Am I crazy?? And Thanks to ...??

[Squeaky]

Okay, I just rediscovered my love for cycling and I've been bike shopping for the last couple of weeks. Well, I test drove a Serotta Fierte and fell in love!! Waaay more than I wanted to spend, but I'm hoping to grow into it.

Was I being too impulsive? Should "newbies" have such a nice bike? I don't regret the purchase, but I'm worried that "real" riders will role their eyes at me.

Also, I had posted a thread a while back (can't find it) for opinions of different bikes, and someone suggested checking out Serotta's... so thanks to whoever that was! I LOVE this bike!

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

All that is important is that you love it, it fits you well, it works fine, it was within your financial means,
...and most of all that you are RIDING it, enjoying it, and getting healthy!!!
How could anyone roll their eyes at that?

Great bike! Have TONS of fun, and KEEP RIDING!!

[Bad JuJu]

Though I'm no expert, it seems to me that there are two schools of thought when it comes to bike acquisition: 1. You can be like me and start cheap and work up to a better bike, thereby maybe (though not necessarily) spending more than you had to, but also taking some time to make sure you're going to love the sport. Or, 2. If you're already pretty sure you're going to love cycling and spend lots of time in the saddle, and your bank account can stand it, you can go straight to the "big kid" bikes and go for it. You spend some serious money up front, but you also get one kicka$$ bike that you can love for a long time--"grow into it," that is.

There are pros and cons to each approach--you just have to know what's best for you. Don't let anyone tell you--either in words or with their rolling eyes--you did the wrong thing if you know it's right--for you. As Lisa said, if it fits, works well, and you could afford it, ENJOY!

Oh yeah, and we want to see photos of YOUR Serotta!

[Python]

Lovely bike Never mind what other people think, you go out there and enjoy your bike

[Squeaky]

Thanks! And you're right, the important thing will be to keep riding.

[Squeaky]

Thanks everyone! You input really does make me feel better about the cost (I guess I'm feeling a little emotionally needy right now ).

[Hub]

She's a beauty! Just enjoy

[Geonz]

Get out of that "what will real riders think?" mode ... you're making yourself far too important When real riders roll their eyes, half the time it's so that you'll *think* they're a real rider... p'raps it feeds some need of theirs. Hey, does it keep you from having fun?
If your choice isn't messing with their riding satisfaction, then no harm no foul.
Now, I sympathize with "real riders" when - and it happens every season - a rider or two will come along who gets into the sport, gets a fast bike, and gets going fast - but doesn't have the knowledge & skills to support it, and does things like hop into pacelines without realizing how important "the rules" are (or keeps going out fast and then not being able to keep up, and expecting people to sympathize and slow down - there's a big social difference between casual & testosterone rides!)