Wheel Family Fun: Finding a bicycle to buy — it ain’t easy!

When I finally decided I needed a new mountain bike, there weren’t any. I stopped at all the local bike shops — nothing in stock in the size and type I wanted. Shop personnel couldn’t even tell me what they’d be receiving in the next few months. Some were looking ahead to 2022 or 2023 for new inventory. The bicycle supply chain, like many others, was seriously disrupted by COVID-19. I was told to be patient and keep looking.

Once I have a bicycle I like, I’m slow to develop the desire for a newer, more modern one. While other mountain bikers I know followed the evolution from 26ers to 29ers, 27.5ers and fat bikes, I was perfectly content with my triple crank, 26er. My Giant Anthem fit me perfectly and did everything I wanted it to do. It was light and fast and very nimble — a perfect cross-country bike. It has served me well since 2008!