My new ride, the Silver Surfer!

[trickycoolj]

I pulled the trigger on the 2011 Trek Lexa SLX! It's a beauty! Took a short ride yesterday evening for about 4 miles on the Burke-Gilman Trail and everything worked smoothly. :)

http://forums.teamestrogen.com/picture.php?albumid=70&pictureid=225
(Don't worry it's not a gravel trail)

Got the plastic toe cages off the pedals after tinkering around last night (not interested in those) so I have a decision to make on pedals. I was recommended PowerStraps from an STP riding friend and clipless from every LBS in town, big investment though! Will probably grab some sturdier platforms for now.

I'm also unsure of the saddle, but since it was a short ride I didn't use my new padded capri pants so I'll try those for the next ride. I have a brand new Specialized saddle on my mountain bike that I haven't really broken in so I might give that a try first if I don't like the stock Bontrager. Other "necessories" on the shopping list are a saddle bag, patch kit/tube/CO2, stronger lock, and computer.

Any other "necessories" or suggestions on features to look for (especially for a computer) that in hindsight would be good to get from the start?

[pll]

Congratulations on the new bike! You did not mention two bottle cages and water bottles. Gloves to protect your hands (especially if you fall). In the computer, I like to have cadence.

[Owlie]

Bottle cages + bottles, if you don't already have them.
Gloves, if you don't already have them.
Two tubes--the rule of n+1 flats applies.
Computer--if you get a wired one, get zip ties. I don't really care about cadence, since I know when I'm working too hard. ;) As long as it has speed and total miles, maybe a clock, I'm good to go.

[CAL]

congrats on the new bike! :D

[surgtech1956]

I can't see the photo, congrats on the new bike.

[RubyTuesday]

Whew, I thought it was my computer. I can't see it either.

But, congrats on the new bike. It will bring your miles and miles of joy!

[Nick]

Congratulations, enjoy your new ride!

[trickycoolj]

I did get one water bottle cage, will probably get a 2nd at some point. Lots of free Nuun and Dairygold Refuel bottles avalanching out of my cupboards from supporting friends in previous STP rides.

I also got a bell, didn't want to rob the one off of my mtb. Very important on trail rides, especially when people extend their dog leashes across the path!

I have some mtb full fingered gloves, they fit great, but the padding didn't seem to cover the right spots on the different handlebar style, also made it difficult to shift. I'll probably look for some half-fingered gloves to help with that.

I definitely will be swapping the seat off my mtb.

Rode around 10 miles today on the relatively flat Burke-Gillman trail in Seattle. Stopped half way at a park on the lake to watch what we could see of the Blue Angels air show and had a granola bar. Definitely didn't like riding with a regular backpack on to carry my lock, ID/Keys/Phone, spare water and snacks. A saddle bag should take care of the smaller things. City trail rides can be easily supported for liquid/snacks/lunch along the way.

Things were a little wobbly when I had to weave through joggers and oncoming bike traffic, the poles at road crossings and over some of the bumps from tree roots. Stuck to my middle gears, hopefully I'll feel more confident to move up to the faster ones soon!

[Juliegoddess]

BEEEYYOUUTEEFUL!! Gorgeous bike!

[Tri Girl]

What a beautiful ride!! Congrats on the new bike!!! :)

[roo4]

That is one gorgeous bike! Enjoy.

[Owlie]

There it is! Very pretty, and I love that silver bar tape.