Funny, I don't feel so old... new bike makes it better.

After 50 years on this planet (this week), being raised in a lower middle class family, and always accepting 'this is good enough', I had decided to buy a new MTB that was what I really wanted. Problem is, what do I really want? And what will fit, as I am short.

Around 5" travel, FS, lightweight. Must fit. Must see it (or another model in the line) to try for size. As I had gone over in my post in the 'Bikes' section here, I settled on a Specialized Safire. Reality said that no way I can afford the S Works so I settled on an Expert ('good enough' again). But I found a deal on a new 08 S Works on closeout pricing from Specialized, so here it is.
http://img689.imageshack.us/img689/6251/spec3.jpg

When it got to the dealer from Spec, the rear Brain shock rebound adjuster was stuck, so they ordered another shock. Meanwhile, I took it riding (knob turned but grinding) and it is awesome. I just need to put a longer stem, and cut down the steerer tube as the front is a bit high. New shock came in, and they replaced it while I waited. Great!

It still sucks to get old, but it is still fun to play in the dirt.

Happy birthday Tzvia. Beautiful bike, enjoy it!


(Can you lock out the suspension on that bike?)

good luck on finding a bike that fits. don't be in a hurry. the shorter you are the more particular you'd better be!

Oakleaf,
The suspension has what Spec calls a 'Brain' in the fork and rear shock. Basically, it's an inertia valve (that is user adjustable) that causes the shock to compress from a blow that raises the rear or front wheel, but not from you flailing about. It feels like a hardtail with the fork partially locked out till you hit a bump, and then it becomes active. From what little I have ridden it (three times including today), it works. I just set the threshold on them based on the kind of terrain, and forget it.

Biciclista,
I couldn't agree more. I tried a bunch of bikes but fell in love with the Spec. Now that I had the head tube cut to lower the bars by about 3/4" (photo above taken before) it feels good.

Congratulations! I could have written some of your post. Buying my "too good for me" bike (to replace the entry level one I had bought used) was a huge step, and deciding I was "worth it" was a struggle, so I know where you're coming from.

You are worth it. Happy birthday! Gorgeous bike!

When I was looking for a new road bike, and having heart palpitations over the price tag on my chosen bike, my dad told me "You'll never regret buying quality".

He was absolutely right. I've put 4500 miles on that bike since I bought it a year ago and I've loved every mile. He still teases though me about how much it cost.

It never sucks to be "old" ( evil word) and be a mountain biker. I'm 49 --- the look on the shop grommets faces when I told them how old I was, was priceless. (NO WAY!!) I've been helping the county build a free ride park for years now.

All the cool kids turn 50 this year. :cool:

Enjoy!

The old men in Texas beat the young whippersnappers on the dirt. I get my butt kicked by a few 50 and 60 somethings who also teach me a thing or two. I think age is mental, I like riding with people who tell me about their grandkids when I haven't even had kids.

The Safire is a sweet bike, I couldn't fit the top tube length and I wish I could because everything else felt like a fun bike. :)

Happy birthday and congratulations on your awesome (well-deserved) new bike!! May you have hours and hours of enjoyment on it, and feel 20 years younger. Nothing makes me feel more youthful than passing younger guys on the uphill after they blow by me on the downhill.

Another 50 yr. old w/ a new MTB