Bike Shopping- day 3- the freak out (long) [Archive] - Women's Cycling Discussion Forums

ace

02-19-2007, 10:57 AM

Hi all,

:eek: :eek: :eek:
I need some reassurance here (or a reality check). I'm someone who's gotten really into biking in the past year on my hybrid, never had been on a road bike until a few weeks ago. I go out at least a couple times a week and ride 30-40 miles, mostly with clubs. I love it, wanna improve my speed and endurance.....and I finally quit smoking, which will help in that dept. So I am ready to move to a road bike.

Last week's bike shopping/fitting left me excited, this week left me freaked out. This is the deal- I have all kinds of physical issues (back problems, carpal tunnel, knee issues, and very overweight), and already have a relationship with my lbs where they know about all this (they have put in lots of hours adjusting my clipless pedals so my knees and feet don't hurt, and did a great job, seem very precise, so I want to buy my bike from them).

So lbs took lots of measurements, talked to me for a couple of hours, but as I started to test road bikes, nothing felt comfortable, even with many adjustments. Contributing to this is that I have really long legs for my height (5'4, 32 1/2 inseam). So I had accepted that I was probably going to need a custom frame. Anyway, after more road testing yesterday on bikes that lbs got to be as close to my req'd geometry as possible, we settled on a custom steel Serrotta. I knew I was headed toward sticker shock....the total for everything (frame, gruppo, saddle, pedals, etc.) is going to be $4000. A lot of the specs meant nothing to me (should I care that my top tube is going to slant?), but I do know that I'm getting a triple crank with the Campy Centaur gruppo. I definitely can't do Shimano- it hurts my hands too much. I do know that the difference between a custom Serrotta frame and a stock is about $500, so it isn't really that much (I am in super-rationalization mode).

Now I can afford it (I work hard and make good money, have no dependents) but I feel like maybe that's just too much for a relative biking newbie. I didn't want to get an entry level bike (based partially on advice from this board that I should buy what I could afford and grow into it) I feel like my bike love is an obsession that is just growing.

Anyway, I put $1000 down to get a draft of the frame from Serrotta. Is this crazy??? Do you guys do stuff like this, and then feel wracked with guilt??? None of my non-biking friends will even begin to understand spending this much on a bike....but I guess I shouldn't care.

One cool thing was that I did get to ride LOTS of bikes, and learned how to use integrated shifting, which was easier than I thought. I don't know how the hell Susie learned how to use it at the same time as going clipless, though!

I also found the road bike really scary/unstable after years of riding a hybrid, but I'm told that's normal. My hybrid weighs almost 30 lbs and has wide tires. Babble, babble....

eek!
Amy

Grog

02-19-2007, 11:15 AM

I say GO FOR IT!

It's scary, I know... But I'm sure you won't regret it. It is a learning curve from the hybrid to the road bike, but with the right bike - which it seems like you're getting closer to - you'll be fine, fast, and have tons of fun.

mimitabby

02-19-2007, 11:16 AM

Amy, yes I can really relate to what you are going through. I spent a lot of money getting my Bianchi to fit me. I finally went to a Physical Therapist who specializes in bikes and he gave me a prescription; which was: the measurements for the right size of bike for me. So like any other obsessive bike geek, I started looking for bikes with that magic number; and before you could say rear derailleur, I had purchased sight unseen, an expensive italian frame and forks.

It has been more than a month and i have not seen this frame. It's somewhere in transit between being painted and the shop where I bought it from. In the meantime, I have offended my LBS for shopping for and buying wheels out of state (PEter White), offended my Dh for seeking advice from people on TE who clearly know gobs more than he does about some bike stuff, and yes, I have remorse; what if this bike comes, we put all this stuff together and it doesn't fit me?? what if another body part starts to hurt?

I am scared to death that I have made a big mistake too. And then I have the other fears; will I ride enough to DESERVE this bike? What if I fall down and never ride again? yep, I can really appreciate what you are going through.
I was going to get Centaur too, but at the bike swap, I fell into a RECORD gruppo for 500 dollars with 300 miles on it. :D

So to answer your question, yes, some of us guys do this, while others of us are on shoestring budgets and are riding used junker bikes. You will find every type here on TE, well, except for those who don't like to get on computer forums. I Hope this commiseration helps you a little.

Ps It's been about a year now for me on a road bike . I used to have a hybrid too.

ace

02-19-2007, 11:28 AM

Thank you. That does help a lot. I know you're a bit ahead of me on the trajectory, Mimi, but it does sound like you have similar issues.

It is very tough giving myself permission to do this. It is bringing up a lot of issues for me about what I "deserve," whether if people see me, a crappy beginner out there on this beautiful high-end bike they're going to think I'm ridiculous....that in itself is ridiculous. I'm 45 years old, I can do what I like!

And I also know that it's not really about deserving or not. Lots of very "deserving" people ride junkers because that's what they can afford. I am lucky enough to be able to afford an expensive bike, that's all. And I feel it really supports what I'm trying to do with my life- move towards taking better care of myself and doing things that make me happy, as opposed to my tendency, which is to work all the time.

Did I mention it's going to be a sort of irridescent purple-blue color? :)

mimitabby

02-19-2007, 11:53 AM

Oh, Ace, that sounds beautiful. and I wanted to congratulate you on quitting smoking. That is just fantastic. As soon as you have photos of your machine,
share them with us.
And yes, there will be people who will sneer at you because you aren't whatever THEY think should be riding that bike, but TS, it's your money and your bike.
And like I have, you'll learn.
I am getting more and more confident on my Bianchi, standing for fun,
going faster, making turns that i couldn't before. THere is a definite learning curve, and as long as you keep riding you will keep improving.

Kallisti

02-19-2007, 11:55 AM

I've been riding for, well, decades. I can tell you that it's never an easy time period between before the bike arrives, and after you've ridden it for the first month (it usually takes that long to tweak the bike to fit you perfectly). We all go through doubts until... that perfect ride. That's the ride that comes once your body becomes adjusted to the new riding position, and any other little adjustments needed. That's the ride where you find that you CAN make it up that hill easily with the new bike, or that riding can be totally pain-free.

Recently, I decided to get a new geared road bike. After doing research and testing many bikes, I went for a bike that I found to be very comfortable and fast; a Blue Competition RC6. I'm in love with this bike, but that's what worked for me, and everyone is very different. Did I have doubts? You betcha. I rode the Blue for the first few weeks with a "too-long" stem and "too-wide" handlebars. I knew that theoretically, once I switched these components out to the ones that fit, that my shoulder pain "should" go away. However it wasn't until I actually switched the handlebars and stem, and the pain ACTUALLY went away that I was sure I'd made the right decision. Until then, yeah, I was nervous. And I'd been through this many times before. I just did my first century on it, and I can honestly say that it was the most comfortable century I've ever had.

Also, going from hybrid to road position takes time; time for your muscles (and mind) to adjust to riding in a different position, and different style of riding. Depending on how often you ride, that will take a month or two, but afterwards, you might actually find the road bike more stable a high speeds than the hybrid.
Congratulations, and don't worry. You've been very smart about the way gone about picking out your new bike. I'm sure you'll love it.

mimitabby

02-19-2007, 11:59 AM

Also, going from hybrid to road position takes time; time for your muscles (and mind) to adjust to riding in a different position, and different style of riding. Depending on how often you ride, that will take a month or two,.

And if you're timid and a slow learner like me it could take a year!

IFjane

02-19-2007, 12:09 PM

Amy & Mimi - I am ahead of both of you but have gone through exactly what you are going through now. I started the process about a year ago when the physical pains I was having got too much to deal with any more. I had a bike fit & tried to make-do with my old beloved Lemond. By June I knew I needed to do something different so I, too, opted for a custom frame. Mine is from Independent Fabrication. I ordered it somewhere around July 1 and took delivery of it at the end of October....long wait but definitely worth it.

For those non-cycling friends who just don't understand - tell them this bike is your "little red sports car" or better yet, find something they are obscessed with and use that as an analogy. And ride and enjoy those new bikes!

ace

02-19-2007, 12:12 PM

Thanks so much for the input and support. This whole biking thing is a secret life in some ways for me. I don't really have friends who ride, so I am so incredibly grateful that I found this board.

It's funny, I thought the hard part of riding a road bike initially for me would be the integrated shifting, because I'm a total clod and my hands are messed up. But after 15 minutes on a trainer getting instruction from my lbs guy, both the Shimano and Campy shifting made sense and was easy (though the Shimano levers hurt my hands).

What REALLY was hard was going downhill! It felt soooo scary being on a light bike, so close to the road, not having the 30 lb stability of my hybrid. I deserved the scare, though. Just Saturday I was out on a ride with 20 other women, and I got really mad at them because they kept coasting and riding to the left on a narrow downhill section. I'm awful at climbing, but as you'd expect, like a bat out of hell on downhills and I take full advantage of it. But all these other women were on road bikes, so now I get maybe it's just harder to get used to downhill speed on a road bike.

Also, I'm glad I'd read on this board about the toe overlap thing, because one of the bikes I tested had it, and it didn't freak me out because I anticipated it. My fitter is going to try to get my new bike without the toe overlap, but it may be unavoidable if I'm going to get the proper fit on the rest of the bike.

BleeckerSt_Girl

02-19-2007, 12:19 PM

I long ago abandoned the go-nowhere guilt of thinking I didn't "deserve" a really fine bike, a fine banjo, great pair of boots, etc....the hell I don't!!!! :eek: :D Everyone deserves something nice.

Going into debt is perhaps not wise but if the price of something is not going to make you go without rent or food, etc, then why shouldn't you buy something nice? I assume you don't buy a new bike all the time and don't have a garage full of unused expensive bikes.

Think of your bike as just one of various bikes you may ride during your lifetime. The bike itself is not your riding- it's only a tool that enables you to ride a bicycle. You riding "a" bicycle is the important thing here. So, you can either buy a cheap bike and then sell it for next to nothing years later when you get a different bike....OR, you can buy a really great bike and sell it for some reasonable amount years later when you want to get a different bike. Meanwhile, you'll either be riding a cheap bike for those intervening years, or a great bike. Your choice. Just how expensive the "good" bike is depends on your budget of course. Some might consider an expensive bike to be anything over $500, others might think any bike over $2000....etc.

Congratulations on quitting smoking!!! That fact proves you can stick to something healthy with some determination. That might help indicate that you would stick with the healthy habit of bike riding too- that it's not just a whim- it's a whole lifestyle change that you are showing you are committed to. :)

ace

02-19-2007, 12:42 PM

Thanks, Lisa. The last few years have indeed been about transformation for me. I've lost 75 lbs (got another 60 lbs to go to my goal), and then the recent end to smoking. So much of my motivation is about how much easier it is to ride when I'm lighter and have lungs that actually work. I used to ride 30 miles, then go home and immediately chain smoke about 5 cigarettes....

I've really found that the ONLY motivation that works for me to control my self-destructive habits of many years duration is how much I love riding my bike, and I can't even put a price tag on that, when I think about it.

Grog

02-19-2007, 12:48 PM

I'm awful at climbing, but as you'd expect, like a bat out of hell on downhills and I take full advantage of it. But all these other women were on road bikes, so now I get maybe it's just harder to get used to downhill speed on a road bike.

I'm glad you're finding some comfort in our writings. :)

I actually find it less scary to descend on a road bike than a hybrid. By going down in the drops (the curved part of the handlebars), I get a good grip at the brakes and it makes me very stable... plus, I can go faster that way. :) Cornering on a road bike is also easier/more controlled on the road bike for me. This being said, I don't have a very good hybrid right now. But I hate going down a significant hill on it.

Surely once you're used to the lesser weight of the road bike and to the new wheels, you'll take even more pleasure in descending!!

SouthernBelle

02-19-2007, 01:11 PM

When I bought my road bike the first time or 2 I went out on it, I feared I had made a mistake. It wasn't a mistake. But there is a little learning curve. & you've been riding enough that it will be a short little curve.

& Mimi, are you serious about your LBS being ticked about your choice of wheels? I've been talking bars with my mechanic and he told me that even if I didn't buy them there, bring them to him cause he wants to set them up for me.

mimitabby

02-19-2007, 01:14 PM

& Mimi, are you serious about your LBS being ticked about your choice of wheels? I've been talking bars with my mechanic and he told me that even if I didn't buy them there, bring them to him cause he wants to set them up for me.
yep. There's a lot of ego involved here. I had to tell the guy "I had no idea you built wheels" then he showed me a WOODEN WHEEL that he built!
It was VERY cool. He actually located some antique wooden rims never been used and put spokes and stuff on them and put them on an old (beautiful) bike.

li10up

02-19-2007, 01:16 PM

I actually find it less scary to descend on a road bike than a hybrid. By going down in the drops (the curved part of the handlebars), I get a good grip at the brakes and it makes me very stable... plus, I can go faster that way.

Ok, this is another clue that my bike in some ways is too big for me. When I'm in the drops I can't reach the break levers very well. Not that I mind...I haven't found a hill big enough to want me to break on the way down...but then again I live in a fairly flat area. :) Slowly but surely I'm talking myself into buying a new bike. :D

SouthernBelle

02-19-2007, 01:29 PM

li10up, that could simply be your bars and/or levers or even your stem. Do you have the original bars, etc on your bike? I've put a shorter stem which helps and just last night won some salsa poco bars on ebay. I'll be glad to report back on what difference they make. Some day I'll get short reach shifters as I have stubby little fingers.

Mimi, I'll loan you my mechanic.

Kallisti

02-19-2007, 01:52 PM

Ok, this is another clue that my bike in some ways is too big for me. When I'm in the drops I can't reach the break levers very well.

Not that I mind...:eek: :eek:
But you should mind. This is going to put you in a funny position when you need to grab the brakes; your hand will be in a position that is too open, and therefore tense. You may not need a new bike, as this could be because the throw (the distance between the handlebar and the brake lever), is too long for you. That's what it sounds like anyway. This can possibly be fixed by shims in the brake levers, or new brake levers
It could also be stem length, which is also an easy fix (new stem).
The reason why I say that you should mind is that over time, overextending your reach can cause unnecessary pain in the back, shoulders and forearms. If you have an LBS that you trust, there shouldn't be a problem about asking them for help in adjusting the throw and/or stem length. It's well worth it in the long run.

7rider

02-19-2007, 02:02 PM

Amy,
I'm just going to echo what many of these fine ladies have said.
You DO deserve a great bike - to support your awesome accomplishments and goals and because you are awesome yourself. Congratulations!
Many folks here started with a hybrid and moved on to a road bike. I made that step - involuntarily - when my hybrid was stolen and I bought a road bike with the insurance claim. Although I had a hybrid because of my bad back, I never regretted getting a road bike for a second.
I don't think you can go wrong with a properly made custom bike. A friend of mine rides a Serrota. He loves it. It's a wonderful bike and will give you many years of blissful rides. And...a Serrota has the added benefit of being eye-candy. Beautiful!
Enjoy your bike! Post pictures when you get it so we can all drool over it!

anakiwa

02-19-2007, 02:54 PM

Trekhawk

02-19-2007, 02:58 PM

It is very tough giving myself permission to do this. It is bringing up a lot of issues for me about what I "deserve," whether if people see me, a crappy beginner out there on this beautiful high-end bike they're going to think I'm ridiculous....that in itself is ridiculous. I'm 45 years old, I can do what I like!

LOL - you sound like me. Last year my husband told me he wanted to buy me an eternity ring and I told him diamonds are nice but I would prefer a new bike. Well long story short he said get the bike of your dreams so I did a beautiful Colnago. Now I loved my new bike but felt just like you what would people think when they see how slow I ride. Well I was out riding one day and an older fit looking gentlemen cruises up next to me we start talking and he says beautiful bike. Now here I go again with the guilt and I say Im endeavouring to deserve it. He laughed and said you are out riding you sure do deserve it. Anyway it helped me to stop worrying about what others think because most of the time they are not thinking anything except hey nice bike. Cyclists love eye candy.

Happy riding and dont forget to post some pics when you get your new baby.:)

pooks

02-19-2007, 03:17 PM

Go for it! (As long as you think you're going to stick with cycling.)

If you have the money it's more than worth it to be on a bike that's comfortable (and you're probably more likely to stick with it if the bike fits).

And just don't tell your friends what it costs- if they're not into cycling they probably haven't ever heard of Serotta and wouldn't have clue that a bike could cost $4000.

Exactly what I was going to say!

I'm still on a hybrid but I hope to someday ride enough and be confident enough and have reason enough to switch! Meaning, I'm not speaking from experience so take my opinion for what it's worth.

But you said it yourself -- you can afford it. Hey, that pretty much answers your question right there! Why feel guilty when you indulge in something you can afford?

And as for what will people say? None of their business. So if you want to tell them, you can, but if you don't want to, why would you? If somebody tries to pin you down, don't forget -- JUST BECAUSE SOMEBODY ASKS DOESN'T MEAN YOU HAVE TO ANSWER.

You can come up with a funny or polite or rude response in advance if it makes you feel better. Or just shrug and say, "I don't remember -- I could easily afford it so I wrote the check and rode off and haven't thought about it since."

BleeckerSt_Girl

02-19-2007, 03:33 PM

You can come up with a funny or polite or rude response in advance if it makes you feel better. Or just shrug and say, "I don't remember -- I could easily afford it so I wrote the check and rode off and haven't thought about it since."

Just tell them you bought it with all the money you weren't spending on cigarettes anymore. :)

Blueaegis

02-19-2007, 03:35 PM

$4,000 sounds like crazy money for a bike, but think about the health benefits and joy it brings you.

People spend that amount on a dining room set that they never eat on or jewlery they never wear!

Just think about the smile on your face when you finish every club ride!

Crankin

02-19-2007, 03:48 PM

When someone asks me how much my Kuota costs (hasn't happened very often) I just laugh and say "a lot!" Just like someone said, if you can afford it, why feel guilty. I also felt that I didn't deserve the bike I have, sort of like a poseur, but guess what? Mostly people say "Cool bike," or something else nice. I get nice comments from really fast younger guys who normally wouldn't say anything to me as they whiz by.

DarcyInOregon

02-19-2007, 03:59 PM

Hi Amy, I purchased my road bike about four months ago. I love it. I went from a hybrid to the road bike, following the same path as others before me.

I just want you to know that I have back problems too, which is arthritis in the spine and two bad disks. When I injure the back again, like in a fall, and the sciatic nerve becomes inflamed, and I have nasty pain, I can still bike. That is how good the road bike is for a bad back.

Regarding the cost, everyone on this forum is a different age and a different level of income, so would have a different perspective as to the cost of your bike. I paid about $3500 for my Trek Pilot 5.2 WSD, which was the bike plus some extras, and the LBS was happy for the cash transaction. I didn't think the bike was too expensive, not for me anyway, but yes, if I was in college or still at an age where I was paying off the mortgage, then that amount would cause me some anguish. But I am 53, with zero debts, and a solid income flow, so the bike was not expensive for me. That is how you need to look at it. And like others said, this money will be the best money you ever spent. Until you decide you want one of the $20,000 bikes.:)

Another thing I might mention is I had the LBS put on additional brake levers on the straight part of the bar. With my bad back, I don't have any flexibility in the spine, and in going down the long descents, having the brakes up closer gives me more control without making my spine stretch so that the hands can remain near the brakes. It makes perfect sense for me because I have no desire to race or compete or train with others. I am a rural rider and I ride solo most of the time. Additional brake levers might make sense for you too, though you are an urban club rider. There are a lot of hills where you live.

Please post a photo of the bike when you get it.

Darcy

emily_in_nc

02-19-2007, 04:04 PM

$4,000 sounds like crazy money for a bike, but think about the health benefits and joy it brings you.

And think about how much less it is than a new car. That's what I tell my co-workers when their jaws drop over the price of my bikes. I tell them that all four of my bikes, including my $3500 Aegis Swift, all add up to less than one stinkmobile! :D

Emily

Geonz

02-19-2007, 04:07 PM

Welp, I'm going to toss aside judgements of "having too much when others don't have enough" because that's a totally different issue.

You have money to spend on yourself. The LBS has been really, really supportive, right? Getting a nice bike from them would do them good, too. There isn't a cheaper alternative that will do just as well - that's what makes a purchase unreasonable in my book. This could also -and I'm not just rationalizing - be cheaper than medical equipment/treatments you won't need later because you've got the right fitness equipment now.

I'd make sure I really *could* afford it... but then I'd do it. (I "needed" that blender, myself - *nothing* does the same thing!)

DarcyInOregon

02-19-2007, 04:08 PM

Another thing, use this forum to meet other ladies for bike outings. It is a lot of fun. However, it is normal to not have any biking friends. None of my friends bike at all, except for the friends I made on TE. My spouse doesn't bike because he is an invalid with brain damage due to a massive stroke some years ago; he never biked anyway. That is the wonderful thing about having a bicycle, and that is you can get on it and go. You don't have to be with anyone in order to enjoy yourself thoroughly.

Also, I love the event rides. Go to this url and see how many event rides you can participate in this summer:

http://www.bikeride.com/calendar/events.asp

I like the event rides so much I am going to travel to some, like the Daffodil Ride in La Conner, Washington, in April.

Darcy

ace

02-19-2007, 04:37 PM

Thanks, Darcy, and everyone else. I feel much better.

I would love to meet some of you wonderful women. I've seen info about a couple of NoCal rides posted, but I was afraid I was too slow.

I rode with my local bike club, the Oakland Yellowjackets, last summer and fall (and will do so again when the season starts in April) and am currently training for the Cinderella with the Fremont Freewheeler's training series (and I got into the Cindy). Then in May I have a 3 week vacation in Italy planned, a week of which is a supported bike trip in Tuscany. So I definitely have some biking planned.

But I'd still like to bike with the women from this board, as long as the rides aren't too tough. But now they all know I'm getting a $4000 bike!! :eek:

Just kidding.

mimitabby

02-19-2007, 05:35 PM

But I'd still like to bike with the women from this board, as long as the rides aren't too tough. But now they all know I'm getting a $4000 bike!! :eek:

Just kidding.

I love what Pooks said; if anyone asks you how much it cost, just blow them off; you forgot already.

Ace, all I can say is; you're not alone!
and Trekhawk, how WONDERFUL that you got a Colnago instead of a stupid diamond ring!! I'm glad your DH understood and got you something that would improve your life instead of .. well, whatever it is that diamonds do.

Bad JuJu

02-19-2007, 06:00 PM

Good for you, Ace! Like many of us here, I've also felt that twinge of buyer's remorse after slapping down a wad of hard-earned bucks for a snappy new bike. And at least once, my fears were confirmed--but that was my first adult bike, which, as it turns out, was too big for me and the salesman either didn't know or didn't care. OTOH, I sold it easily after only riding it for a few months and my next bike purchase was a Terry Symmetry, bought from another shop, of course, and after checking all the measurements and taking a good long test ride.

It sounds like you're doing this right--getting fitted, dealing with an LBS that you've built an honest relationship with. I can't speak to the diff between a hybrid and a road bike since I didn't start out on a hybrid. But I will say that the difference between the too-big road bike and the just-right Terry was vast, and too some getting used to simply because it was so much more responsive. So when you start riding your new bike, give yourself plenty of time to get used to it.

I've been eyeing those custom steel Serottas myself--is the Coeur d'Acier that you're getting? Yummy! We want pix, as soon as you get her home!

ace

02-19-2007, 06:44 PM

Yup, Juju, it's the Coeur d'Acier.

Do you think I should have them put "Coeur d'Acier" on the bike? They asked me millions of questions about the paint job, and I felt clueless....I guess it's all a matter of personal preference, but nothing I've thought about before.

logdiva32

02-19-2007, 07:32 PM

Ok, this is another clue that my bike in some ways is too big for me. When I'm in the drops I can't reach the break levers very well. Not that I mind...I haven't found a hill big enough to want me to break on the way down...but then again I live in a fairly flat area. :) Slowly but surely I'm talking myself into buying a new bike. :D

I also have the same problem. The LBS shifted the shift levers up and Handle Bars up a cm each, so I can brake from the hoods. Yet I have trouble reaching in the drops. But I don't plan on giving up my bike. I have to find a fix. I also have a 32" inseam at 5'4, but short upper torso, so I am riding a 48cm ( center to top) . I can not afford to spend my kids college fund on a bike, so I got the best I could non custom. I spent most of my of HS basketball referee money from this season on the bike. I still haven't told anyone the real price, my friends and family would not understand. I would never hear the end of it. Especially since i bring my lunch and rarely pass up a free meal. So buy what you want, is what I say, hehehe.... I am pretty athletic, so not sure about the difficulties some are having in handeling

LBTC

02-19-2007, 07:43 PM

Congratulations, Ace! On quitting smoking, and committing to a healthy lifestyle with this fabulous new purchase!! Don't fret. A well fit bike is the most important ingredient to an enjoyable ride that you'll want to do all the time. What a great world we live in that you know how you want to get in shape and you can afford it, too!

Hugs and happy butterflies,
~T~

Bad JuJu

02-20-2007, 06:42 AM

Do you think I should have them put "Coeur d'Acier" on the bike? They asked me millions of questions about the paint job, and I felt clueless....I guess it's all a matter of personal preference, but nothing I've thought about before.
Have you looked at the Serotta web site, where you can see examples of what various paint jobs look like? That might help you make some decisions about your paint design. Where would they put "Coeur d'Acier" on the frame, and how large would it be? I wouldn't want it to be very obtrusive, but that's just me.

mimitabby

02-20-2007, 06:46 AM

Have you looked at the Serotta web site, where you can see examples of what various paint jobs look like? That might help you make some decisions about your paint design. Where would they put "Coeur d'Acier" on the frame, and how large would it be? I wouldn't want it to be very obtrusive, but that's just me.

Heart of Steel? It's a steel framed bike ? Cool.

BleeckerSt_Girl

02-20-2007, 07:18 AM

Yup, Juju, it's the Coeur d'Acier.

Do you think I should have them put "Coeur d'Acier" on the bike?

Like.....YEAH!!!!!! I can't think of ANYTHING cooler than having that on my steel bike frame!!!!! Plus I think it will add bigtime to the collector value of the bike years from now.

Bad JuJu

02-20-2007, 10:19 AM

I went and looked at some pix of the Coeur d'Acier on the website, and it is a very subdued yet noticeable way that they apply the name "Coeur d'Acier" on the top tube. I'd definitely have that included. Do you get to pick your color for the lettering, or do they just use a standard complementary color?

ace

02-20-2007, 10:51 AM

You get to pick your own colors. The frame color I picked is "Harlequin," it's sort of a medium purple-blue irridescent color, changes with the light. It's number 22:

http://www.serotta.com/pages/colors.html

I picked white for the lettering of "Serotta," but I can change it. What color do you think I should do the Coeur d'Acier? I thought silver might be good for all the lettering, but I'm not sure it will show on the Harlequin.

Now that I'm looking at the colors on the website, number 23 looks good as a frame color, too.....

Bad JuJu

02-20-2007, 03:20 PM

Looks to me like either white or silver would show up OK. I like that harlequin color but I like the other one, too--the "copper harlequin." Tough decisions!

7rider

02-20-2007, 03:37 PM

Oh, my! To have such a wonderful hard decision to make! :D
This is going to be one sweet ride.

melissam

02-20-2007, 04:03 PM

But I'd still like to bike with the women from this board, as long as the rides aren't too tough. But now they all know I'm getting a $4000 bike!! :eek:

Just kidding.

Amy,

I spend a fair bit of time up in your neck of the woods and would be happy to ride with you. $4k bike or hybrid -- doesn't matter to me! :)

I have a Trek 5200 WSD -- a nice little carbon bike that I bought because it fit me well, has a triple chainring and nice Ultegra components. Oh, and I could afford it. I aspire to be half as good of a rider as my bike is a bike. Sometimes I think that even kids on their Schwinns could pass me. Thank goodness I have a nice bike, or I'd be even SLOWER!!! :eek:

-- Melissa

PS I hope I'm not too slow for you!

ace

02-20-2007, 05:29 PM

Bad JuJu

02-21-2007, 08:58 AM

mimitabby

02-21-2007, 09:08 AM

7rider

02-21-2007, 09:14 AM

Oh, man, this is bad. Very bad. So bad. Reading this thread has started me thinking about a custom Serotta again, after I'd solidly put the idea out of my head when I got what I thought was that deal-of-the-century last fall on my Bianchi.

But after some major tweaking, I'm still not quite comfy on the Bianchi, though I love everything else about her. So with that, and with the evil influence of Ace, I've taken to lurking at the Serotta website again. *sigh*

I hear you, JJ.
I'm staring 40 in the face this year and starting to think "new custom bike" would be a cool thing. Only, my LBS (and good friend) is a Seven dealer, so anything but a Seven is out of the question. That's not necessarily a bad thing. :p But DH is awaiting delivery of his custom Seven ID8 - this weekend, hopefully - and he says I cannot get an ID8 (drat!) so it would HAVE to be an Elium SG. I'm starting to rationalize it by telling myself my current Seven is not custom and, gosh, with my herniated disc in the neck and my back back and creaky hips (and I'm only turning 40?? Yikes!), I would really do well with a custom ride.
CURSE YOU, ACE!!!!!! :D :D

mimitabby

02-21-2007, 09:21 AM

I hear you, JJ.
I'm staring 40 in the face this year and starting to think "new custom bike" would be a cool thing. Only, my LBS (and good friend) is a Seven dealer, so anything but a Seven is out of the question. That's not necessarily a bad thing. :p But DH is awaiting delivery of his custom Seven ID8 - this weekend, hopefully - and he says I cannot get an ID8 (drat!) so it would HAVE to be an Elium SG. I'm starting to rationalize it by telling myself my current Seven is not custom and, gosh, with my herniated disc in the neck and my back back and creaky hips (and I'm only turning 40?? Yikes!), I would really do well with a custom ride.
CURSE YOU, ACE!!!!!! :D :D

hey, wait!! why can't you get an ID8?
and for all the physical problems you're having you should be doing some cross training!

mimitabby

02-21-2007, 09:22 AM

Don't just blame Ace, a lot of us are doing this. Sometimes spending that money on a piece of equipment that keeps us exercising happily is just the thing to promote health!
(still waiting for my bike frame, so much for instant gratification!)

farrellcollie

02-21-2007, 09:25 AM

I freaked out when I decided I wanted to commute by bike and spent $250 on a hybrid that weighs a ton.(I kept thinking $250 for a BIKE?) but I bought it and I used it for a few years (still use it for commuting) - if nothing else the cost kept me on it (I have a good job - the actual money was not the problem - just the thought of it) LAst year I started thinking about road bikes - I went through the same process - thinking No way can I spend this much on a bike - but again happy I did and it keeps me riding it.

7rider

02-21-2007, 09:35 AM

hey, wait!! why can't you get an ID8?
and for all the physical problems you're having you should be doing some cross training!

It's that whole "matching" thing. Can't have matching bikes (even tho' they would, technically, be different). Too cute - and I think we'd both break out in hives at the thought of it! ;)

Actually, back is not that bad - it's all in the neck right now. But, yeah....more cross training would be good. I need to get back to the gym for some upper body work......

7rider

02-21-2007, 09:36 AM

melissam

02-21-2007, 09:45 AM

Well, Melissa, if you're too slow for me, just take me up a hill and I'll eat your dust!

Definitely send me a message if you're going to be up my way....I will almost never say no to a bike ride.

-Amy

Amy,

Hmmm, hills. Yeah, there's a lot up there in the East Bay. (We have a few down here in SJ and the Peninsula, too. But geez, I got a tour -- in the car -- of Old Tunnel Road and the Three Bears. Oh my. I will be changing my rear cassette and derailleur.)

By the way, if you get the Serotta, what kind of cassette are you planning to get? I have a 12-25 on my Trek, and I'm thinking of going to something like a 14-34 with a mountain bike derailleur so I can get up some of the East Bay hills. My apologies if you've already mentioned this in an earlier post in the thread.

Anyway, there might be clear weather on Sunday. What would you think of a nice, flat ride on the Bay Trail?

-- Melissa

logdiva32

02-21-2007, 10:14 AM

Bad JuJu

02-21-2007, 10:40 AM

Don't just blame Ace
But...But...But...then I'd have to blame myself.....;)
You know we're all loving this whole vicarious bike-shopping trip, Ace!:)

ace

02-21-2007, 05:08 PM

All- I am thrilled to have inspired an avalanche of decadence :D

A (male) friend said to me today, after I told him about the bike I'm buying (he's really into bikes), "you know, that's the difference between men and women; a man would just buy the bike, not care about the cost or if he's a novice rider, and just be thrilled to show it off."

Melissam- that might be great- maybe we can check in with each other on Satuday? I have a bad knee, and I'm supposed to do a very long, hard ride on Saturday, so if I go, there's no way I can ride on Sunday, too. I need a day to recover. However, it's quite possible that my knee will be too bad to ride on Saturday, but I can always manage the Bay Trail. Feel free to private message me or I'll pm you and we can exchange contact info.

Anyone else wanna come?

melissam

02-21-2007, 06:07 PM

Melissam- that might be great- maybe we can check in with each other on Satuday? I have a bad knee, and I'm supposed to do a very long, hard ride on Saturday, so if I go, there's no way I can ride on Sunday, too. I need a day to recover. However, it's quite possible that my knee will be too bad to ride on Saturday, but I can always manage the Bay Trail. Feel free to private message me or I'll pm you and we can exchange contact info.

Anyone else wanna come?

Amy,

Crud. I just found out that I have a conflict on Sunday.

Let's shoot for another weekend, when the weather and your knee will be better.

Sorry 'bout that.

And now, back to your regularly scheduled avalanche of decadence.

-- Melissa

pooks

02-22-2007, 05:16 AM

I have a bad knee, and I'm supposed to do a very long, hard ride on Saturday, so if I go, there's no way I can ride on Sunday, too.

Ahem.

"I have a bad knee" followed by "do a very long, hard ride on Saturday."

Let's think about this seriously.

Even with threat or existance of pain, you're planning a "long, hard ride" and you still need to wonder, "do I deserve this nice bicycle?"

:rolleyes:

Listen to the guy at work.

Oh, and practice saying, "Bite me."

:D

LadyinWhite

02-22-2007, 06:23 AM

All- I am thrilled to have inspired an avalanche of decadence :D

A (male) friend said to me today, after I told him about the bike I'm buying (he's really into bikes), "you know, that's the difference between men and women; a man would just buy the bike, not care about the cost or if he's a novice rider, and just be thrilled to show it off."

Unless that man happens to be a Scot like my DH who thinks that if the bike has 2 airtight wheels, working brakes and a seat set on the post, why on earth would you need a new one??

Trust me, while money may not be an issue, I'm still trying to get DH mentally past the cost of my entry level Trek 1000 I bought a year ago. :rolleyes:

ace

02-22-2007, 07:05 AM

hm. Very good point, pooks. I will have to contemplate that!

I'm sure a bunch of you engage in "pain calculations."

I generally spend all week obsessing about whether my knee's going to be painful enough to keep me from riding on the weekend (a certain amount of pain is acceptable, but if I can barely stand up w/o pain, it's not a great idea for me to be out on a bike). This past weekend, knee allowed me to ride Saturday, and I also rode Sunday and Monday (and Monday I was practicing hills for about a half hour and messed up my knee), so knee thinks it might need Saturday off. I am pissed. It is a Cindy training ride, and I need the practice, but I think it's too much climbing for my knee this weekend.

Bad JuJu

02-22-2007, 08:52 AM

Ace, did you say what your knee problem consists of? Maybe I missed it. But here's what works for me regarding knee pain: I wear a Cho-Pat strap every time I go out for a ride of more than a few miles. I have arthritis in my left knee and both kneecaps are rotated outward a few degrees, though the only one that complains is the arthritic lefty. Apparently the Cho-Pat strap supports the kneecap just enough that those conditions are rendered insignificant as I pedal.

Or maybe it's just a placebo effect--who knows? Bottom line: I'm able to do rides of 40+ miles without significant knee pain, whereas I couldn't do that without the strap. Last spring I did a 4-day bike tour, with back-to-back 40+ mile days and came home still able to ride pretty comfortably.

Check out the strap at FootSmart.com (http://www.footsmart.com/C-Knee-Supports-Lower-Body-Health-76.aspx).

ace

02-22-2007, 11:43 AM

stacie

02-22-2007, 12:15 PM

My initial response was "that's crazy". I waited years before buying my first new bike. I had a couple of used ones first. I thought I had put in the time to deserve a new bike. I shopped for a while and ended up spending alot of money on a custom steel bike. Everyone told me I was crazy and that I would regret it. I did regret it almost immediatly. It was so much money and maybe I should just buy the carbon that everyone else said would be better. I had enough money to buy a really nice bike. When I got my new bike, I felt miserable. It took a couple of fittings to get it just right. Since then, I've never had a bad ride. I cannot begin to tell you the difference in this bike. My only regret is that I waited so long to buy it. So, go for it. But, make sure you really trust and know the person helping with the specs. My friends didn't show up for our ride this morning. I rode 50 with some pretty serious winds. At times I could forget I was even riding. I just feel so at home on my bike. I wish you the same. stacie:)

Bad JuJu

02-22-2007, 01:51 PM

The only thing that has accelerated the healing is these weird chinese medicine patches my acupuncturist gives me.
So, what are these little miracles called, and where can I get some?

ace

02-22-2007, 02:43 PM

I got some slight crap for posting about these on the board before, 'cause they're not fda approved- they're chinese herbal medicine. But they're topical, so not a huge risk, and suck the inflammation right outa your knee. You wear one two days, leave it off for two days, put one on for two days, etc. until you've used up three. Don't ice you knee while you're using it. I got it cheaper ($35/patch) from my acupuncturist, but you can get them direct from the manufacturer for more:

http://www.weilab.com/whiteepatch

The large size is appropriate for knees. Feel free to ask if you have questions. They really helped me when nothing else did.

ace

02-22-2007, 02:44 PM

Sorry, I meant- you put one on for two days, leave it off for ONE day, put another one on for two days, leave it off for one day, etc. The application is described here:

http://www.weilab.com/whiteepatch-procedure.html

I was impressed by how well they stayed on in the shower, too.

LadyinWhite

02-22-2007, 03:09 PM

Hey BadJuju-

Glad you found something that works!

Won't work for me, though. I fell in November (slipped on water in a studio at the gym while doing lunges) and banged the hell out of my knee. It is still pretty inflamed (I know it sounds crazy, but apparently contusions can take months and months to heal), although much improved, so doing too many hills right now just makes it swell up and HURT.

The only thing that has accelerated the healing is these weird chinese medicine patches my acupuncturist gives me- I'm getting some more tomorrow, so hopefully I'll at least be able to ride a bit this weekend.

I think the 40 mile hilly thing is definitely out for this weekend, though. :(

I second this. I crashed on the bike last fall and am still in knee pain. PT helped a lot but several docs and orthopedists say the same thing. Inflammation. It takes a LONG time and the more you continue to use it (i.e. ride, play tennis), the longer it's going to take to heal. My tennis coach has layed off the lateral movements and the running which has helped and I've used the winter months to baby it (very little riding, 3 hours a week, and all on a trainer, very controlled), plus regular weight training, exercises and stretching. All to get to a point where the pain is no longer excruciating & utterly crippling, but merely annoying and tolerable. (at least I'm off the vicodans now, my kids were starting to call me House)

Good luck with it and really, if you can, try to give it time to heal. I feel for you.

ace

02-22-2007, 04:49 PM

Thanks, LadyinWhite- sounds like you can relate.

I am just keeping focused on my big goal (and reward for my suffering), which is a bike trip in Tuscany I'm going on at the end of May. I am planning on being much better by then :rolleyes:

I'm glad you reminded me to baby it- I don't care what I do between now and then, but I'm going on that damn trip, come hell or high water. My ortho has said he'll give me a cortisone shot in my knee before the trip if I'm not better by then, but I think I will be....I've been progressively been improving. It's just last weekend I pushed too far with 3 days of riding in a row. Now I know not to do that ;)

Unfortunately, I'm a very experiential learner.

mimitabby

02-22-2007, 06:35 PM

I'm glad you reminded me to baby it- I don't care what I do between now and then, but I'm going on that damn trip, come hell or high water. My ortho has said he'll give me a cortisone shot in my knee before the trip if I'm not better by then, but I think I will be....I've been progressively been improving. It's just last weekend I pushed too far with 3 days of riding in a row. Now I know not to do that ;)

Unfortunately, I'm a very experiential learner.

lol. hey, how come you can cuss and I can't.. (whenever i try i get ****** )
I've tried chinese medicine before too. It's always scary to try new / different things.

ace

02-22-2007, 07:03 PM

Well, let me know if you need me to swear for you, Mimi, and I'll represent.

Chinese medicine doesn't scare me at all- none of it has ever hurt me. Now for Western medicine, I wish I could say the same. Having had surgery six times (once having a laser drill into the bones in my ear when I was awake), I am definitely much more afraid of the guys with the pills and drills (although I appreciate what they've done for me, painful though it's been).

momof4greatkids

02-25-2007, 05:59 PM

Hi all,

:eek: :eek: :eek:
I need some reassurance here (or a reality check).

snippage
Now I can afford it (I work hard and make good money, have no dependents) but I feel like maybe that's just too much for a relative biking newbie. I didn't want to get an entry level bike (based partially on advice from this board that I should buy what I could afford and grow into it) I feel like my bike love is an obsession that is just growing.

Amy

I'm just jumping in here to reply to Amy, I haven't read all these posts. But I say GO FOR IT LADY...what are you waiting for? There's nothing holding you back, money isn't a problem. This will be a dream bike you will ride happily and comfortably for years. It will take you to the next level in cycling and your fitness journey.

One thing I've learned from other shopping experiences, especially w/an item you will have for a very long time, is get the best you can afford. Long after you've forgotten how much you paid for your new steed, you will be riding a bike that makes you happy, is reliable and well-fitting.

I hope you get it, you deserve it! And congrats on quitting smoking and for all the achievements you've made in cycling!

Colleen