Giant Liv Invite Comax

[Helene2013]

Good day ladies!

I am looking into a cyclocross. It would be my secondary bike. So I did not want to pay more than necessary. If I could find a used one, it would still be ok. But not an old model.

Husband has been digging the web for what could be good for me (he's looking for one for him too).

So far, the only one I like for looks (I just cannot go dark again - My Amira SL4 is enough) is this one
http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-ca/bikes/model/invite.comax/20488/80044/

It will only be used while on vacation, and sometimes to do some gravel bike paths around.

I'm just not sure about the derailleur as it is in Tiagra. Was always told it was not the best thing. I'm used now to Ultegra

Front Derailleur - Shimano Tiagra
Rear Derailleur - Shimano R350

Anyone has experienced with a similar bike. Altough it seems new for 2015?

Can we change it for at least at Shimano 105?

Thank you.

[Eden]

The model of the derailleurs is probably of no consequence. What will feel different to you is the brifters, which are somewhat sneakily labeled R460, which is, I believe, Tiagra level. You can, I think, still get 105 shift levers in 10 speed, so they could be changed without having to change the whole drive train and would cost, probably, a little more than $200 for the parts. As far as I know Ultegra level components are now all 11 speed, so you'd have to find NOS to replace the levers with Ultegra.

[Helene2013]

Thank you.

Yes my road bike is on Ultegra 11 speed.

I do know it will totally be different and the purpose of this crossbike is for light gravel purposes. If we're going to ride some 100km (both on/off gravel/asphalt) I wanted something comfy - no flat bars. It won't be used daily either. I also realize that this cross bike is an entry level I think for this type.

If I go with this bike, I will see with the bike shop to have it modified. I have not seen it, nor test-drived it. Not even sure they have arrived in our area. Wished my own bike shop that I loved carried Giant but they don't. But at least where hubby goes for spinning and bought his 1st Cervélo, they sell it. So good connection.

Edited: what is NOS in your last sentence....sorry...my French kicked in and I just can't get that acronym. hihi

[Eden]

lol. NOS = New Old Stock, so somewhere out there on some dusty back shelf, there's probably a new Ultegra 10 speed brifter set that no one bought

[Helene2013]

Thank you.

Read your comments to husband and he said if we are going to have to change too many things, we may as well start looking for something one notch higher with no modifs to make.

[Helene2013]

I don't know Muireen.

I spoke to the owner of my LBS (the guy I liked). He said a Specialized Tricross would have been good but not carried anymore. He called them directly and stocks are all gone (for our heights anyway). He told me to look at the Crux on the Specialized site and get back to him with what we'd like and he'll do all he can to get a good price for our 2 bikes.

I just don't know yet if I'm ready to put that much into secondary bikes.

I know so little about bikes that I can gobble way too much without knowing. At least my LBS is pretty honest in the feeling I'd get on the road, and luckily, when he has a size in a bike I like, he lets me borrow it for a weekend so I can give it a long ride. Their service is so good that it would kill me to buy somewhere else. But I know too that they can't carry every singl brand on the market.

[Helene2013]

Just toooooo much. Love it, but that is way more pink than I could tolerate. hahahaha Thanks for sharing.

Today we went to see my LBS. I knew it would be more than I wanted to pay for 2 bikes. But he is making us a deal that will be hard to refuse. But still much more than I want to pay. Normally I ride a 51cm (and hubby too) and he told us for that one it would be Crux Sport E5 for me and hubby would take the Sport E5 Evo. Same price anyway. Said I would think about it. In the end, we're nearing $5000 for 2 bikes, that are not going to be our prime bikes. I hate that they don't have any in stock. It's by order only. So not seen it, nor test-driven it. If he orders for us, we have to take them (I have not negociated that part just yet!). Not putting pressure as we don't know what we'll do. Lots of thinking. But because he knows us well, we can pay with a few cheques (like over 3-4 months) and still get the bikes now.

Then we went to another store to take a look at some bikes. They had none in stock, no matter what manufacturer. It would need to be ordered. The man said in Europe, crossbike are THE thing. In North America, it's not catching although they are pushing for it. I believe him as no one carries any in stock.

We then went to another store to look at some and saw 2 Cannondales. One is a modified CAADX disc on full shimano 105. The other is a synpase Alloy, modified too. This store makes us a good deal for $3,472(cdn). Reason too that costs are so high is that all bikes have increased a lot with the 30% dollar exchange with USA (I'm Canadian if you have not noticed hihi). So we end up paying a whole lot more lately for many purchases. Also, Caad would be shipped around May 12 and Synapse June 2....if not delayed. Colours are ok, but not the end of the world. Again...mostly blacks. arggggh But one could be with some red.

Then we went to LBS where hubby bought his first road bike and goes to spinning. He looked through his manuals, order books, etc for Giant. Huge inventory shortage as Tawain reduced shipping production by 10%. So he's not even sure he would get one.

So what we will do tomorrow is call a few Specialized stores around and see if they have one Crux in what we want to at least see "live". I just can't purchase a bike I have not seen and tried. Been burnt once...not going to be twice.

At least all stores we visited were really knowledgeable and did not try to sell us stuff we did not want, no pushing and very accomodating since we were looking into purchasing 2 bikes.

So the saga continues...tomorrow. :)

[Helene2013]

Thank you for sharing.

I will take a look for sure. Nothing to lose, but I certainly can take a look at savings.

The CAAD he was telling me about would be modified so we could use it "off-road" some. Although, we know it won't be touching mud. haha

[Helene2013]

I am not too sure Muireen. I'm in bed and my notes are downstairs. Would have to look it up as I can't recall the things on synapse and caad.... but i think it had to do with tires. We'd probably take those narrower than the 35 they come with. We don't intend to ride on mud, nor mountains, etc... it would be better than our current old hybrids for 100km rides through a mix of gravel and asphalt.

Also, my husband was really impressed on how light both cannondale were for the type of bike.

[Owlie]

My CX bike has 32s (Kenda Small Block 8s--started life as a MTB tire). The Synapse is a road bike. I don't think it would take tires wider than a 28, which eliminates the majority of tires with any sort of tread. It's also quite flexible, yet not a comfortable ride on pavement. The CAAD10 is an excellent ride. (Haven't tried the CAADX, because no one carries them in my size.) I'd go with the CAADX or the Giant. (I really, really want a CAADX, but it doesn't look like it would fit...:()

[pll]

Helene: How fun that you are considering a cross bike. Look at the Focus Mares, too. The AX series is aluminum and the CX is carbon. I have a Mares CX which I love. Don't underestimate the fun you can have with it --- I absolutely love my cross bike, maybe even more than the road bike. I use it for gravel rides and I've traveled with it for that reason. I would not go with the Synapse for gravel, even if you plan on avoiding mud. Mud cannot always be avoided... The wider tires are not just about mud; they also smooth your ride on bumpy roads and you can choose the type of tire you need. For example, right now I have a pair of 38mm 'file tread' tires (Challenge Gravel Grinders), for dry conditions. During the cross season I put on 32mm Clement PDX.

Competitive Cyclist sells Ridley (http://www.competitivecyclist.com/ridley-cyclocross-bikes)online and sometimes they have good discounts on them. I like the look of the Niner RTL (they just came up with a steel one) and an orange Santa Cruz Stigmata (http://www.santacruzbicycles.com/en/us/stigmata) makes my heart skip a beat each time I see it. A great option if you travel a lot is a Ritchey Logic Break-Away (http://ritcheylogic.com/frames/break-away-cross.html) bike -- you can do your own build. I know it's more than what you want to spend, but you can always chose whether to put road tires or cyclocross ones.

I am sure there are some gravel roads around Montreal, but if you consider traveling with your bikes, Rebecca's Private Idaho (http://www.rebeccasprivateidaho.com) is possibly the most beautiful ride I've done ... I am going back there this year. Last weekend I was riding in the Flint Hills area in Kansas (the area where the Dirty Kanza 200 (http://www.dirtykanza200.com) takes place), hundreds of miles of dirty and gravel with beautiful sights. You can also take your bike to some MTB single track trails.

[Helene2013]

Muireen,
Makes sense. I did not think of the lower ground thing. Not that we would go in the wild with them, but there are roads we will be using that are partially wooded. Did them with our current bikes and it was not a great ride at all but no choice as we could not really turn back and though it would be "bad" only for a short drive and ended up being over 20 minutes. It is long when not good conditions for our types of bikes.

We are planning to call a few shops around today to see if they carry in stock a Crux and Ridley X-Ride. And of course, yesterday was super sunny, a nice 14c...now it is a snow storm, with a -2c. Very windy. And bike shops I need to go check out are an hour drive from here. We'll see as sun is to come out later so roads may be clear from snow/icy condition.

Thank you PLL
We can't really order on line (we're from Canada) and customs fees and exchange rate (at 30% now) would kill any deal, not counting warranty is void unless I cross to the USA to have it honored. Ridley is rare here and as far as I know, only MEC carries that brand for Canada. Correct me if I'm wrong. Went to a store nearby and they have none in the show room. Will try to call the other store away from home and see if they have some to look at.

We're not planning driving so far this summer but we will be in the Boston area and Nashville (2 different trips). For Boston, it would be the cross bike and for the Natchez we're taking our road bikes. We can't take the 4 bikes as no room for so many.

[pll]

The Ridley web site also has Maglia Rosa Velo Shop as a dealer: http://www.magliarosaveloshop.com

PS: Oh, and I fly to Idaho (and Kansas)... I can't fathom driving a couple of days.

[Helene2013]

I found a store where they have the Crux Sport E5 in my size. So we'll go check it out. That way, we'll know exactly what to expect and can order through my own LBS if we decide.

And the thing I like about my own store is that we can get the bikes, take them home, and not even fully pay for them. Just give him post-dated cheques and he's fine with this. Not many stores can do this. Not many stores either (at least in my area) will take the bike back and trade for something else if I don't like it, even the following cycling season.

The nice thing dealing with owner, and having a good trusting relationship. But it is still more money than I had wanted to pay for a second bike but since we purchase for long-term, in the end we have to take what we like and still look for good quality/good store.

The guy at the store we'll go visit says he has a version of this Crux (2014) and he says it is the best crossbike he has used. Goes anywhere, smooth ride, geometry is not aggressive. He mentioned we'd be luckier than him as the new version has hydraulic breaks, which is new for 2015.

To be continued.... we should go visit today, if the storm can end. They said at noon it will be sunny and it is nearly 11am and still falling hard.

[pll]

The nice thing about cyclocross bikes.... is that you can test ride in snow. :-)

There is a blue and pink Crux E5 frame that looks awesome.

[Helene2013]

I saw the 49cm Specialized Crux. Nice bike. The white when seen in person is more like a glacier with tiny sparkles. Nice one. Could not test drive it because would not have been purchasing it there. Feels a bit awkward to "use" their bikes and then turn around and say thank you...going to one of your competitors... not my type at all.

Saw a Norco. Just too flash with its lime fluo colour and it is in sram or something.
Saw the Caadx. Plain black. Missing some colour but could have been a good option. Except my Amira is flat black, with minimal colour and you all know how I complain from day one from lack of colour
Ridley...none around here left.
Giant, the one we would have liked is over our budget

So for the time-being, I'm leaning towards the Crux.

I could have gone back to my store and ordered 2 (one for each of us) but I want to give myself time to think of my options. It is still over my initial budget. I had planned a max of $2000 each, all inclusive and now it would be $2000 plus 15% taxes x 2. And we know when we buy a bike, it needs pedals, bags, and a few things...which add up. Still trying to figure a way to fit in my budget. Store owner tells me I can take the bike and handle him a few post-dated cheques but I don't work that way. I prefer to pay it all and I'm done. I don't want to pay for it for a few months. $1000 a month for 4 months (plus my deposit) is a LOT of cash. So if I buy something, it's because I have the money in hand. I can order one bike, pay for it, then wait a few months and order the 2nd one.

I can always turn around and go for the Caadx at the other store. And I'm still trying to find a used crossbike in the classified. But so far, nothing comes up for our size. They are rare and when found, they had a line up of buyers. The good thing... if I buy one and don't like it, I maybe able to resell it quickly. At lost but doable. :)

TBC....

[Helene2013]

There is a blue and pink Crux E5 frame that looks awesome.

OMG... we don't have that frame set in Canada. Boring colours again! dah!

I wonder how much it would cost me to get this frame and build my own bike. I could pick up this frame when we go camping in May in the USA and then have my LBS put it together. ahhhhhh that would be soooooooo cool. Probably cost me twice the price of a normal E5 but what a thrill. Let me think some more. haha

[pll]

OMG... we don't have that frame set in Canada. Boring colours again! dah!

I wonder how much it would cost me to get this frame and build my own bike. I could pick up this frame when we go camping in May in the USA and then have my LBS put it together. ahhhhhh that would be soooooooo cool. Probably cost me twice the price of a normal E5 but what a thrill. Let me think some more. haha

Go for it! [you can get a custom wheelset with pink hubs, say Hed Belgium Plus (http://www.wheelbuilder.com/hed-belgium+clincher-rim.html) with White Industries Hubs (http://www.whiteind.com/cld) (the Belgium Plus rims are 25mm wide and tubeless ready ... I have a pair of them with black hubs, they are *sweet* wheels).

I think the key would be for you to ride the bike in the US and take it back to Canada used. :D

[Helene2013]

No hurry at all...but I don't want to wait 2 years either. I'm pretty compulsive when I want (and make it in the back of my mind a thing I need to survive haha) something.

I will ask my LBS on Monday how much it could cost me to get that same bike with that frameset. He has good connection with Spec office. So who knows. But it won't come cheap for sure. I just love to dream in colour and don't want my bubble burst until Monday. :D

[pll]

There is also the Trek Crocket (http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes/road/cyclocross/crockett/crockett_disc_frameset_2015/)in similar colors to the Crux. Perhaps it's easier to find in Canada? It's slightly cheaper, too.

[Helene2013]

Go for it! [you can get a custom wheelset with pink hubs, say Hed Belgium Plus (http://www.wheelbuilder.com/hed-belgium+clincher-rim.html) with White Industries Hubs (http://www.whiteind.com/cld) (the Belgium Plus rims are 25mm wide and tubeless ready ... I have a pair of them with black hubs, they are *sweet* wheels).

I think the key would be for you to ride the bike in the US and take it back to Canada used. :D

As much as we were tempted many times, it is something I could never do. :p A few people we know indirectly got caught at borders and their bikes were confiscated and they got fines, etc. Since we travel a lot across border and I am eligeable to spend $800(cdn) with any fees, it is worth it to declare it. The 2 of us have a total combined of $1600...it would cover the frameset and I'd be "legal".

We have the receipts for our current bikes and anything expensive we cross with often. Even my dogs, I still have their invoices, and "immigration" papers...in case. hihi

[Helene2013]

There is also the Trek Crocket (http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes/road/cyclocross/crockett/crockett_disc_frameset_2015/)in similar colors to the Crux. Perhaps it's easier to find in Canada? It's slightly cheaper, too.

We looked at that one yesterday with our other bike shop and they are way more expensive than the Spec one. the Crockett one (full mounted) was over $2500. My Crux is currently $2000 - with rebate. No rebate on the Crockett as they don't have a line discount.

[pll]

The Spec is better looking, in my opinion. If you go for the frame, you might be able to find the components in some local exchange group (here, in DC, there is a great Facebook page where people post bike stuff they are selling). Many people buy a bike and upgrade their components right away, so you can find a brand new groupset very cheaply. I can see a Spec with pink hubs and neon yellow bar tape (http://www.supacaz.com/product/super-sticky-kush-neon-yellow/). :cool: You'd need sunglasses to ride it.

[Helene2013]

Thanks for the tips. I don't know much about bikes or parts. Know the names but that is about it.

I think the neon tape would be a tad too much....I love looks but not THAT much. hahahha

[pll]

Yeah, my bikes are kind of boring (white/black), except for the patent red handlebar tape from Fisik. More than a looker, strangers frequently touch my bars... I'd probably actually put the patent white tape on that Specialized bike.

[Helene2013]

Hummm wrote something but it does not show up. Let me try again.

Last night I had a flash - just before bed. I swear, my little mouse is spinning a lot. haha I think I'm driving husband crazy in the past 24 hours.

Sooo... what if I bought the USA frame I like. Then still buy the Canadian bike model and take the parts from it. They are all there since the same bike, just different frame. Then I could resell the original frame, or make a deal with my bike shop. Hummmmm that could work. It is still not a cheap option, but another option in my bag.

I'll speak with him tomorrow as everything is closed for Easter today. Will find more tomorrow. And who knows, maybe he can get me the USA frame himself directly from Specialized Canada but I'd doubt it very very much that Spec would do this.

[Helene2013]

My 1st thing is show him the frame, see if he can get it through his contact at Specialized and if yes, how much it would cost me. I'd doubt that Spec Canada would get him something from USA. They must have rules or something about territories, etc...

If not, if I get the frameset myself, how much it would cost me to get it on the road

Last option would be to purchase the current one he can get me and get the equipment on the frame I'd get from USA.

Yes I can order from Ribble or places like Wiggles, etc. Even cheaper for us than buying USA because of our $ exchange currency being so high now.

The frame in US is $990 plus VT tax since I'd pick it up in Burlington, VT. So once I convert into canadian $ you add a good 30% (gotta use my Visa card). So frameset is not cheap for me. But picking it up, I save the customs/duties which can add up another $300 vs picked up myself since I stay more than 2 nights in USA (we're camping anyway to cycle vermont on that long weekend).

Lots of food for thoughts as you can see...to get a 2nd bike that may not be ridden every day!

Worst case scenario, I get the frame...and take the time to search for parts at cheaper rate (auctions, etc) over the season and then get it put up.

I'm in no hurry. Sure it would be fun to get it right now this moment. But it's not like I have nothing to ride on.

[Helene2013]

Thanks for the link. That groupset would not work at it has to be hydraulic disc brakes...but not there yet. :)

I spoke to owner of LBS. He looked through his web connection and made a call to his Spec person but cannot get that USA frame just yet. So he placed the call to his top person there and since he is off for the Easter holiday, owner told me to call him back tomorrow at noon and he should be able to tell me if we can have it. He's confident....I'm not that sure! By experience.

Told him I'd go grab it myself when we're camping in USA in May. His fear is that the dealers around may not even be able to get it if no longer made from production. He's right...those frames are generally done a year ahead of being sold. So we'll see.

Step one is done. Waiting to call him tomorrow at noon and go to next step. If he can have it, he'll build it for me. I have no clue yet how much. Useless to talk costs unless we have something to talk about.

Told hubby that my worst case scenario is that I purchase the frame and get the parts online through stores and kijiji, etc...

To be continued...

[Helene2013]

No news yet. His contact did not say no. I think they are still figuring this thing out. At least he asked me again the size I needed. So still waiting. tic tac tic tac haha Told him I was waiting for his answer in order to order my husband's bike at the same time. :)

[Helene2013]

Welll.... not looking good.

He said that Specialized checked everything for the US side and nothing is available. That is just too weird. You have a website with a product but not available.

So my LBS owner told me if I can find one to let him know and he will get back to Spec. Even if I find it in the UK.

So if anyonse sees that frameset for the Crux and available in a 49cm can you let me know so I can get back to my bike shop owner. I want this frame. hihi

He said if we can find it, he will try to get it at a better price than I would pay. If he can't get it from Spec, than I can buy it and he will put it together for me. So the search game is on!

Edited to add:
Found one in Montpelier, VT. The guy can order it for me (he said there is only one 49cm left in Eastern warehouse) but I have to pay ahead of time. No issue there. Just waiting for him to confirm he can truly get it before I cough out so much money via my credit card. It is only 2hrs away from us so I could pick it up while we go camping. It would be cool. My LBS will assemble it for me. At the price the store in VT is making it for me, my shop owner said to go grab it as only one is available. No time to waste. So now I'm waiting for that man to get back to me with the next step.

[IBrakeforPastry]

Bonne chance! I'm going to look at the Invite tomorrow, which is what drew me to this thread. I see it went off in a different direction ;)

[pll]

Check in with Johnny Sprockets (http://johnnysprockets.com/product-list/bikes-1000/cyclocross-1014/) in Chicago and with Twenty 20 Cycling (http://twenty20cycling.com/)in Baltimore.

[pll]

Edited to add:
Found one in Montpelier, VT. The guy can order it for me (he said there is only one 49cm left in Eastern warehouse) but I have to pay ahead of time. No issue there. Just waiting for him to confirm he can truly get it before I cough out so much money via my credit card. It is only 2hrs away from us so I could pick it up while we go camping. It would be cool. My LBS will assemble it for me. At the price the store in VT is making it for me, my shop owner said to go grab it as only one is available. No time to waste. So now I'm waiting for that man to get back to me with the next step.

Oh, I had missed this paragraph! How cool is that!? I have my fingers crossed for you. The colorway in that frameset is gorgeous. What a fun project. I hope you keep posting pictures as you 'bling' your new ride. I think I'm not the only one willing to aid and abet others in the eternal quest for that nicest of "n+1" bikes. :rolleyes:

[Helene2013]

Yeah. Went to a totally different direction. hihi

Good news. The bike is on hold for me directly from Specialized and to be delivered to this Montpelier bike shop sometimes next week or beginning of the other one. I was in no hurry as I have already camping trip booked in the area for the May long weekend. So would pick it up then. That will save me the shipping cost, or the same day trip (they are about 2hrs from our home in Montreal). Same day trip would end up costing me about $350 in duties and taxes. When staying 48hrs our tax exemption is a max of $800. So if I pay something on the bike when returning to Canada, it would be minimal. So camping there will be a cheaper alternative and we can go shopping in Burlington at the same time, and ride our current bikes.

[pll]

You will have so much fun with this bike!

I can be a bad influence... let me know what kinds of bike bling you are after. :D

[Helene2013]

:D Don't know what is on the market for handbar tape. So will have to look up what will work with this new frame.

[pll]

He, he... the glossy tape from Fizik (http://www.fizik.it/accessories/bar-tapes/bar-tape-superlight-glossy/) is super nice, in my opinion. I've used the red one and seen the pink (it looks very cool, logo and all), and the white can work well with your frame. I actually use the fizik gel pads (http://www.fizik.it/accessories/tri-gel-pad/bar-gel/) under their tape for some extra cushioning (gravel is bumpy). Some people like Lizard Skins ones, but I am not a fan of the texture.

I still think, though, pink hubs on custom wheels. Tubeless ready if you can.

[Helene2013]

oh yes..I could ask my LBS to put some pink hubs. I need to call him tomorrow to order my husband's Crux (he's taking the standard white one - he's not fussy like me hihi) and will talk to him about the hub (if I order, and he'll do it for me).

For tape, as long as it's fun looking, I'm willing. I want a fun bike. Not like my serious/boring Amira. hahahah

[pll]

Here's are some pics of the White Ind hubs (http://wheelworks.co.nz/harveys-rails-with-pink-white-ind-t11-hubs/)... and while you are planning, get some socks (http://www.madalchemy.com/products-page-2/products/mad-goods/mad-alchemy-perfect-pink/) (socks are important and these bright pink).

edited to add more bad influences: and you need a seat post collar (http://phil-wood-co.myshopify.com/collections/new-for-2014/products/seat-post-collar), too.

[Helene2013]

You are getting carried away aren't you. Lol

Pink clothes, I'm good as I bought a lot when I had my kuota. Got carried away. Lol

Pink hub. Hubby said I had to be careful as not all is possible, unless I get wheels from scratch and it would be costly. Bike comes with disc brakes and it is those wheels on : AXIS 2.0 Disc wheels. He looked and not much on the market as those wheels have not been on market that long yet.

But could do pink collar, or something for stem and match the bike colour instead of black.

[pll]

My pink wardrobe is limited to socks and a stripe in a couple of jerseys. Yeah, it's fun to day dream about a bike build, even if by proxy. The wheels would need to be custom. There is plenty of time in the future. :D

[Helene2013]

Lots of time if not in a hurry to ride that is.... lol and i have already stretched my budget by getting a frameset, not even from Canada...exchange rate is about 30%, plus having a shop build it up for me. Instead of a 2k bike, watch this turn into a 3k one....and it is only a 2nd bike. Not my prime. Although hubby is afraid I may no longer use my Amira. Lol so what, worst case is I sell the Amira. Nothing there. Lol

[Crankin]

Congrats, Helene.

[pll]

Check on the wheels thing with your shop. A nice, handbuilt wheelset can cost anywhere between $600-$1000. An equivalent nice factory built wheelset probably north of $1000. The Crux E5 stock wheelsets are DT Swiss Axis 2.0 and they weigh 2.1kg. Check how much they will charge you for those (they can be found in ebay for less than $250, 'new bike take off'. If you tinker with the wheelbuilder.com custom wheel screens, you can get a sense of how much a custom wheelset would cost you (presumably your bike shop could make them for less) and how much they would weigh. I was never a believer in custom wheels, but the women in this forum changed my mind.

[Helene2013]

Thanks. Will look it up over the weekend. I think we're going to our LBS tonight to order my husband's Crux if the owner is there. I'l talk to him about pimping my bike and his recommendations. :o

[Helene2013]

PLL!
I think I found the handlebar tape. Look. hihi
http://www.wiggle.com/supacaz-bar-tape-super-sticky-kush/
17595

Can't say it would not match the bike frame. haha They're out of stock but I'm sure I could dig it somewhere. hihi

[pll]

That looks awesome!!

I was looking at a review for these new wheels (you should check them out): http://zipp.com/wheels/30-course-disc-brake-clincher/
Here's the review I was watching: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zt96GCnZh5w

Why am I looking at this? I saw this hint of a new color way for a Focus a couple of days ago: https://instagram.com/p/1OwhpxSN4K/
(and the airline cracked my beloved Focus; I am now past mourning and trying to determine the best course of action)

[Helene2013]

Super nice wheels. I can't show those to husband. He'll want them...but no budget for that. hihi (bah! I'll show him just to see him drool over them. haha)

Love the Focus color as well.

ok...enough bike web searches for now...gotta groom the dogs and then stuff to do before heading to a friend for his birthday! I'll have to wait to tomorrow to dream about colours, wheels, etc. haha Not even time to go order my husband's own Crux today.

[Helene2013]

PLL!
I think I found the handlebar tape. Look. hihi
http://www.wiggle.com/supacaz-bar-tape-super-sticky-kush/
17595

Can't say it would not match the bike frame. haha They're out of stock but I'm sure I could dig it somewhere. hihi

I could not find it in my area, obviously. None of the places that had it cheaper had that colour in stock. Of course!

So I just ordered directly from their website. Not cheap, but when a woman wants something a woman goes for it. hihi

Hoping I won't have to pay for duties and taxes on it.

[pll]

:D

You are most definitely on a mission now!

[Helene2013]

Going to pick up my Crux frame tomorrow in the USA for our Canadian long weekend.

Next week will take my frame to our LBS and he will put it together for me. No hurry as I want to pick it up around June 10th (gotta juggle with money here as hubby will pick up his next week so I need a little breather in between purchases).

Yesterday LBS called me with my 2 options.

All I wanted mounted on a Shimano 105 would be $1600+taxes. Going on Ultegra was $2100. It took me 10 seconds of discussion with hubby and I opted with Ultegra. Because the cyclocross will shift better, be lighter, and parts should lasts longer. I think in the end the $500 extra will be worth it.

Especially since I'm thinking selling my Amira if I like the Crux that much. It is still a performance bike and I'm not into speeding so it may be an option. I don't need many bikes in my yard. Once I do some road/crushed paths with this new Crux I will know if I only keep one bike. Time will tell.

[Crankin]

Keep both. I have hardly been riding my Guru, but I would never get rid of it.

[Helene2013]

OMG... the frame is to die for! I never saw something that beautiful for a bike. Maybe because it falls in the style of colours that I love. We even managed to get bottle cages that are the same yellow as the Specialized lettering. That will be one hot momma of a bike once all assembled. I'm a truly happy of what it looks right now.


Crankin,
Why keep a bike if you are not using it? I think I am so practical that I would not keep something unused. hihi

The funny thing when I got to this shop to pick up my frame, the man said he has one like this and it is beautiful (I had not seen it yet). He said he has not seen one like this yet in Montpelier (VT) and he'd doubt I'll see many in Montreal, since it is not sold in Canada and it is a special order.

Another clerk said that she saw the frame about 3 weeks ago in the basement and wanted it. But they told her it was sold. She'd hoped I'd changed my mind so she could grab it. Nope...it's mine and no intention of selling it either. hihi

Very happy for now. Will drop it next Friday at my LBS and should be able to pay it all for it mid-June (gotta wait for my credit card monthly invoice to get in so it goes on the other month). Buys me time as I have to pay for my husband's Crux in June...the art of playing with numbers. I cannot and refuse to pay interest/or use a credit line to buy toys like this. So I stretch my deadlines until money is in the bank.

[pll]

It's a beautiful frame. You'll love it and have a lot of fun with that cross bike.

[Crankin]

You will love your Crux, Helene.
My Guru is a custom titanium road bike with couplers that allow me to break it apart and travel with it in a regular, airline approved size suitcase, without getting charged more $. It also has a rack and very low gearing. So, for the traveling reason alone, I will keep it, even though we've only traveled with them once in the suitcase. Plus, I had been commuting on this bike, because I can put a pannier on it. Since I got my Silque, I've been so in love with it, I've been either commuting in clothes I can wear all day, bringing my clothes to the clinic on days I drive, or using little backpack that doesn't bother me. Because I am sort of training/preparing to ride in France, on a bike that has 2 less low gears than the Guru, and one less than my Silque, I am sticking to the Silque! Also, I would never have only one bike. At one point, I had 3. For example, last year, my shifter cable broke and got caught up in the brifter on my Kuota. Since I had the short reach brifters that are not made anymore, we had to order the parts from the UK. I would have been without a bike for 10 days, in the beginning of the season (April) if I had not had a second bike.
I don't consider this wasteful at all. This is what we do with almost all of our time. If I want to try another type of riding, I will buy the correct bike and not sell what I have. I sold my mountain bike because it was clear I sucked at it, but now I wish I had a bike for dirt roads. I also wish I didn't sell my little hybrid, Jamis Coda.

[Helene2013]

According to my LBS, he said I should not have problems riding it and he took my measurements and compared with the Amira to make sure it would fit me well. Crossing fingers he's right. It is a more upright position too, at least compared to my Amira.

The main problem with the Kuota was that the fork had a curb at the end of it. So it made the steering less stable for me. No matter what changes I brought to the Kuota, the fork remained the issue for handling.

At the time when I could no longer stand riding the Kuota (I was just too afraid and unstable on it), the store told me that the Amira was more aggressive than the Kuota but more stable too. And so far, I love this Amira, but for the look. haha I just don't know why I can't like it. It just does not "talk" to me. We were riding in Burlington (VT) this weekend and a woman stopped by when we were at a rest area and said: I truly love you bike.

Hummmm it seems everybody likes it but me!!! hahaha

The only reason I would sell the Amira is if the Crux rode just as good on the road....which I'd doubt because of weight and tire width. I don't care if I lost 2km/h speed on it. But it would matter if I could not finish climbing properly. At least the Amira's got such a good kick when you spin those pedals!

The Kuota was a 48. The Amira is a 51 and the Crux is a 49. So we will have to see how it turns out. But for now, it does not scare me... I so hope I'm right as I fell in love with this new beast and it's just a frame...still in the box! hihi

[pll]

One thing to consider: cross wheelsets are typically the same type of rims that you get on road bikes (save for the disk brakes in your case, but disk brakes are starting to appear in road bikes, too), so you can put skinny tires on them or have a spare set ready to go for when the need arises. I know someone who can win road races on her titanium cross bike (heavier than many carbon bikes), despite the more upright geometry, higher bottom bracket, etc. Sometimes it's not all about the bike. Enjoy it! I can't wait to see your pictures of it.

[Helene2013]

Went to my bike shop yesterday to speak to owner about parts for it. It is already being prepared (mechanics thought I was picking it up this weekend...nope! Only in 2 weeks - gotta wait some more). Will bring the other parts I have home and purchased elsewhere as they did not carry those (bar tape, pedal/toe in, etc.)

Starting to look like a bike.
17626

[pll]

So pretty!