My Unabashed Bike Porn :D

Here's a peek:

http://ryanandangel.smugmug.com/phot...30_7EHf3-S.jpg

Here's the rest: http://ryanandangel.smugmug.com/gallery/4412583_qXMgh

I went to a reputable LBS this time and did it right and tried several bikes including the Bianchi Volpe and the Kona Jake the Snake. I really liked the Volpe but when I told hubby the price tag he was like, "Excuse me?!" So, I had to have them show me bikes in a price range that was half, to which they were hesitant since they knew how much I liked the Volpe. Then someone remembered a late model Kona Sutra they had lying around. And wouldn't you know it was in my size!!! I took her for a spin and was incredibly surprised by how smooth she was and how easily she handled hills and how she went. She was also 50% off.

After an at-length discussion with the owner (female also) to make sure that this bike would fit my needs and desires, I called the hubby again to renegotiate. I agreed to return the Garmin Edge 305 he got me for my birthday if he let me get this bike that was smack dab in the middle of the price range he wanted and the price of the Volpe. He finally relented.

The LBS cheered along with me and put the bike on the trainer to make any adjustments for me. The owner is well-known in the area for being able to peg fit. The adjustments were minimal aside from a longer stem that she threw in for me. And I took her home!

My unused, yellow Crank Brothers Candy C pedals even match her! I feel like it was destiny. I know that probably sounds crazy but I'm sure I'm preaching to the choir here. There was a lot of interest for the bike but the owner doesn't like to sell bikes to people who don't physically come in and some people called as far as NJ. It was also advertised on their website and people left comments inquiring about her. It was like she was waiting for me!

I need to get use to the seat. I'm a bit bruised from trying all the other bikes and my sit bones are wimpy since I'm use to cushier seats. And the weather is not at all conducive to riding her outside just yet. Once my bruises heal I'm on her on the trainer.

Bring on Spring and the new season! Woo hoo!

Excellent! Great deal. Sounds like you went to Proteus--that's my LBS, and they're fantastic. Jill's great, and so is Jerry, the mechanic.

Lovely bike! The yellow pedals are perfect on it. It must have been fate that the two of you ended up together. Wishing you many happy miles on your new bike.

Oooooh, pretty! Big congrats!

(I admit I was halfway expecting to see that pic of those guys in the red shorts. :D )

You didn't waste any time, did you ;)?
I can see the difference in the frame, much longer top tube - that's got to feel better.
How do the drop bars feel?

Jill is the bomb! I'm so glad you ended up with a great bike at a great price from a great shop!

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Originally Posted by zencentury

You didn't waste any time, did you ;)?
I can see the difference in the frame, much longer top tube - that's got to feel better.
How do the drop bars feel?

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LOL Guilty! :D The Sunday after I met with you would be the only time for the next three weekends that I'd be able to make it out to Proteus other than taking time off from work. I had a wad of cash ;) in my pocket that wanted to go towards a new bike. And so it did! :D You helped make it possible!

Yes, a longer top tube and she even switched out a longer stem for me. The drop bars feel good. I have to get use to the shifting and my back and shoulders need to get use to this new position. I know I needed to get use to it so I wanted to start sooner rather than later.

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Originally Posted by tulip

Jill is the bomb! I'm so glad you ended up with a great bike at a great price from a great shop!

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She so is! It's amazing how she can look at you on a bike on the trainer and know immediately what's wrong. She knows when one leg is shorter than the other and when you need a longer stem, etc. She so rocks!

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Originally Posted by divingbiker

Excellent! Great deal. Sounds like you went to Proteus--that's my LBS, and they're fantastic. Jill's great, and so is Jerry, the mechanic.

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Ding ding ding! You got it! :D I'm not sure if Jerry was there, I never got the name of the guy who pretty much helped me the most though it really was a team effort especially since we had to gang up on my husband. ;) I wish I was closer to Proteus so I could hang out there more often. I'll still visit but I'll have to plan those. I'll probably take the bikes to Bikes at Vienna for repairs and maintenance since they are so close to me and they do great work as well. I really like those guys and I've been to a good number of LBSs in this area.

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Originally Posted by wackyjacky1

Oooooh, pretty! Big congrats!

(I admit I was halfway expecting to see that pic of those guys in the red shorts. :D )

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Oh, then I would've titled the post "My Unabashed Bike Guys Porn." :D

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Originally Posted by SandyLS

Lovely bike! The yellow pedals are perfect on it. It must have been fate that the two of you ended up together. Wishing you many happy miles on your new bike.

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Thanks! I knew that holding on to those pedals would pay off down the road some day. :p

Wow! F8th367 - it looks like our bikes were almost twins - right down to the trainer! :D

IFJane, LOL That is awesome! Great minds, right? I really love that trainer. It also came up in my negotiations with the husband but there was no way I was going to give that up. I'll return the Garmin I haven't yet used before I give up the trainer! I am so coveting your pedals. ;) What kind of bike is that? They really do almost look like twins!

She is an Independent Fabrication (the "IF" in my name) Ti road bike. She was built to my specs in their small factory in Somerville, MA. Her name is Godiva because she has no paint - just a few stickers placed in strategic locations. :eek:

As for the trainer - you are absolutely right! "You can take the kids, but don't touch the trainer!!" :D:rolleyes::eek:

Yes, I noticed the lack of stickers/decals so I figured she was something special. ;)

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Originally Posted by F8th637

Ding ding ding! You got it! :D I'm not sure if Jerry was there, I never got the name of the guy who pretty much helped me the most though it really was a team effort especially since we had to gang up on my husband. ;) I wish I was closer to Proteus so I could hang out there more often. I'll still visit but I'll have to plan those. I'll probably take the bikes to Bikes at Vienna for repairs and maintenance since they are so close to me and they do great work as well. I really like those guys and I've been to a good number of LBSs in this area.

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I used to live about 5 miles from the shop in Mount Rainier on the DC line. Great little town. I haven't found a shop like that here in Richmond; Proteus is unique and I don't know if one like that even exists here. Luckily, I can still make it up there from time to time. (Bikes at Vienna is great, too. Love those Bike Fridays!)

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Originally Posted by F8th637

I need to get use to the seat.

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Such a beautiful bike deserves a brooks!

Beautiful! Congratulations! What an amazing piece of bike-destiny!

(BTW, I couldn't tolerate the saddles that came with either of my Konas. I don't think your beautiful Sutra will mind if you decide you might have to switch out her saddle once you recover from all that test-riding!)

Beautiful bike. Congratulations!! I love it when things work out like that. it really does seem like destiny.

Sweet! Enjoy her!

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Originally Posted by KnottedYet

Beautiful! Congratulations! What an amazing piece of bike-destiny!

(BTW, I couldn't tolerate the saddles that came with either of my Konas. I don't think your beautiful Sutra will mind if you decide you might have to switch out her saddle once you recover from all that test-riding!)

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I looked up the seat, a WTB Rocket, online and most people said it hurt at first until you broke it in. I always have my spare cushy seat just in case but I am looking to be a bit more stream-lined this time around. ;)

Nice bike! Congrats and enjoy... I know all about negotiating with the husband for these things. ;-)

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Originally Posted by rij73

Nice bike! Congrats and enjoy... I know all about negotiating with the husband for these things. ;-)

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I knew I was in good company here. ;) I knew it couldn't be just MY husband.