Evil, Rotten, Enabling DH (Or, Somebody Talk Some Sense Into Me!)

[Skierchickie]

So, this spring a new lbs opened up in our area, giving competition to my old lbs. Owned & operated by a couple of really good former employees of lbs #1. We've been buying stuff from both, trying to spread out our business. The new shop carries Jamis, which I don't know that much about, except for the great value for your money aspect. The older lbs is a Trek dealer (I've bought 7 bikes from them since 1987, and my DH has bought 6 or so).

So, lbs #2 doesn't have any higher-end bikes in stock, but looking on-line, I've been intrigued by the Jamis Xenith Pro (carbon fiber frame, all Dura-Ace, for about what my all-Ultegra Trek 5200 listed for when I got it in 2002). The equivalent Madone lists for a lot more. Like, $1200-1400 more. I've been drooling over websites, dreaming about test-riding, drooling more, ...... Wishing I could test ride them side by side, but neither is likely to make it to either shop floor unless someone actually orders one. So I'm safe, right? I certainly don't need a new road bike. It would be irresponsible and frivolous. And expensive.

Yesterday DH happened to be in lbs #2, talking to one of the owners, and mentioned my drooliness (sorry grammar grinches). Today, we stopped in, and the guy says "oh, by the way, I may have ordered a 51cm Xenith Pro today". Just to have a higher end bike on the floor. No expectation that I'll buy it (but it is my size). AAARRRRRRGGGGHHHHH! I don't do well with temptation.:rolleyes: So, DH wants me to test ride it when it comes in (next step is buying, with us). And, of course, the guy gave me a price $600 below MSRP.

And, to complete my destruction, it will be in next week, while we're in Alaska, AND the Trek WSD demo lady will be in town the day after we get back....AND I'm, taking that day off work.

Is there any hope for me??

[Irulan]

be extra nice to your hubby tonight.:D

[Skierchickie]

Ooooooh! I am SURROUNDED by enablers! (Like I didn't know that) (Eeeeevil Irulan!)

I may have neglected to mention the fact that we're test-driving a Mini Cooper Saturday, when we're in Minneapolis. So, on the one hand, I don't need to be buying an expensive new bike. However, on the other hand, maybe he's buttering me up for the Mini?? But I'm already willing to look into that.

[ilima]

Ooooooh! I am SURROUNDED by enablers! (Like I didn't know that) (Eeeeevil Irulan!)

I may have neglected to mention the fact that we're test-driving a Mini Cooper Saturday, when we're in Minneapolis. So, on the one hand, I don't need to be buying an expensive new bike. However, on the other hand, maybe he's buttering me up for the Mini?? But I'm already willing to look into that.

Your hubby rocks. And who cares if he's buttering you up for the Mini--they're fun little cars!

[mimitabby]

chuck the mini (terrible gas mileage!) but accept the bike with all the dignity you can muster. if you like it, that is!

[Skierchickie]

According to the Mini website, they get mid-30s on the highway (which is mostly the driving we do - actually country backroads, but no stop & go traffic at all). The Mini appears to be better than any of the other cars we've looked into. Theoretically.:rolleyes:

Oh, and the Jeep Cherokee is getting somewhere between 15 & 19 currently (my, I love my Jetta diesel!).

[Mr. Bloom]

Don't do it!

There, is that what you wanted me to say?

[Blueberry]

Get the bike (if you love it) and get a honda fit. Great bike hauling car:)

CA

[Skierchickie]

Okay, so I rode the Xenith Pro tonight. I'm in big trouble. :( I'm afraid I'm in love. I'm afraid I'm also still in love with my Trek.:rolleyes: I have some thinking to do. I know, I know - I'd love to have both, but if I'm going to be a frivolous spendthrift, I can't go so far as to keep both - really need to sell the extra one.

Fortunately, this particular Xenith Pro (the one they ordered because DH mentioned my interest) was sold before they ever took it out of the box, while I was in Alaska, so there is no pressure (which was all in my own head in the first place). I'll have to order another one if I decide to get one. Have I mentioned how breathtakingly beautiful this thing is? Even better in person than in the picture on the website.

They said the Jamis rep just told them today - everything is going up about 20% next year, just like everybody else. So if I want a new bike, now would be the time - this one would be going up about $500+. :eek:

I was going to ride a Madone last night, but the Trek WSD person hadn't showed up with the bikes an hour after the demo was supposed to start, so I went home. She must have gotten lost or in an accident or something. Oh, well, the Madone is really really expensive (I think the 5.5 would be the equivalent to the Xenith Pro), so I'm pretty sure it would be several years before I could justify the extra $1200 - my current bike is only 6 years old.

Mimi - I have no dignity when it comes to cool new toys! I flip and I flop, and I waffle, and I decide, and I decide against it, and then I give in to temptation with no regard for practicality, then have buyer's remorse, then I just go with it.

Thanks Mr. S - but, wait - didn't you JUST order a Madone 5.5??? Lotta help you are! :)

By the way, the Mini was fuuuuunnnn! And DH won't look at anything else unless it gets better mileage + the fun factor (it would be primarily his vehicle), + his super duper extra large bikes would never fit in any car without both wheels off, even a Fit. Maybe a van, but that in not in the running at all.

[tulip]

Jamis bikes are really great. And the CEO is a chica, no less.

As for minis--cute, but they scream chick car. Does DH know that?

[Skierchickie]

Tulip - do you have a Jamis?? I don't know anyone personally who has one (the shop hasn't been open long). I'm not sure it's enough better than my current ride, but it sure is sweet! DH just got home and is saying I'd better get it.:D Still - it seem frivolous, whatever he says about it.

Minis: Well, you do have to get the color right (how about laser blue with black bonnet stripes??). ;)

[Iris616]

All I can say is that if some one told me to go ahead and buy another bike, Id be at my LBS in a heart beat. And, it would definately be another Jamis! Granted, I only have the Coda, but I love it! I'm already planning for the next Jamis on my shopping list!

[PscyclePath]

I've got a Madone 5.2 (the last USPS team bike) that I've ridden and loved for the past 4 years.

That being said, I test-rode a Jamis Xenith at our LBS a couple of weeks ago, and was really, really impressed by it. Very responsive in the corners, and accelerates well when you start stomping on the pedals... I wouldn't hesitate to pick one if I had to replace my faithful old Trek.

tom

[tulip]

Yes, I have a Jamis Coda Comp that I used for commuting 28 miles RT when I lived in the DC area. It's a very smooth and fast bike. Now use it for errands, since I no longer commute.

I'm not in the market for any more bikes at the moment (I got my newest one in February it's best if I limit myself to one per year;)), but Jamis would certainly be at the top of the list if I were in the market. I don't know anything about the Xenith, but based on my experience and the very informed opinion of my favorite LBS (Proteus in College Park MD), I have no questions about Jamis bikes (as long as it fits you and it's comfy for you, of course).

[kfergos]

According to the Mini website, they get mid-30s on the highway (which is mostly the driving we do - actually country backroads, but no stop & go traffic at all). The Mini appears to be better than any of the other cars we've looked into. Theoretically.:rolleyes:

Oh, and the Jeep Cherokee is getting somewhere between 15 & 19 currently (my, I love my Jetta diesel!).

I had heard that gas mileage is with premium gas, and that while you can put regular in, it doesn't get nearly the same gas mileage as before. If you're trying to save money on gas, buying a car that needs premium isn't going to help; but if you're trying to save the environment, the gas mileage makes sense.

[Crankin]

I have a Jamis Coda that I use for errands, appointments, and short rides in the winter when the roads are a mess. It's a fun bike. And it was so cheap. I am impressed with what you get for the $. So, I would be surprised if their top of the line bike was anything but great. I also had a 5200 and it was a great bike. I got talked into buying another (talk about impulse; don't go there) bike, even more money, which essentially doesn't fit me. Two years later the shop owner is willing to take back the frame, but he doesn't sell much in wsd bikes for short people that I could get there.
So, the moral of the story is make sure everything is right before you buy.

[mayanorange]

I'm on my second Jamis- I think they're great bikes. I can't afford Xenith, but the line seems to fit me well, so I'm happy with my Ventura and I had some great adventures in CA on my Cross Country.

As for cars, it might be cheaper to use premium depending on the car- My old truck (who I miss) used to get 20% better gas mileage with mid-grade or premium than it did with regular. So as long as the price difference was less than 20%, it was actually cheaper. And usually (espcially now that the bas price is so high) there's not much difference in price (~5-10%). Of course since she didn't do any better on premium than mid, I got mid-grade.

My car plug is you should consider an 08 pontiac vibe if you can find one- yes, it's not as snazzy to drive as the cooper, but it gets great gas mileage with its toyota engine (mid to high 30s on the highway), great cargo ability, and for what you get, the price is superb (especially now the 09s are out). 09 gets worse gas mileage (tho is more fun to drive), is smaller (less head room for my 2 Bernese) and the rear glass won't open (how am I supposed to get a 2x4 in there then??).

[arielmoon]

DH sounds awesome to me! My BF insists that I test ride a Madone (other than his hehe) cause he insists that I need to be racing. He is loyal to Trek and works a few hours at LBS that is a Trek shop. In other words I would be getting it at a very decent discount!

[twin]

Two bikes and many other packed items and room to spare

[rij73]

DH sounds awesome to me! My BF insists that I test ride a Madone (other than his hehe) cause he insists that I need to be racing. He is loyal to Trek and works a few hours at LBS that is a Trek shop. In other words I would be getting it at a very decent discount!

Um.... and WHY are you not running to the store this instant?

Seriously, you gals with the enabling partners are very lucky. You are showing remarkable restraint!

If it weren't for my DH and his frugality, I'd have my bike all kitted out with SRAM Red by now. Of course, if it weren't for DH I wouldn't have had any money for a bike in the first place. :p

[NoNo]

As a former MINI owner I can tell you that they get nothing near the posted mileage. If you're getting the S, expect something in the mid- to upper-20's. As for getting bikes in and out of the back, I burned my leg on the exhaust doing that, so watch for that.

[arielmoon]

Um.... and WHY are you not running to the store this instant?
Seriously, you gals with the enabling partners are very lucky. You are showing remarkable restraint!

If it weren't for my DH and his frugality, I'd have my bike all kitted out with SRAM Red by now. Of course, if it weren't for DH I wouldn't have had any money for a bike in the first place. :p

Cause even with the discount I really have other financial obligations at this time. BF isnt offering to buy it for me... he's in the same boat! :p

But I keep reading how the price is going up and since his hand me down really doesnt fit me, I think I will be having to get one soon and finance it :(:o

[Skierchickie]

But I keep reading how the price is going up and since his hand me down really doesnt fit me, I think I will be having to get one soon and finance it

Don't forget about the Trek card! 6 months to pay it off, with no interest if you do pay it off by then.

Okay, the Jamis is in the back of my car :D. I rode it last night, and went back tonight to check into the toe overlap issue (dragging DH to see it :p). The lbs owner sent it home with me (with his pedals on it) overnight. I need to get the pedals back to him tomorrow. He knows me/us well enough by now to know I would have to have it. :rolleyes: So I just left a message at the shop telling him I want it. He did come down another $100, too. So $700 below MSRP.

To assuage my guilt (shopping for a bike from the splinter shop instead of the shop I've dealt with for 20 years), I called to check on the Madone 5.5 price. An incredible deal ($1100 below MSRP), but still $800 more than the Jamis, and more than I can justify even in MY greedy, materialistic little brain.

What a sweet ride! Very smooth, very stiff, very....GREAT! I probably rode 20-25 miles on it tonight, partly into a stiff headwind, partly down a long, long hill, and partly up a long, steep hill. Any issues were with me, and not the bike (I forgot I've been sick for several days until I started bonking mildly). I did do some tight, slow circles to check out the toe overlap - only an issue if I turn the wheel hard while moving very slowly - I don't seem to turn corners naturally with my feet at 3 & 9 o'clock, so I really had to try to make them strike the wheel. This bike is quite compact, with a shorter wheelbase than I'm used to, and the wheels are tucked in quite close to the frame.

By the way, I really really like the Easton EA70 handlebars - not WSD, but a really nice shape, and they seem like they are more compact, despite being 40 cm (my current bike has 38 cm bars). A much more comfortable shape. I will probably check into adding the shims to the levers, but they're really not bad. I'll have to go over it carefully, to match the measurements from my fitting earlier this summer, but this bike is more comfortable already (except for the Terry Liberator Race saddle they put on for test riding to save the white Fizik that comes with it).

DH has continued to say "you'd better get it!", or, "it's a great deal - you should get it", or "you don't have to justify it". All the while, I'm trying to be good, but have no willpower. So I guess I'll be dropping a wad of cash, and putting a for sale sign on the 5200 (sniff, sniff - she's been wonderful :()

By the way - you guys have not been doing a very good job of talking some sense into me! Or any sense, at all! That's okay - I forgive you all!:D

Aaarrrggggghh - on top of everything else, he brought home ice cream tonight! Evil, rotten enabler that he is! (drool drool, slurp slurp)