😎Hi. I'm new to the internet (late starter!) and am still finding my way, frequently panic if I can't understand what's happened when I have pressed something I shouldn't have. My husband & I bought new Avanti Pioneer bikes last year and just love riding now. Also own a 30+ year old 10 speed racer which never really got out of one gear as it was a nightmare to find the right one, so I just left it alone and pedalled harder and gave up riding when children arrived. Children now gone. Am very pleased with the new bike its gears are wonderful. Have no complaints as yet. Have discovered that recreational cycling is great, either alone or with partner. Find riding is fairly solitary even in pairs as wind noise prevents hearing voices adequately and find it frustrating having to repeat things over and over (I think husband is deaf!).
I have been looking at this forum for about a month now and find it interesting and believe it is important for women to have a place to voice their concerns and opinions. Hope I have something more useful to communicate in the future.
The women's community is not terribly active here - but if you are interested in talking to other women cyclists there is a great women's forum at http://forums.teamestrogen.com
For the old ten speed, some new Index Shifters and an index chain will cost about $30 tops, I do them all the time. This will make it a pleasure to ride. 😉