Uh-oh... falling in love.

[rij73]

You guys might remember my previous post entitled "I love my bike!"... Well, I hate to say it, but I'm lusting after another. Now don't get me wrong, I do still love my bike, but as some of you predicted, I'm starting to have real road-bike fantasies. As much as I have been enjoying my flat-bar bike, I went to a fancy bike shop in Florida while visiting my mom last week... just to look around, mind you... Then it happened. I saw an Orbea Onix TDE.

I tried out the SRAM shifters, and they were dreamy. Perfect for my small hands. I had the impression from my husband's Shimano 105 levers, that I would never be able to manage road bike levers, but I was wrong. The SRAM levers are SO COMFY, and they work so smoothly. I didn't ride the bike, but the shop owner and I discussed my riding goals, and he thought I was right on track looking at that bike. All I can say right now is UH-OH...

So here's my idea. DH and I are going on a cycling vacation in the Catskills next month. Also, I'm going to train for a century here in New York in September. I'm going to ride it on my current bike. If I am successful and still enjoying riding after this summer, I think I will be able to justify to DH and myself spending $2300 on the Orbea. Does that sound reasonable to you ladies?

[KnottedYet]

Sounds good to me!

(says Knot, who has bought 4 bikes in the last year or so) (ok, one was for the SKnot, and one got traded in for bike #4... but that's still 4 bikes!)

[mimitabby]

wow, that's the prettiest Orbea I've seen.

I can commiserate. I am very prone to this kind of love. As i sit here waiting for my next bike to be made, I am plotting future bikes. And if a Mercian ever comes up on Ebay in good condition and near my size, well, I'll try to get it!

[F8th637]

LOL I had the same problem but thankfully I didn't fall for a high-priced lover like it seems you have. I was happy with an old road/tourie that I found on Craigslist for $75.

I think after the century is a good time to make a case for the bike. Anyway, of course you're preaching to the choir here but the Orbea sounds like an investment to me!

[Sheesh]

Very pretty! Nice choice.

[Zen]

... If I am successful and still enjoying riding after this summer, I think I will be able to justify to DH and myself spending $2300 on the Orbea. Does that sound reasonable to you ladies?

I'm unemployed, so my answer to your need for external validation is a resounding NO .

[indysteel]

Road bike lust. It happens to the best of us. I bought my road bike about six weeks after I bought my Trek FX. Granted, it cost less than the Orbea (which is a beauty btw). It seemed a bit extravagent at the time, but I don't regret it for a second. It's my baby. I've been trying to find a good home for my Trek because I never ride it now. Live and learn.

[indysteel]

I forgot to add that I like your plan although if it were me, I'd get the bike before the Catskills and your century if your budget allows. You only live once (or so they say).

[Aggie_Ama]

I have a lovely carbon Cannondale Synapse and Orbeas still make me weak. It is a pricy bike but only you will be able to judge your finances and love of cycling. I spent $600 on my first bike because we just weren't sure I would like it and anything above that was a big financial risk for us. I rode that bike (it was a Fuji Road Bike) for 4,000 miles then spent $2300 on my Cannondale.

Then again we are talking about a gorgeous Orbea- GET IT!

[ladyicon]

Sounds about right to me. I have bought 4 bikes in 4 years. I have learned never to go into a bike shop and ride a bike you lust for. I now have my Specialized Ruby Expert and love it. My Trek Pilot sits there feeling jealous.