New Bike - I need an intervention!

I am not sure what the bike equivalent of AA is, but I need it. I have fallen off the wagon!:o

I have avoided buying a bike myself for almost two years now. I have achieved this mostly through the vicarious buying of bikes for others. I help them work out what they want and then hold their hand while they go and buy them, help them set them up, encourage them to buy gadgets and go clipless and generally bask in the spending of their money on "bike stuff.":D

I have even basked in the TE forum members' purchases of glorious bikes....

But today I bought a new bike. I am not sure if I should be celebrating or confessing! It is a Scott Speedster S20 FB and I'm going to love it!

You see, I already have four bikes. Four and a half if you count my half of the tandem I ride with DD. I have a very old roadie, a newish roadie, a hardtail MTB and a nice dual suspension MTB. The hardtail MTB now sports slick tyres and does commute and general hack duties.

So, it transpired that I "influenced" one of my workmates to buy a flatbar roadie the other week because that was what she needed. This was no big deal at the time, since I had no need for such a thing. But then I discovered a need!:eek:

I usually go on a 9 day tour around Queensland called Cycle Queensland (CQ). The last two years I have taken DD on the tandem and DH on his own bike. This year they have decided they would prefer not to come. I gave this some thought and decided I would still go. It is after all my base training for the year. When else do I get the freedom to spend 9 days in a row riding 100km give or take with somebody else feeding me and no work to go to?:)

So I decided to go and take my roadie - rather looking forward to release from the tandem! Then I looked at the profile for the road. Urghhh!:eek: Some pretty big hills there! Some pretty rough rural roads there! Better re-think taking the roadie since I can't see me getting up some of those hills on it and don't fancy walking up them thar hills in roadie walk-like-a-duck shoes!

So I decided to take the hardtail on slicks. Shortly thereafter I rode it to work (a pretty decent sort of a commute) and remembered that I keep running out of gears at the top end, that the fork annoys me when I'm just commuting, that while it is terrific when your butt is only on the seat half the time in the forest, it is just not comfy to sit down on for a prolonged period. In short - just NOT a bike you look forward to pushing out a huge bunch of miles for 9 days in a row!

It was then that the workmate showed me her new flatbar roadie. And it was nice.:) And as I looked at that nice roadie triple, and those nice big 700c wheels, and.... I suddenly realised that this was the sort of thing (if it just had a carbon fork) that I would like to ride for touring and commuting!

I then spent a fruitless night on the computer comparing specs of all the well-known and -sold bikes in Oz, looking for something to meet my requirements (at least 105, road triple, carbon fork, nice wheelset, room for a bit more tyre width, braze-ons for a rack). It was a fruitless search. Sellers of WSD FB road bikes easily available down here seem to think women don't need nicer spec gear. There was nothing available with anything above Tiagra. Even in the nicer-specced men's bikes they seemed to favour a compact double on the nicer bikes (I HATE compact gearing) or a MTB range of gearing that would ensure I was back to running out of gears at the top.:confused:

I consoled myself that there was nothing I could buy (DH was very happy) and resigned myself to looking at some steeper gearing for my hardtail. But then I wandered into a LBS and the gal there had already solved this predicament for another female customer. She pointed to the Scott in a catalogue.:) I googled.:):) It really was exactly what I wanted (as long as i could get it to fit me).:D I dithered for almost a week, measured my bikes, compared the measurements to the sizing charts, and finally caved in today. I went back and bought it. It will arrive next week and I just can't wait!!!:D:D

I dunno, I completely buy all your justifications and definitely agree that you needed that bike. Maybe think about selling on either your old roadie or your hardtail - you could possibly make your old roadie a better commuter bike. Or you can totally justify keeping them, because you've got a growing daughter.

Either way, congrats!

I however, need the full suspension mountain bike that arrives tomorrow like i needed a whole in the head. But there was something about it being 80% off... And only having a hardtail.

hm... clearly a very necessary purchase. I mean, you had no other choice. Furthermore, unless you need the room, I do not think anything else in the stable needs to go. Here's why: they are already paid for. You don't have to feed them. You may find yourself in just such a predicament again and one of your other lesser ridden steeds may be the perfect fit. No, no, you do not need bicycle AA. I just don't think you have a problem - or maybe I too have a problem ;)

sounds like you need a new bike.

Indeed, it sounds like you really need the new bike and need no further justification.

Of course, I have less than 100 miles on my first bike and am already buying a second one....so perhaps it is me that needs Bike AA :rolleyes:

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Originally Posted by Catrin

Indeed, it sounds like you really need the new bike and need no further justification.

Of course, I have less than 100 miles on my first bike and am already buying a second one....so perhaps it is me that needs Bike AA :rolleyes:

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*cough* At least everyone talked you into a cheaper new bike than the one you first wanted, and then the stock build instead of the custom build.

So we don't completely enable everyone who comes on here.

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Originally Posted by Catrin

Indeed, it sounds like you really need the new bike and need no further justification.

Of course, I have less than 100 miles on my first bike and am already buying a second one....so perhaps it is me that needs Bike AA :rolleyes:

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Catrin, you're a cyclist after my own heart. I bought a single speed bike in December and got to ride it three times between epic snowstorms, probably put 45 miles on it. A week and a half ago I found a Fuji 'beater bike' on Craigslist that I had to have. It's sitting in my garage alongside the single speed. This weekend looks promising for some nice long rides.

Ahhh! I knew I could rely on the TEers to reinforce my need!

And I figure I can get rid of the old roadie now. It only sits on the trainer in case of bad weather. I can use the new bike on the trainer in yucky weather since it only has carbon in the fork.

And the hardtail will get handed down to a growing daughter pretty damned soon at the rate she's growing (like within months).

There we go - another soothing layer of justification spread like butter!:p



* I need the justification practice for when DD grows into my newer roadie and I replace it with something much nicer....

Hmm - I don't see the problem. Don't you all know that the optimal number of bikes is n+1???? :D:D:D

SheFly (who is a bike-a-holic, and has the 10+ bikes to prove it)

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Originally Posted by Catriona

*cough* At least everyone talked you into a cheaper new bike than the one you first wanted, and then the stock build instead of the custom build.

So we don't completely enable everyone who comes on here.

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And that is a good thing :) The Fargo was really too expensive for me though, so I would have come around anyway :p

Your justification makes perfect sense and you had no other choice IMO. Besides, they don't eat anything, do they;)

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Originally Posted by pinkbikes

* I need the justification practice for when DD grows into my newer roadie and I replace it with something much nicer....

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Sounds like the perfect solution thus proof that you really do need the new bike :p

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Originally Posted by SheFly

Don't you all know that the optimal number of bikes is n+1???? :D:D:D

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Well said!!!
:)
And yes, I am waiting for a new bike too... :D

well...I think this just confirmed my need to get a new full carbon specialized (probably specialized...unless anyone has any super lightweight recommendations) 2011 roadie when they come out in May-ish...before the HST adds another 7% tax to BIKES in Canada in July...boo to that, yeah to new bike!!! Woo hoo!

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Originally Posted by SheFly

the optimal number of bikes is n+1

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What a fabulous rule!

Well I thought I needed an intervention, but what I really needed was a new bike. And here it is - I got it today.:D

I do think that bikes are a bit like drugs. Or what I think drugs would be like since I wasn't much fun in the seventies and eighties!:eek: This is because I have looked forward to getting this bike. I dragged out the anticipation by taking ages to decided to buy it, and then waiting to pick it up.

I was so excited, but it seems that the thrill is not as big as it was for earlier bikes. I don't know whether it was a less exciting genre of bike, or whether it is because I own better-specced bikes in other genres, so it didn't tickle me with the "bling factor" so much or just what? One way or another I didn't get the usual "I've just bought a bike" kick I expected.

Has my drug of choice started to become less effective?:eek:

Of course I then took it home and made it mine. I pumped its tyres up, put bottle cage and pump on it. Put Garmin bracket and Ay-Up light bracket on it. And a bell - lest I get pinged by the cops during bike week next week!:p

And I took it for a quick spin up the road and back and declared it fabulous! It's not the expensive and better specced Spesh FSR MTB. It's not the nimble, bought on a budget roadie that has been jazzed up with red bits that introduced me to brifters. But it will be much loved in that "don't want to be head down and butt up, but still want to ride something nice and light that moves along smartly, that I can put a rack on if I want to to cart stuff" niche.:)

What a happy little camper I will be with Scottie!

He is beautiful! He looks similar to my Trek, and I am sure that he will fill his niche very well.

It really is very much like our drug of choice, isn't it? Indeed, a lot more fun than that 70's were :eek:

Scottie is a very handsome bike I can see why you needed it. And you are right about the fact that none of your existing bikes quite met the needs of your upcoming ride. Entirely justified!

I can identify with your dilemma though. I've been satisfying my addiction vicariously too (so far supporting 5 friends through their bike purchases, including the pleasure of visiting the LBS with them) but I've started to lust after a new bike too. Of course, I don't need one. I already have 3 (a hybrid, a flat bar roadie and a roadie that is a triple ring with carbon forks and seat post). I've only recently started to feel comfortable on the roadie so I'm nowhere near outgrowing it (in fact, I've still got a lot of growing into it to do).

But I can hear the siren song of a full carbon bike calling my name. I started looking at them online yesterday. Must resist.....resist.....resist....resist

Scottie is beautiful. I'm sure you'll have many happy miles with him.

I've got a confession to make - I'm an addict myself.

It's a beauty! I think a see a smile on Scottie's head tube. He's happy with his new home too:D

Scottie looks really pretty and fast!

Thanks everybody. I'm going to have a blast with Scottie.



PS: I may have implied that N+1=3. This would be a lie. I only mentioned two of my other bikes. Shame made me do it!!:p N+1=6 in real life!;)


And Macski -I hear that siren song too. Don't resist! When DD grows into my roadie, I will not be resisting the call of the wild full carbon!

Don't be ashamed, Pink, you are among friends here. We understand.

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Originally Posted by pinkbikes

PS: I may have implied that N+1=3. This would be a lie. I only mentioned two of my other bikes. Shame made me do it!!:p N+1=6 in real life!;)

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Don't worry - my N+1 = 10, with another being built... :o

And I'm really glad you liked the N+1 bit :D.

SheFly

You don't know how good it is to hear there are others going through the same phenomena!

I currently have 3 bikes: a 1990 Univega Alpina (mountain bike), a 2009 Specialized Dolce Elite road bike (bought September, 2008) and most recently, a 2009 Jamis Coda Sport hybrid. In between, I bought and sold two Specialized Expedition Sport comfort bikes-one was a little too large (we gave it to DBF's father). Its replacement was instrumental in turning me into a bike-aholic. I 'outgrew' it within a few months and sold it to buy the Jamis, which I felt fit the hybrid slot perfectly.

I thought that I was all set, but came across a CraigsList ad in late February for a (local) 2008 Jamis Aurora Elite at an attractive price...and the wheels started turning again.

This isn't a done deal; the bike is not available for viewing until later this month and other respondents are ahead of me. Hard to say how many are serious.

I figure whatever is meant to be, will be. If it is sold before I can look at it, I will not be heartbroken; I obviously have bikes to ride. If I do see it and happen to fall in love again...it will be a tough decision.

There are worse hobbies, I suppose. (At least it doesn't need to be fed, right?)

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Originally Posted by Kubla

You don't know how good it is to hear there are others going through the same phenomena!

I currently have 3 bikes: a 1990 Univega Alpina (mountain bike), a 2009 Specialized Dolce Elite road bike (bought September, 2008) and most recently, a 2009 Jamis Coda Sport hybrid. In between, I bought and sold two Specialized Expedition Sport comfort bikes-one was a little too large (we gave it to DBF's father). Its replacement was instrumental in turning me into a bike-aholic. I 'outgrew' it within a few months and sold it to buy the Jamis, which I felt fit the hybrid slot perfectly.

I thought that I was all set, but came across a CraigsList ad in late February for a (local) 2008 Jamis Aurora Elite at an attractive price...and the wheels started turning again.

This isn't a done deal; the bike is not available for viewing until later this month and other respondents are ahead of me. Hard to say how many are serious.

I figure whatever is meant to be, will be. If it is sold before I can look at it, I will not be heartbroken; I obviously have bikes to ride. If I do see it and happen to fall in love again...it will be a tough decision.

There are worse hobbies, I suppose. (At least it doesn't need to be fed, right?)

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You and I have GOT to stop looking at Craigslist. There's way too much temptation out there.

My sister stopped by last Saturday and took a look at my collection of bicycles (too ashamed to say how many). She said "you collect bikes like I collect dresses." To each their own I suppose ... you won't see me with a collection of dresses, though. :)

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Originally Posted by SheFly

And I'm really glad you liked the N+1 bit :D.

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Oh yeah - have long been a fan of the N+1 formula. Have been using to justify my wickedness (habit) for years now!:D

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Originally Posted by pinkbikes

I do think that bikes are a bit like drugs.

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Oh, yeah.

Nice new ride. May the "fix" last for.....well, at least a little while! ;)

I have N+1! Maybe we should have a bike swap--then everyone gets a "new" bike!

My sis and her DH just informed me they are down to 4! (They are antique dealers who frequent estate sales. Most of the bikes came the day after the sale when the bike was sitting on the curb! I keep telling them their retirement plan should be a bike rental shop!)

Congrats on the new steed, Pinkbikes!!! :D

Max

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Originally Posted by Maxxxie

Congrats on the new steed, Pinkbikes!!! :D

Max

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Thanks Max! I'm still lusting for a new full carbon roadie but that child of mine needs to grow a bit faster for that to happen. But this will be fun for now.

I took it for its first ride this morning - did the Bike Week Women's Ride at Sandgate (thought I might see you out there somewhere Max!) this morning and rode to and from Sandgate from home to pad it out to a nice 55km. The bike was lovely - rode really well and didn't even seem too much slower than my real roadie!

Unfortunately I got my first flat tyre at 40km! On my first ride! Does that seem fair? Nooooo!:confused:

Fortunately this was just as they had finished the ride bit and were having the riding for women seminar at the Bowls Club, so I just parked my butt down the back of he room and changed the flat while the speakers were speaking, and then borrowed the track pump from the bike mechanic who came to teach them all to change a flat, and was back on my merry way. Could hardly have been more convenient really.:)

Are you doing the Great Brisbane Bike Ride next Sunday at all Max?

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Originally Posted by pinkbikes

I took it for its first ride this morning - did the Bike Week Women's Ride at Sandgate (thought I might see you out there somewhere Max!)this morning and rode to and from Sandgate from home to pad it out to a nice 55km.

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Awww, crap! :mad: I had every intention of going on that ride, but after a tough ride home last night, I slept in until 0600. No way I was going to make it. I was very unhappy with myself. I'd been looking forward to it for aaaaaaages!

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Originally Posted by pinkbikes

The bike was lovely - rode really well and didn't even seem too much slower than my real roadie!

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Awesome!

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Originally Posted by pinkbikes

Unfortunately I got my first flat tyre at 40km! On my first ride! Does that seem fair? Nooooo!:confused:

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Not so awesome. But hey, at least you know you can fix a flat on that sucker! When my mum replaced her bike last year, it was much to her dismay that she discovered the combination of her tyres with new rims was completely impossible for her to get on/off without help from her hubby.

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Originally Posted by pinkbikes

Are you doing the Great Brisbane Bike Ride next Sunday at all Max?

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Yes, and there's no way I'm sleeping in! I wanna go through the new Clem7 tunnel and see what all the fuss is about! :D I presume you're going? DD too?

Max

You betcha I'll be there. I got a freebie from work for the 45km so I entered DH as well. We "ran" through Clem7 the other week (in a mostly walking kind of way) and it was pretty cool, so I'm definitely NOT going to miss riding through it. Lucky for us DD has a birthday party sleepover the night before, so I get to NOT ride the tandem (she's 6 days too young to pilot her own bike dammit) and will ride the roadie instead. Yay!:D

I'll be hanging around the Smart Travel tent at the start - I think as sponsors we may get to start somewhere near the front. Give me a yell if you are coming past and see me. I'll be in Smart Travel clobber of course! Red helmet, no tiara this time!

You missed a nice ride today too. The weather was pretty kind considering how it has been the last few weeks - barely even a couple of raindrops! Oh - and you missed quite a spectacle too - and I was just a bit too slow to get it on camera....

Picture a group of women riding along the foreshore at Woody Point. The path runs right at the water's edge with about a 1.5m drop over a retaining wall down to the water and a nice timber edge beam on top. We are battling a headwind and some of the crowd are looking forward to coffee just ahead. One of my girlfriends (commutes to town from Greenslopes for work pretty regularly) has come along for the ride and I have got a bit ahead of her when I hear a bit of a yelp and a tyre scraping across concrete.

I immediately think she is in trouble and turn to look behind, just in time to see one of the ride leaders flying through the air into the water with her bike still attached. Bugger!:confused:

It turns out that my friend has looked across the park to the coffee shop and not seen the parkbench looming that sticks out into the path (masterful bit of design that) realises at the last minute, hooks her pedal on it and comes to a savage halt. The ride leader, seeing what has happened as she was about to pass, takes a wider line and somehow goes too wide, winds up facing the drink and launches over the raised timber edge, landing in the water and on the rocks below.:eek:

Somehow both she and the bike escape with only minor issues - a few small scrapes for her and brifters pushed out of line and chain all topsy turvy for the bike!:) Amazing really.

So we all hoisted her and bike out of the drink and sorted out her chain and straightened up her brifters and off she rode! Daresay she'll have a few sore and achy spots tomorrow, but she's very fortunate not to have broken anything.

So you definitely shouldn't have slept in!:p

That sounds incredibly dramatic, acrobatic and traumatic, all in one! I'm double-plus peeved I didn't go now. :(

Never mind. I'll keep an eye out for you at the ride on Sunday :)

Max