made the big jump

[Barb]

Gulp, I just put a deposit down on a new bike. I didn't mean to spend so much, honest I did not. But when they rolled her out, and ohhh was she smooth, I took the bait. Now there are decisions to be made. The bike is a Bianchi Eros Donna. the one in the shop is an '04. This weekend an '03 will be in the shop. The difference? The '03 frame is made in Italy. The '04 is made in Taiwan. They will both be built for me so I can ride to see which one I want. The '04 is orange (which is very cool). The '03 is blue and $100 cheaper. Away from the shop, now I feel VERY nervous about spending the money.

I really meant to go with the Brava, but Campi versus Shimano..................................................Quick Ladies tell me a made a good decision. Tell me, it's only money and I'm worth it. Tell me to shut up and go ride!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Veronica]

Shut up and go ride. :D

Veronica

[Veronica]

Oh yeah, I almost forgot. It's only money and you're worth it. That part I'm sincere about.

V.

[snapdragen]

Ride them both, whichever one feels the best, calls your name, that's the bike to get.

Now shut up and ride, you are worth it!

[emily_in_nc]

Barb, I checked out the 2004 model on the web (orange!!), and it's a beaut!

(http://www.bianchiusa.com/eros_donna.html)

I think you made the right decision. I recently built a new bike with Campagnolo components (after using Shimano Ultegra on my previous bike), and I love the shifting so much! Give yourself a few rides to get used to it, but I bet you'll like it too! :)

Let us know which one you end up getting. I love the orange!

Emily

P.S. One thing to be careful about with this bike since it has a short top tube but 700c wheels is toe overlap. If you turn the front wheel sharply at low speed and one of your feet is in the 3pm position, you could hit your toe and go down. I have a bit of overlap on my bike as well, even though I have 650c wheels, because of the short top tube. I've never gone down, but I've come close a couple of times. Just something to be aware of....

[ausgirl]

I checked out the 2004 model - the orange bike, and she is pretty! So compact, but very pretty!:)

[jobob]

Please, it's not orange, it's mango, Kandy Mango to be exact - and it looks absolutely yummy ! :cool:

And to be honest, that seems to be a good price for what you're getting. ( Does that help any? :) )

Enjoy your ride, no matter what you decide.

[Barb]

Thanks girls! I knew I could count on you. During my ride tonight I decided that I would go with the '04 (yes, Kandy Mango) and not worry about Taiwan vs. Italian frame. Color is more important isn't it?!!!

Now, I can have it fit and take it home as early as Wednesday. Oh yeah, now I need a new pump too...presta valves. :rolleyes:

[ausgirl]

Congratulations!!! I'm sure you'll love your new bike! :D

[fultzie]

AWESOME!!!
Wow, she really is a pretty bike!! :D great choice w/ Bianchi! Congrats, and happy riding! :)

[Biking Chick]

Originally posted by Barb
Quick Ladies tell me a made a good decision. Tell me, it's only money and I'm worth it. Tell me to shut up and go ride!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Anything with the name Kandy Mango has GOT to be awesome. Gazing into my crystal ball ... I see the only regret you would have would be if you passed on the bike :D

[ragbrai40]

What a gorgeous bike! Woo Hoo! With that bike, you will not suffer any buyer's remorse!;)

Happy trails!

[Dogmama]

Way to go! Nice thing is - you won't have to buy another bike for a long time because you have QUALITY.

Are you naming her?

[Barb]

She's sleek, she's sexy, she's MANGO ....and her name is Carmen Miranda!!!

Now I don't have another day or evening off until Wednesday so I have to wait..and wait............I'm not good at waiting.

Any Michigander's out there ever do the Blue Water Ramble? I feel a century is in my future. :)

[fultzie]

You should do the OHR!! (One Helluva Ride) The A2 bike touring society runs it each year... it's July 10 this year and the century option goes thru Hell, MI (great ice cream in Hell... :))
they also have nifty t-shirts that say "I Rode Through Hell and Back" :D
check out www.aabts.org (http://www.aabts.org)

[Barb]

I am planning on OHR, although I won't be ready for a century until Sept/Oct. How hilly is that ride anyway? ;)

[fultzie]

actually, my first ride on my road bike was through Hell and back :D it's moderately hilly... some rolling hills, but nothing too painful. i managed 50-miles from A2 to Hell (slowly) as a new-newbie, hardly worn my shorts yet and *definitely* hadn't broken in my saddle :eek: it's very scenic :)
we should meet up and grab something to eat!! both the 75 and 100 mile loops go through Hell (mmm, ice cream), and all of the loops have a central meeting place. i'm trying to drag one of my friends along with me... she went for her first ride on a road bike (my stepdad's) last weekend-- it started out as a nice, flat 40-miler, and turned into a rather hilly 80-miler (we were up north and kept deciding on "just a few more miles"!!) the most she'd ever ridden before was 20 miles on a hybrid. she's asking her parents for a Bianchi Brava for her birthday in August (my roomie--- yaaay for more bikes crammed into our dorm room!!) :D :D
okay, that was totally off-topic, sorry!!
but let me know what loop you plan on doing! i'll keep an eye out for your bike :) i've got her older cousin-- a 3-year old teal green Eros with maize and blue handlebar tape (matches the accents on the frame :cool: ) oh, and i'll probably be wearing a nice, bright, Maize n' Blue jersey :D unless it's scorching hot, which is quite possible... then i'll be wearing something sleeveless :p

oh, where can i find info on the Blue Water Ramble? and when is it? :)

[Barb]

The Blue Water is in October. They don't have the site updated yet. Just do a search for Blue Water Ramble and keep an eye for updates.

I seriously need someone to ride with, it would make the longer rides easier I think. I'm trying my first group ride tomorrow. Hopefully I will meet a buddy that way :)

[pkq]

Congrats on the new bike. Looks great and I'm sure you'll enjoy group riding especially on longer rides.