MAJOR BREAKTHRU (long story)

[ChainsOflove]

Just had to report back to you guys....

It took me two weeks to work up the nerve to show up at this "Club Day" (read: major male roadies and teams) at the local big LBS.

I cruised the place for 20 minutes in my car before going in, and turned back 2 times. Finally went in with the humble (but nice)city bike resting next to the wall when a HUGE peloton of designer spandex shows up, nearly crushing me. : ) TOTAL INTIMIDATION

I hang in the store for a while (talked to the Pearl Izumi rep about pants lenght) and finally decided to take a spin on a cued ride that had already gone out. .. I went out huffing and puffing for about 45 minutes, but got such a rush that my confidence went off the charts !(strange warm weather here helped)

I returned to the shop, marched up to the fit expert and asked to be helped with the NEW Colnago.

He's a real nice guy, so I get the courage to go fish the lovely Giovanna (colnago) from my back seat. I carry her down to the fit lab and WHOA !!! did she attract attention.?!?!?! Kinda freaked me out ....
but turns out everyone was pretty friendly. Got up on the trainer and made a spectalcle of my FAT self while fit guy corrected everything that had been f'd up by the other bike store.

Pretty soon I was shocked to find an older lady coming up to ME ?!?!?!?!? to ask advice....

Anyhow, left the store with bike perfectly fitted, having talked to at least 1/2 dozen people.

All this is a miracle considering I almost didn't even go!!!

Just had to tell someone this story.

[Adventure Girl]

Sounds like you and Giovanna had a great day!! Isn't bicycling great! Glad to hear of your successful day!

[Irulan]

awesome, good for you... and isn't it amazing how things like a good fit and a shop that's willing to do it, make a difference?

Irulan

[kpc]

Sorry to let my ignorance show, but what is a Giovanna colnago? And yes, the costumed riders can be intimidating. But there is always at least one really nice person around. And if you ride a bike, you are already used to looking out of place.

[annie]

Good on you, Chains!!!!! Talk about about a confidence boost, huh? You'll remember that in the future when you want to do something that's hard for you. You'll think.............. hmmmmmmm, I walked into that intimidating bike shop and it all worked out!

kpc, better if Chain answers about her bike, but I can tell you when I think of Colnago bikes, I think a Lust-for bike! They are Italian-made, have biking history behind them, lots of rides in Le Tour. They are beautifully made machines. I don't know what the Giovanna model looks like...... couldn't find it online. kpc, is there a website with a photo of your bike?

[ChainsOflove]

You guys are so fun!! "Giovnna" is the name I GAVE IT!!!

hee hee

The actualy bike is called a Colnago "Asso", which means "Ace"
And yes she is to be lusted for. However I have to admit I didn't pay very much for her!

I bought it on Sierra Trading post. MSRP $2800.00, marked down 3 times to $1350!

Admittedly, its the "budget" colnago.

Thanksf or the kind words...

Joanie a.k.a Chains

[ChainsOflove]

as soon as I lose 30 pounds.....NOT!!!!!

ha ha

I'll post a photo as soon as I can of the Red Colnago.

[annie]

So Giovanna is red? That's the FAST color! Wheeeeee! You'll have some good times! Pretty name, too. No wonder I couldn't find a "giovanna" model on the colnago website.

[Barb]

So Chains, you joined the ride on your city bike? I am in the same spot as you (except I haven't made the plunge for my road bike yet). I have never riden with a group, I am soooo intimidated (ok, read fat and slow!). I have vowed to take the white cloud into my LBS for a tune up and new slicks, I may stick it out for another year before I buy the roadie. I am still torn between a MTN and Road, I love it all and can't afford any!!! ADVICE LADIES?

[fultzie]

Hooray for another Michigander!
I should be careful, though, with the blatantly obvious icon I have... the state's pretty well divided between Green and Blue don't hate me if you're an MSU fan
I started out on club rides with my city bike too... I actually rode it in a mountain race this fall! (interesting experience that I wouldn't necessarily recommend... unless you're willing to make lots of repairs afterward! )
It's a tough choice between mtn and road. I know a few people that adapt their mtn bikes for the road by getting skinny tires, and they keep up with the roadies pretty well (they def. move faster than i do!). Personally I think mtn bikes are more comfy (you're not as bent over), but even with adaptations, a roadie is def. the best for on the road! (go figure ). i have a road bike that i love (it's definitely lighter and faster than my city bike!), but it took some getting- used to at first.
are you in the LP, UP, "mitt", "palm"? I know there are some great trails up north, and there's the Iceman race every fall (HUGE mtn bike race near Traverse City) plus a ton of rails-to-trails (some unpaved, so you might be better off with a mtn bike). but then again further south there are a bunch of clubs and club rides that are predominantly road riders, and road riding is fun on the paved roads through farmland.
I would suggest trying out a few frames, test riding them, and seeing which is more comfortable for you. Talk to your LBS too, and see what they'd recommend for the type of riding you'll be doing. You could always look into used bikes, too. A lot of racers baby their bikes and sell them after only a year or two (as happened in the case of my "new" bike ) Then you might be able to get the best of both worlds!
Oh, and will you be riding through the ever-so-lovely winters we get? knobby tires come in handy!

[Kpicha]

Awesome story, Chains! And I love the name for your bike-its also my sister in laws name

How long have you been riding it? Pardon my ignorance and please don't take offense, I'm just curious, but why were you intimidated to begin with? I must have missed an earlier thread about this Sorry. Anyway, congratulations on getting over it!

[Barb]

Fultzie--You mean there is another school besides AA?!!!!! Actually I am a WSU alum but UM was my first choice (long story). I'm lower near the thumb (Oakland County). I do ride up North though .

I just found out I got a second job, so maybe a new bike isn't as far off as I think. NOw all we have to do is get rid of this SNOW!!!!!

Has anyone riden a Trek 3700?

[ChainsOflove]

kpicha

Intimidated cuz of big snobby bike teams and also was feeling way fat and inept. Am making some progress.

HEY! chicks from Michigan....I live in Boston for the last nine years but grew up near Detroit. GOD I MISS all that beautiful FLAT terrain!!!

[Kpicha]

Ha, yeah, I know exactly what you mean. I was in the same boat last year. I've shaped up a little but still on the heavy side and when i first go into a shop, I'm definitely treated differently than if I was in my previously athlectic shape. At least until they get to know me and figure that I actually do ride and know what I'm talking about.

Keep up the good work

[fultzie]

Flat is relative! I'm originally from Illinois, and dang, there is not a hill in sight where I used to live! When I first started riding in Michigan i thought the hills were HUGE (ha ha). I still have some trouble with the bigger ones, but I'm looking forward to trying some real hills in California this summer (if i don't die trying to climb them!)
...i need one of those "Hill Slug" t-shirts and/or jerseys!