It was worth the wait!!!

[zoom-zoom]

FINALLY my 2013 Salsa El Mariachi 3 arrived yesterday. Today was my maiden voyage on "Gossamer," aka Gossy. I'm battling lower back hell and owe my rugrat a run tonight, so just went out for a few miles at a little park with some singletrack near us. Mostly to look for any issues, see what things need adjustment, and take some photos.




Amazing how much EASIER uphills are on this bike compared to my '09 Cannondale F5. Hard to believe they're even the same species! I really like the Shimano SLX triggers over the SRAM ones that are on my previous bike. MUCH lighter touch and shorter throw to shift to harder gears.

[indysteel]

Oh my; I covet thy bike! Did you end up going with the XS? How's the fit?

If you are like me and my Santa Cruz, it took more than a few rides to get used to one another. Hopefully, it's love at first ride with you and Gossy, but if not, give it a few rides to get used to her.

[zoom-zoom]

Yep, I did go with the XS. Right away my LBS chopped about 1 1/8" of handlebar off each side. I *might* go a hair narrower, still, but maybe not. Also flipped the stem down. Perhaps will end up cutting the steerer tube some, since it's quite long and there are still a ton of spacers under the stem. Again, I will give it a while before I make any decision on that.

Overall the fit is really really good. I ended up with something like 2 extra inches of cockpit room with this bike. It feels SO good to be stretched out and not sitting so upright. I feel much more stable, even though I feel higher off the ground.

[DebSP]

Nice pictures of a great looking bike!

[ZenBiker]

Beautiful bike, beautiful pics. Enjoy!

[Owlie]

Very nice bike and pictures. Have fun!

[thekarens]

Beautiful pics and bike! Congrats!

[Catrin]

Beautiful indeed - many congratulations!

[OakLeaf]

Very nice! Enjoy!

[Scrappy]

Like cherry candy! Beautiful!

[TrekDianna]

Absolutely gorgeous!!!!