The Nishiki bike Andy refers to I bought nearly 20 years ago when I worked for a large urban public school district. That bike is about the only positive memory I have from my first year of teaching. My Nishiki is a racing bike and I bought it because it doesn’t weigh very much. I’m petite & I knew that I wouldn’t be able to lift a heavier bike into a car.

Andy is correct about changes in bike technology. My new comfort bike weighs just a bit more than the Nishiki and riding it is easier on my back. I’m not hunched over the handle-bars as I am when I ride the Nishiki. I love the shock absorbers. Carrying a back-pack full of student work, my PowerMac laptop, and lesson plans leaves me with a stiff lower back. I’m trying to exercise more and regain my flexibility.