Solve my bike predicament!

[LovelyGirl]

Hi, Ladies,

I don't often post, and I try to use all the old threads to answer my questions, but I gotta create this one and get fresh advice!

Several months back, I bought a Trek 7.6 FX (2010) off Craigslist. It's a great bike, and I really have enjoyed riding her around our gorgeous paseos and around town to run errands. She is the first non-Target or Walmart bike I've had, and wow, what a difference! I actually have no idea if she fits, but seller was about my height (5'6") and Trek was 17.5 inch frame. I guess the only thing I feel is that I'd like to stretch out further, and that I'd like more hand positions. That's all I got to go on, Girls. Need a fit, for sure.

So, it's not that I NEED a new or different bike, but I just really started thinking I'd like to be on a road bike. I started noticing and disliking the limited hand positions on my flat bars and have been thinking the roadies seem pretty comfortable with their fancy schmancy drop bars. I even went so far as to test ride a Specialized Dolce at my LBS, and I actually liked that riding position (though shifting may take getting used to).

So, questions...
1. My Trek is at the high end of the FX series, aluminum with carbon forks and Iso-zone/mono stay stuff elsewhere. Is the Dolce any improvement? I hear there are different qualities of aluminum. Components are Tiagra, I think, and I know this varies in the Dolce according to the model I get. Knowing this, is a Dolce going to be a step up or just a lateral move?

2. I pull a Trek tag-a-along, which attaches to my seat post so my favorite 3 year old in the whole world can be my riding buddy. (Gotta do something while his Dad is at work and his brother is at school!) does anyone ever attach one of these to their road bike, or is that just cruel and unusual punishment for such a classy bike?

3. Admittedly, I don't go off on long rides alone much. I have this DH and two DSs too precious to be parted from for any too long. We generally stick together, and while we do love family bike rides (our current fav takes us 6 miles on a beautiful CA paseo to church each Sunday), I tend to be limited by my guys. Boys are little and DH is a recreational rider. I'd like to get out more as they get a bit older, though. Maybe when little one is in school. Would a road bike be wasted on me?

I see the LBS has a 2010 Triple Dolce Elite marked down to $950. What say you to that price and to that bike? Just tell me the truth. I can handle it...

[TigerMom]

I would look up prices on the internet for the 2010 Triple Dolce Elite. I didn't look far to find that Bicycle Alley (in MA) currently has a 2010 Triple Dolce Elite on sale for $599.99. I would definitely show print out this online price to show your LBS. You never know if they are willing to price compete.

I did try riding with a tag-a-long once on my carbon road bike...I was worried that I would crack my seat post. So, I would say that if I had the Aluminum Dolce, I would definitely not worry about that. Also, since you have a triple on the 2010 Dolce Elite, I think that is great gearing to pull your tag-a-long
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2012 Specialized Amira Elite, upgraded carbon handle bars, Jett saddle 143mm switched to 145mm 2012 Selle Italia Max SLR Gel Flow saddle
2010 Santa Cruz Juliana with R kit and Crampon pedals
2011 Specialized Ariel Sport,suspension post,Serfas Rx Women's Microfiber saddle (sold)

[LovelyGirl]

Wow, I've got to see if I can get them to come down on their price! I will see if I can find it and then squeeze in a trip. Heck, I'm tempted to haul my Trek with me and have them see if getting the Dolce would be a lateral move. I'm still torn over getting something so spends when it isn't a necessity, but we'll see how bike lust overtakes me when I get to the store...

Thank you so much for your advice, Tiger Mom, and if you think of anything else to add, please do!

[Melalvai]

There are lots of handlebar options. A handlebar costs around $20. You might like an albatross bar, or my favorite weird trekking bar, or a Mary bar. Or those extensions that go a flat bar and stick straight up, those look pretty cool.

[LovelyGirl]

Melalvai, can one remove flat bars in exchange for drop bars? Would that be ok on my Trek 7.6FX?

[Hartmame]

Adding drop bars to your hybrid bicycle would probably be a little pricey as it requires a change in brake levers and shifters. One of the other handlebar types mentioned above would give you multiple hand positions without requiring any major changes that could end up breaking the bank. A hybrid bicycle has a little shorter top tube as it is made for an upright sitting position. If you want drop bars and have done some test rides, I would go with the road bike. It sounds oike either bike would work well for you at the present time but you will probably want to get a road bike in the future if you enjoy longer road rides.

[LovelyGirl]

Well, I just keep running it all through my head and then come to several different conclusions. My latest one is to keep the Trek and spring for a lower-end Ruby. I love the Dolce, so will probably love the Ruby. I've already got the AL bike with carbon fork/seat stay, so why should I get the Dolce, which is so similar? I will test ride a Ruby this week.

The major problem in this will be DH. He is the proud owner of a Target Schwinn comfort cruiser and cannot understand all this fuss. He was horrified when I bought m used Trek for $400. Convincing him I need ANOTHER bike and one that costs WAY more than the Trek will be not without it's pitfalls. Ah, well, I guess the man had to have one flaw... I'm going to keep an eye out on Craigslist as well. If I keep putting the miles on the Trek and look for deals, he can be won over.

What do you girls have to say to my newest plan? Is the Ruby a bit much for a newbie who doesn't get to ride for more than an hour at a time? Or is she a good investment?

[TigerMom]

Well, I just keep running it all through my head and then come to several different conclusions. My latest one is to keep the Trek and spring for a lower-end Ruby. I love the Dolce, so will probably love the Ruby. I've already got the AL bike with carbon fork/seat stay, so why should I get the Dolce, which is so similar? I will test ride a Ruby this week.

The major problem in this will be DH. He is the proud owner of a Target Schwinn comfort cruiser and cannot understand all this fuss. He was horrified when I bought m used Trek for $400. Convincing him I need ANOTHER bike and one that costs WAY more than the Trek will be not without it's pitfalls. Ah, well, I guess the man had to have one flaw... I'm going to keep an eye out on Craigslist as well. If I keep putting the miles on the Trek and look for deals, he can be won over.

What do you girls have to say to my newest plan? Is the Ruby a bit much for a newbie who doesn't get to ride for more than an hour at a time? Or is she a good investment?

If you have the money, and the Ruby keeps you exercising.....then it's a good investment because you are going to LOVE exercisng one hour a day. Riding a carbon bike feels lighter and smoother than Aluminum to me. However, just check with your LBS regarding whether you should worry about cracking your carbon stem if you hook up the Tag-a-Long to it.
_____________________________________________
2012 Specialized Amira Elite, upgraded carbon handle bars, Jett saddle 143mm switched to 145mm 2012 Selle Italia Max SLR Gel Flow saddle
2010 Santa Cruz Juliana with R kit and Crampon pedals
2011 Specialized Ariel Sport,suspension post,Serfas Rx Women's Microfiber saddle (sold)