Uh-oh... falling in love.

[rij73]

You guys might remember my previous post entitled "I love my bike!"... Well, I hate to say it, but I'm lusting after another. Now don't get me wrong, I do still love my bike, but as some of you predicted, I'm starting to have real road-bike fantasies. As much as I have been enjoying my flat-bar bike, I went to a fancy bike shop in Florida while visiting my mom last week... just to look around, mind you... Then it happened. I saw an Orbea Onix TDE.
http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m226/rij73/OnixTDE_big.jpg
I tried out the SRAM shifters, and they were dreamy. Perfect for my small hands. I had the impression from my husband's Shimano 105 levers, that I would never be able to manage road bike levers, but I was wrong. The SRAM levers are SO COMFY, and they work so smoothly. I didn't ride the bike, but the shop owner and I discussed my riding goals, and he thought I was right on track looking at that bike. All I can say right now is UH-OH...

So here's my idea. DH and I are going on a cycling vacation in the Catskills next month. Also, I'm going to train for a century here in New York in September. I'm going to ride it on my current bike. If I am successful and still enjoying riding after this summer, I think I will be able to justify to DH and myself spending $2300 on the Orbea. Does that sound reasonable to you ladies?

[KnottedYet]

Sounds good to me!

(says Knot, who has bought 4 bikes in the last year or so) (ok, one was for the SKnot, and one got traded in for bike #4... but that's still 4 bikes!)

[mimitabby]

wow, that's the prettiest Orbea I've seen.

I can commiserate. I am very prone to this kind of love. As i sit here waiting for my next bike to be made, I am plotting future bikes. And if a Mercian ever comes up on Ebay in good condition and near my size, well, I'll try to get it!

[F8th637]

LOL I had the same problem but thankfully I didn't fall for a high-priced lover like it seems you have. ;) I was happy with an old road/tourie that I found on Craigslist for $75.

I think after the century is a good time to make a case for the bike. Anyway, of course you're preaching to the choir here but the Orbea sounds like an investment to me! :D

[Sheesh]

Very pretty! Nice choice. :D

[Zen]

... If I am successful and still enjoying riding after this summer, I think I will be able to justify to DH and myself spending $2300 on the Orbea. Does that sound reasonable to you ladies?

I'm unemployed, so my answer to your need for external validation is a resounding NO ;) .

[indysteel]

Road bike lust. It happens to the best of us. I bought my road bike about six weeks after I bought my Trek FX. Granted, it cost less than the Orbea (which is a beauty btw). It seemed a bit extravagent at the time, but I don't regret it for a second. It's my baby. I've been trying to find a good home for my Trek because I never ride it now. Live and learn.

[indysteel]

I forgot to add that I like your plan although if it were me, I'd get the bike before the Catskills and your century if your budget allows. You only live once (or so they say). ;)

[Aggie_Ama]

I have a lovely carbon Cannondale Synapse and Orbeas still make me weak. It is a pricy bike but only you will be able to judge your finances and love of cycling. I spent $600 on my first bike because we just weren't sure I would like it and anything above that was a big financial risk for us. I rode that bike (it was a Fuji Road Bike) for 4,000 miles then spent $2300 on my Cannondale.

Then again we are talking about a gorgeous Orbea- GET IT! :D

[ladyicon]

Sounds about right to me. I have bought 4 bikes in 4 years. I have learned never to go into a bike shop and ride a bike you lust for. I now have my Specialized Ruby Expert and love it. My Trek Pilot sits there feeling jealous.

[luv2fly]

That is one sharp ride :)

[rij73]

Thanks everybody. I rode 53 miles yesterday, and I was really wishing I had the Orbea NOW. :D

[Velobambina]

Getting the bike sounds like a good reward for all that training and then, doing the Century. Maybe, by that time, you can get the bike at a discount since the summer will be over and stores will be making way for the '08 models.

Other reasons: you always need a spare bike in case your main ride is in the hospital. And, one bike must be designated the "beater," for riding in bad weather.

The bike matches your dog. It's fate.

[Brina]

I join you in Orbea lust. There was a Diva on display when I went to the LBS yesterday. Oh man, I want that bike. DH would kill me. Plus, I have a Ruby, and love it. I wonder how much I could get for my Ruby? It would barely make a dent in the cost of the Diva.

[northstar]

I join you in Orbea lust. There was a Diva on display when I went to the LBS yesterday. Oh man, I want that bike. DH would kill me.

Yep, me too. Orbeas are HOT. A Diva "might" just be my next bike.

I talk about this from time to time and my DH looks at me like I am insane.

ETA: Rij, go for it. You will NOT regret getting a full-blown road bike. If you've got the itch, you know you will get a lot of miles out of it. (My hands can't tolerate a flat-bar bike. It's just not comfortable!) What a treat it would be for you to tour the Catskills and ride a century on such a beautiful bike!

[Jo-n-NY]

It was inevidable. When wanting to get more of a road bike I went for a Specialized Sirrus which has straight handlebars. Well, two years later I wanted a "real" road bike and got the Specialized Dolce Comp and loved the feeling of the drop handle bars and changing gears and braking. In fact I think it is more comfortable than the straight bars. Well, I now have the Ruby Prol and the carbon is just the icing on the cake.

If you can, go for it!!!! My Sirrus now makes a great commuter & errand bike.

~ JoAnn