I bought a bike!

[IBrakeforPastry]

After visiting what I thought was every store in the area, I found another one through the Giant website. I went in today and tried a 2012 Giant that was marked down quite a bit. The owner admitted he bought too many XS's. I took it for a ride, up and down hills and came back excited. "Sweet ride" I told him. Then I tried a Cannondale. Even sweeter. Since it's the end of the season, and no one else was in the store, I spent about two hours trying the different bikes, back and forth. The C'Dale was a few hundred dollars more, but he knocked the price down a bit more. Both were 2012's and I couldn't decide which one he wanted to get rid of more ;) No pressure - I felt he was really honest describing the two bikes and the companies.

The Cannondale really did fit better and it is now becoming acquainted with its stablemates. The color, you ask? Roan, or rather, Cabernet. I do like the color, but the big white CANNONDALE running down the side is a little flashy for my taste. It's also got white bar tape and a white saddle, which is surprisingly comfortable for a stock saddle.

So thanks again for all the advice. I really feel like I made the right decision... I hope :)

[emily_in_nc]

Congratulations! Of course you must post photos! :D

[SFLiz]

So exciting! :D. Can we see some photos? so we can ooh, aah and ogle over it :)

[IBrakeforPastry]

I just ran out with my iPod and took a few shots. I think this one shows the color best (I hope I can post it):

15511

Does that work?

ETA: Oh it's tiny - do they always post like that? Here's another:

15512

[IBrakeforPastry]

Hey the link worked! How did I do that? Well, anyway, thanks for sharing the enthusiasm. Now I need a name for it. I've ridden in Italy, so I thought I'd pick a red wine town and use that, but I think I want something more fun. Maybe just "Eggplant". Or something.

My father passed away a few weeks ago and one of the reasons I wanted to get a new bike was to sort of celebrate life. I know he'd want that. Come to think of it, I think he hated eggplant :o I'll think of something.

[Owlie]

Very pretty! I love the purple!

[SFLiz]

Yawza....Soooooo Gorgeous!

I love how you choose to celebrate your father's life. I know how it is to lose a father. You have a beautiful attitude. I wish you much enjoyment on your new beauty - and she is a BEAUTY!:D

[IBrakeforPastry]

I'm sitting here with a dumb grin on my face. I guess that means I bought the right one :D Funny thing about my dad. Except for a one week vacation in the Adirondacks every year, he never rode a bike (and that ride was just a flat trip to the general store for ice cream). He didn't really like vegetables, and he really couldn't stand personal advertising. He would never wear any clothing that had a logo, name or other advertising on it. "If they want me to advertise, they can pay me" was his reasoning. So I ended up buying a plum/eggplant color bike with huge lettering down the frame. Thanks for the good wishes.

[indysteel]

Awesome! She's a beaut! I love how a bike can bring such joy. Sometimes I go down to our basement where we keep our stable of bikes and just stare at them. They're just so cool!! Enjoy your new ride!

[luvmyguys]

I'm sitting here with a dumb grin on my face. I guess that means I bought the right one :D Funny thing about my dad. Except for a one week vacation in the Adirondacks every year, he never rode a bike (and that ride was just a flat trip to the general store for ice cream). He didn't really like vegetables, and he really couldn't stand personal advertising. He would never wear any clothing that had a logo, name or other advertising on it. "If they want me to advertise, they can pay me" was his reasoning. So I ended up buying a plum/eggplant color bike with huge lettering down the frame. Thanks for the good wishes.

So now you can name the bike after him. Make you think of him when you ride (as if you won't already). :)

SWEET RIDE! So glad you found the one you really wanted!

[deanywalker21]

Congrats on the new bike! It is sharp. I think new bikes are even more of a high than a new car. Maybe because they cost less and are way more fun to ride.

As someone who believes that those who have moved on have a way of staying connected to those of us still on earth I can not help but think that your choice of the purple color bike, large white lettering and thinking about eggplants is might be your dad's way of tossing you a bit of humor.

Enjoy the ride. Maybe you could call her by your dad's name, just an idea.

[IBrakeforPastry]

Awesome! She's a beaut! I love how a bike can bring such joy. Sometimes I go down to our basement where we keep our stable of bikes and just stare at them. They're just so cool!! Enjoy your new ride!

My garage is right off the kitchen. The door has windows where I can look out and see the herd. My avatar photo was taken from the doorway.

And I think someday, when I have more patience and time for longer rides, I will look into the steel bikes.

[thekarens]

Very pretty!

[TrekDianna]

Awesome bike!! I LOVE the color.

[murielalex]

Congrats! Nice bike!

[gocard]

Congratulations on your new bike! I test rode that model as well and it was a very comfortable ride. Enjoy!

[Bike Writer]

I LOVE the color and the white really set's it off! Congrats on your new ride and wishing you miles of smiles.

[IBrakeforPastry]

Aaargghh - it's raining this morning. We even had thunder! Maybe we'll get out later and slide around on the wet leaves.

Now would I be totally crazy to go back to LBS #3 and have him build that Surly to add to my collection?

[Giulianna23]

Thats a gorgeous bike!...congrats and enjoy!...

[TrekDianna]

Aaargghh - it's raining this morning. We even had thunder! Maybe we'll get out later and slide around on the wet leaves.

Now would I be totally crazy to go back to LBS #3 and have him build that Surly to add to my collection?

Ummmm I would say no, not crazy....but, I am the one who bought both bikes I test rode a couple weeks ago because I couldn't decide. Don't listen to me. I am a bad influence and I clearly have no self control.

[IBrakeforPastry]

Ummmm I would say no, not crazy....but, I am the one who bought both bikes I test rode a couple weeks ago because I couldn't decide. Don't listen to me. I am a bad influence and I clearly have no self control.

Heh heh. I knew that's what you'd say ;) You know, I have co-workers who have expensive SUV's, motorcycles (plural) and snowmobiles (plural). So what's a few non-motorized toys? It's not as if I'm spending money on clothes (which I should!).

The sun's out, the leaves are bright, and I'm heading out.

[jyyanks]

Congratulations----it's beautiful! Happy riding.

PS- I don't think it's crazy to get the Surly but then again, I have 4 bikes (really 6 but I gave 2 away) so I'm not the right person to ask!

[SFLiz]

Now would I be totally crazy to go back to LBS #3 and have him build that Surly to add to my collection?

uh, No. :p
If you have the space. I'd get more if I had the space but we already have 6 bikes and I need to get rid of at least one before I can get that mini-velo roadie Tyrell I want from Japan. :rolleyes: