Getting a different bike

[Trekn Teresa]

Cycling friends,

"Woo-Hoo" Oh my goodness...I am getting an upgrade.
Right now I have a 2003 Trek Navigator 300 (the wheat silver color)
But, around the middle of February, I am getting a Trek 7.5 FX!
I am so excited. The color is the Matte Smooth Silver.
However, the guy kept steering me towards the WSD (women's specific design) which is a "different" blue. I think it's called Crystal Blue.
I am also getting bar ends added. When I go to pick it up, having the seat changed out,
and also the tires.
I think I will also look into getting shoes- any recommendations?
Well- I just had to share my enthusiasm with you all.

I am so ready to get back to riding. It is so blah, dreary and chilly here in northern Illinois. We haven't seen the sun in days here. If only I had the proper winter bike riding clothing-I'd be tempted to get out anyway and ride for a little bit. But as it is I don't.
Here's to a fabulous 2006!
"Happy Riding" everyone!
~ Trekn Teresa ~

[slinkedog]

Hi Teresa! How exciting for you! I'm sure you're going to love your new ride!!

I was a little unsure from your post if you decided to get the WSD bike or stuck with the regular model. If I understand correctly, I think that the women-specific models are usually best for gals with long legs and short torsos. I didn't get a WSD bike and mine fits me just fine. Hopefully the guy selling you your bike is on top of everything and you'll get a perfect fit!! Keep us posted and let us know how you like it!

[Trekn Teresa]

You are correct, I did not go with the WSD. One reason is:
I just did not like the blue color at all. I am 5'5" and am average. My torso is not short, but neither long ( I don't think) So, I don't think it would make enough of a difference for me; so I am going with the men's style, but I am having the seat switched out.
I can't wait to get it, and go riding....but it will be awhile before the weather is nice enough or warm enough for me to go riding ...but ohhhh am I ever anticipating with so much eagerness!!
I can't wait to hit the trails..

~ Trekn Teresa ~

[Melody]

Teresa, I hope you have alot of fun with your new bike. The new bike fever is catching!

Mel

[CorsairMac]

Congrats! Isn't a new bike fun??!!! I'm almost as excited as you and it isn't even my bike!! (CMac Loves when ppl get new bikes!)

As for shoe recommendations: everyone here wears all different types. I went with the Specialized MTB shoe as a starter clipless, they weren't too costly and I could walk in them around the house/work/etc without the cleat tearing up the floors. I also liked the tread on them for when I stopped during the learning curve. That way when I put my foot down it landed on the tread and not the cleat, which can be a little slippery.

[Trekn Teresa]

I just wanted to say Thanks to:
Slinkedog, Melody and
Corsair Max for the advice on the pedals and shoes.
As soon as I bring it home and hopefully ride it awhile -
I will let you all know.
Let's hope for some nice weather here in northern Illinois!
I will need some time to get acquainted with it.
But-I just know we will become great riding buddies and will spend many happy hours and miles together.

Happy riding to all!

[slinkedog]

Oh yeah, I meant to mention that I wear Shimano MTB shoes... I have to walk hills sometimes, so I wanted a shoe with a little more traction. I also ride mtb spd pedals that are made so you can clip in on either side. I'm a klutz.

What part of Illinois do you live in? My hubby grew up in northern INdiana (about 30 miles south of South Bend) and lived in Chicago for quite a while.

[Trekn Teresa]

Slinkedog,

thanks- I've added the Shimano MTB shoes to my "list of things to try"
and the specialized MTB starter clipless pedals. I think tho- the bike comes with regular type pedals on one side and then on the other side is the type where you can clip into (not sure exactly what the pedals are called?)

Oh- you asked what part of Illinois we live.
We live an hour west of Rockford Illinois.
So- I think that would be approx. 2 hours west of Chicago.
I appreciate this forum- I think it is great and sure have enjoyed reading
alot of the topics in here. yep- I sure have been spending alot of time in here.
And,wow- some of the people's avitars (pics) of themselves with gorgeous mountains as their backdrop...absolutely gorgeous!!!! I think I am referring to Denise Goldberg's and others that are similar!
Just breath-taking scenery!

[annie]

Trekn Teresa,

Are you in Galena, or close by Galena?
I am in Dubuque, IA. Can't be too far from wherever you are...........

annie

[Geonz]

I would ride both of 'em and see if they *felt* differnet... but I'm an auditory-kinesthetic girl. It could be mauve for all I care if it feels right.

My 7500FX is not WSD but we get along fine, though it's not *quite* as perfect a fit as my Nutra... which is also not WSD (but has a Bianchi stem so I'm reaching a little more forward). (The 7.5 is what they're calling 7500's now). Mine's blue, too...not the robin's egg blue.

I would serioulsy look at getting 28c tires instead of 32s though... when I switched from 35 to 28 it was an *instant* 2 mph speed increase and I could suddenly ride along with (and coast along with) people who had to slow down for me. It doesn't take long at all to adjust to the different feel. I've gone to 25's on my 7500FX and **never** had traction issues or gravel problems, though I do pretty much stick to pavement. If you're on gravel or dirt roads, 32's are probalby better.

Why wait for weather? Layer, layer, layer! we've got the Illini Chill supported ride on 2/4/6 in St. Joseph... come on down and join us :-) Hot chocolate for everybody!