new bike

[Biciclista]

one of my husband's dreams was to buy a bike in Italy. Well, I did it this trip, meet Caterina! She's a steel bike made by Rossignoli in Italy. I just walked into a shop and said "I want that one... and, oh yeah, put a Brooks saddle on it!!"
I found out what those super heavy springs are for!! Cobblestones!!

[zoom-zoom]

Oh, what a thing of beauty! I love her!

[snapdragen]

What a beautiful bike, I love the color!

[shootingstar]

How is the pricing of bikes there for that type of bike? Mid-range? Excellent to start off with that colour....and you must be one of the rare TE members who has a skirt protector on the wheel.

You must have had fun cycling around the city.

[OakLeaf]

Beautiful. And what a healing way to fulfill Donald's dream.

Will you be shipping her home, or will she stay there with family for you to visit?

[gocard]

Beautiful! I love the color!

[DebSP]

Lovely! Absolutely lovely!

[Biciclista]

15404that saddle is a B66 I wanted something sleeker and lighter good thing they didn't have what i wanted. Those springs are a necessity.

The price was at the bottom of their line. I could have gotten a more "Retro" bike for about 500 euros. Mine with the saddle was 350euros.

Caterina will be staying in Italy with Elena. And Elena can ride her all she wants. This particular bike would not work where I live, it's just too hilly.

[Tri Girl]

LOVE her!!! I know Don would be proud of her as well!! She's a true beauty! The skirt guard is so sublte, yet so classy! Enjoy every bumpy cobblestone and every pedal stroke. She's truly a thing of beauty!!!

[malkin]

What a beauty she is!

[indysteel]

She's gorgeous, Mimi!!! And as a Kate, i heartily approve of her name! Don would be thrilled! I hope you have many happy miles together.

[jobob]

Very nice indeed!

[ColoG8r]

Beautiful bike in a beautiful setting! She looks like a great traveling companion.

[Bike Writer]

Very nice bike, beautiful appointments and I love the color!

[Biciclista]

thanks everyone! It really helped my spirits to buy it!

[indysteel]

We'd love to hear more about your trip if you're inclined to share, Mimi. I hope it also lifted your spirit.

[redrhodie]

Picturing you on that bike, in Italy, is a lovely image. I hope you ride it to a cafe for cappuccino. That would be so perfect.

[shootingstar]

15404Caterina will be staying in Italy with Elena. And Elena can ride her all she wants. This particular bike would not work where I live, it's just too hilly.

Ah, so you need to leave her behind and whenever you come to Italy, you can ride her around. But it's a "gift" also to your relatives.

I know how it feels too...I leave behind some bikes in another home elsewhere but when I return to visit, it's like embracing a friend ...when I cycle around on a bike. (My bike 'friend' tends to be a favourite bike, the folding bike, a Dahon). I cannot quite bring it to where I am right now, since the winters are harder/rougher but later....

My sister looks after my other 14-yr. old well-used bike in Toronto (it's actually hers. I've given it to her perpetually.), which the handlebar grips needs replacing...later. I'll be visiting next year to ride again while staying with family.

(This probably sounds wierd to some folks here...but it costs money to ship a bike and renting a bike locally, that fits me with decent gearing, is a headache.)

[Biciclista]

I know 2 other people who have done the same, Shooting star. It's easier to just leave a bike. As my one friend put it, if the guy i left the bike with moves away, so be it, but he probably won't and i have a bike waiting there in that city whenever i need it.

[malkin]

Sort of the kitty-cornered opposite situation here, I purchased a bike (It's a red Gunnar!) for my brother who lives in Hawaii to ride when he is here--which I hope he will be more often!

[NbyNW]

Beautiful bike! I hope you plan to visit her often!

[Owlie]

Beautiful bike.

Is it a bit dusty in here, all of a sudden? *sniff*

[Jo-n-NY]

Beautiful bike. It is what a call a fun bike back to basics bike. Enjoy whenever you are together. I also love the color although I am usually partial to red bikes.

[Catrin]

Such a beautiful bike, and the name is great :) I am so glad you were able to do this!