's catalog.  It
    weighs-in at about 45 lbs.  Of course the TV add does not mention this.
    Forgive me for not including the phone number so you can order your
    Auto-bike today. ;)

    Thanks Shawn!
    
    Chip

    
    I did manage to figure that out, shawn.
    I'll include a smiley in future, just so you'll know ;^) 

    
    	Oops, just making sure.  8^)
    

    Yup, all this snow is crippling my brain more than usual, and just when
    you thought it was safe to go outside... Ba-dum -- Ba-dum -- Ba-dum