My new bike

[pfunk12]

I just bought the 2011 Specialized Amira Expert. It was sort of a spur of the moment decision. I love my Madone 5.2 but the Amira is my team's bike and the team deal seemed too good to pass up. When I went to the bike shop 2 weeks ago to try one out, they didn't have my size. It sounds crazy but I bought the bike sight unseen without even sitting on it. But like the shop manager said, even if I don't like it and it doesn't work for me, I can wait a year (team requirement) and sell it and I would make money off the sale. But of course, I'm hoping it works for me. I went to the shop last night and got fitted so I'll be riding it for the first time tomorrow morning on my commute.

[HillSlugger]

Congrats!

When I was bike shopping it was suggested that I try an Amira but I couldn't find anyone local that had them. Which shop is this?

[pfunk12]

Spokes, Etc. in Alexandria, VA. They have 5 shops in Virginia but the Alexandria one is the closest to us. The service there is outstanding.

[7rider]

Sweet.

[kmehrzad]

Beautiful bike, PFunk. Should be wonderful to ride.

Is Bill Mould the bike mechanic at the Spokes you buy from? I believe he's now at the Quaker Lane store. That guy is a real gem. I took a bicycle maintenance class from him a couple years ago. He's so helpful, informative, and very kind.

[pfunk12]

Thanks, K. I only dealt with Steve, the manager, and Mark, the bike fitter. I was very impressed with them. Haven't met any of the mechanics yet.

Beautiful bike, PFunk. Should be wonderful to ride.

Is Bill Mould the bike mechanic at the Spokes you buy from? I believe he's now at the Quaker Lane store. That guy is a real gem. I took a bicycle maintenance class from him a couple years ago. He's so helpful, informative, and very kind.

[Bike Chick]

Very nice! Give us a ride report after your commute tomorrow!

[Scrappy]

(Insert wolf whistle here) Gorgeous! I suspect the people you race against will get an appreciation for how beautiful the back of the bike is ;-)

[PinkBike]

she's gorgeous!
the specialized website says ultegra compacts. suh-weet!

[aicabsolut]

You can ask Steve for team stickers--he used to have some at least.

For your name, I've used Victory Circle Graphix and liked the results. http://www.vcgraphix.com/

[pfunk12]

Thanks, aicabsolut!

You can ask Steve for team stickers--he used to have some at least.

For your name, I've used Victory Circle Graphix and liked the results. http://www.vcgraphix.com/

[LivetoRide]

I've test ridden the Amira Expert and it's a sweet bike! Congrats

[pfunk12]

Thanks everyone for your nice comments about the bike. It really is sweet. I did my first attempt at speed today and I was pretty happy with how the bike felt. The next test will be hills and group rides to see how it responds. Then again, if the bike doesn't work, is it really the bike or who's on the bike?

[7rider]

Then again, if the bike doesn't work, is it really the bike or who's on the bike?

Well, who's on the bike is a wicked fast, amazing athlete.
So....the engine is sound. That part is covered.

Be glad you don't have deep dish aero wheels on it, tho. Wind gusts to 60 mph tomorrow!

[pfunk12]

I know! Yikes. I'm hoping to get out in the morning and if it's windy, I'm hoping for a 60 mph tailwind!

Be glad you don't have deep dish aero wheels on it, tho. Wind gusts to 60 mph tomorrow!