How to spend a tax refund

[divingbiker]

After months of agonizing, I finally ordered a new commuting bike on Friday--a Rivendell Glorius. And it's red! (This is a picture of a Wilbury, but it's the same bike, just a different name.)

Hopefully the albatross bars and bar end shifters will help eliminate the wrist pain I've been experiencing with the grip shifters on my early 90's vintage Trek hybrid. I decided that it was foolish to ride my crappiest, oldest bike as my commuter since I ride it every day. And I don't want to ride my newer, nicer road bike to work because I want to sit more upright in the traffic.

Yesterday I forced myself to do my taxes--the refund will cover about 2/3 of the cost of the bike! Unfortunately I have to wait 6-8 weeks to get the bike, but that will be just in time for spring.

You know this is all ace's fault...

[wannaduacentury]

Very pretty It looks like my old 3 speed and it is red w/ brown/tan seat and bar grips. Looks like a fun commuting bike

[ace]

Hey! I resemble that remark!

That bike is so cuuute! May you ride her in great happiness.

Anyone else want me to take the blame for purchases? I'm happy to.....

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Congratulaions! Welcome to the Rivendell sisterhood!

[xeney]

Ooh, so pretty. I commute on a mixte with those same bars and I think it's perfect. Have fun!

[Trek420]

Congratulaions! Welcome to the Rivendell sisterhood!

First lugged steel, next wool.

Resistance is futile

[divingbiker]

First lugged steel, next wool.

Resistance is futile

Hmmm...I'm not so sure about that. I tried to be a wool weenie, but except for socks, everything is too itchy. (And I've got my doubts about a leather saddle, but I haven't run across an alternative that keeps the whole retro vibe going.)

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Hmmm...I'm not so sure about that. I tried to be a wool weenie, but except for socks, everything is too itchy. (And I've got my doubts about a leather saddle, but I haven't run across an alternative that keeps the whole retro vibe going.)

Have you tried 100% merino ultrafine wool? Examples are Ibex or Smartwool brands. Most people find them very very soft rather than itchy, including myself.
Leather saddles....sure they look good instead of "plast-icky", but many cyclists get hooked on them because once they form to your butt they don't HURT like many plastic foam and gel saddles do!

[Aggie_Ama]

Congrats, she is beautiful!

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Hopefully the albatross bars and bar end shifters will help eliminate the wrist pain I've been experiencing with the grip shifters on my early 90's vintage Trek hybrid.

My husband changed to albatross bars on his 10 year old steel Trek that had straight bars, and he said it was WAY more comfortable on his hands and arms. He loves his albatross bars on the Trek- which is his go-to-the-store/bank/PO bike.