Changing “Gears,” temporaily

For Floridians, this season has been uncharacteristically cold and wet—a stark departure from the usual dry, sunlit days. It feels like an eternity since I last ventured out on the water, but perhaps this shift in weather is a gentle nudge to change gears, if only for a moment.

Over the course of my life, I’ve had four bikes, each marking a distinct chapter of my journey. My first was a child’s starter bike (1961–63), complete with training wheels.

Then came a Schwinn Stingray (1963–1974), which gradually evolved into what would later be known as a BMX. At 17, I transitioned to a Gitane magnesium-frame 10-speed road bike (1974–2025), a loyal companion, modified over the years, and eventually sold to a kind soul to make room in my garage for a new bike.

As my history of holding onto things suggests, I undertook months of internet research to become familiar with the language as well as features, parts, and trends in modern bike design. As like in surfing, paddle boarding and kayaking, the first question I needed to answer is: “Where am mostly using this?” I sought an all-purpose bike, despite the purists’ insistence that no such thing exists’. “Choose one or the other,” I was told, and I understood their reasoning, but I was undeterred, I knew my journeys would span smooth pavement along Florida’s extensive pavement (60%) rail-to-trail conversions and the hard-packed (40%) trails of the state and federal park networks. I needed a bike that I was comfortable peddling for the 30 mile pavement rides as well as 8 mile gravel and hard packed trails.

It was now time test ride several brands and models: REI Co-Op, Cannondale, Scott, Giant, Specialized and Trek–– looking in the price range under $2,000. Of all the shops and bikes, I settled on the Trek Dual Sport 3 Gen 5 Medium Frame ($1,078) from the Trek Store in Stuart Fl. This bike had exactly what I was looking for in an all-purpose bike. The Dual Sport 3 Gen 5 was not only the lightest (26 lbs) of the group, but the most comfortable, well built with upper-end parts and was the only bike/model that had all purpose tires, good for pavement as well as hard-packed trail.

Arrival day: I took it out for a 9.5 mile test ride in my area, hitting mostly paved trails and some hard-packed trails. I moved it over Florida grass (very grabby) as well as loose sand and was impressed by how easily I was able to peddle through these in a low gear– something my Gitane would never have handled. The tire size seemed just right.

I added some accessories: Lamicall Motorcycle Phone Mount Holder, a ROCKBROS Top Tube Bike Bag, a HUALONG Water Bottle Holder and a CamelBak Podium Chill Insulated Water Bottle. Finally, a set of Rechargeable Bicycle Lights. All of which I would highly recommend.

Looking forward to getting back onto the water.