Specialized Ariel?

[goggles2004]

So, I am new to biking, but with this early spring we are having here in Michigan I cannot wait to get out and start. I have visited several LBS's but not quite sure what I am exactly looking for. I want a bike that is versatile, that can do a little bit of everything. I may be going a sprint tri this summer...nothing too serious, just a goal to work towards. Anyway, I think I have decided on a Specialized Ariel (WSD) or the Cross tour. Any thoughts on these bikes? Anyone have one or any advice?

Thanks!

[bcandy]

Hi there,
I am also new too cycling and recently tested the Ariel. Did you decide to get that one? If so, how is it working out for you?

[CamsShel]

Hey bcandy,

I'm not the original poster but...I've had my Ariel for almost a month now. :-) I ride about 4 times a week--3x on dirt/rock and once on pavement. It's been a great bike for me. It had been 10 years since I had ridden and I didn't have any problems. Do you need a bike that can run on both?

Michelle in OK

[bcandy]

I was hoping for something that I could ride around the city paved bike paths but also take on packed dirt trails in the surrounding area. It sounds like this might be a good choice. Are there any downsides to the ariel? Did the handlebar grips bother you at all? Did you change them out?

[CamsShel]

The Ariel should handle both surfaces easily. I haven't changed anything...she is as she was made. The grips don't bother me, though I don't have anything to compare it to. :-) I was getting a little numbness in my pinkies at first, but once I got over my initial nervousness and stopped SQUEEZING, that went away.

The only downside I have found is that the gearing is low enough that I can't pedal fast enough on a down-hill...my husband zoomed past me, yelled, "keep pedaling!"...and I had to yell back "there's no resistance!" LOL On the other hand, the gearing is low enough that I can get UP _any_ hill around. (My husband joked that I could probably climb a wall with that gearing.) I don't know how to classify hills as far as categories or grades or anything, so I can't tell you what kind is too steep to keep pedaling down...but his bike computer said we were going somewhere around 35mph, if that helps at all.

Michelle in OK

[Lesley_x]

I nearly bought the specialized ariel. I found out, though, that there are two versions of the bike - the cheap one and the expensive one, and the cheap one which I would have got, had front suspension but it was unable to be locked out.

I figured it would be useful to have suspension that could lock out/be adjusted so I looked elsewhere

If that doesn't bother you though, I'm sure it would be excellent!