Meet the Cross Bike

[Owlie]

Meet my new bike, the 2013 Charge Filter Apex.

Here he is before our first ride:

Please excuse the lack of bottle cages. They're on their way. Couldn't waste the 60-degree day in January over some bottle cages!

Sizing was a little tricky with this, and after some deliberation, went with the small. Fits nearly perfectly. I might need a slightly shorter stem, or maybe I need to get back to work on my core.

It rides very nicely--not that I ever doubted steel. (I am running a lower-pressure tire, though. Riding on pavement with knobblies is weird!) It's not as fast as my road bike, but I didn't buy it for that. I'm still getting used to the SRAM shifters. I find the rear almost intuitive. The front...not so much. I'm sure I'll figure it out eventually. The hoods are very comfortable, though! The disc brakes are awesome, and given that it was somewhat wet and muddy, even on the paved path, I'm glad I had them. I even experimented a little with going off-road...although that was mostly in the grass next to the trail. If I'm going to ride with my CX-racing work buddies, I have some serious work to do!

Some post-ride pictures. The trail was pretty messy in places, so my shiny new bike isn't quite so shiny any more.

[TigerMom]

Woohoo!! I know how long you have been waiting for this day to arrive. Congrats!!!!!
______________________________________________________
2012 Specialized Amira Elite, upgraded carbon handle bars, Jett saddle 143mm switched to 145mm 2012 Selle Italia Max SLR Gel Flow saddle
2010 Santa Cruz Juliana with R kit and Crampon pedals
2011 Specialized Ariel Sport,suspension post,Serfas Rx Women's Microfiber saddle (sold)

[Megustalaplaya]

Very nice! Congrats on the new ride!

[zoom-zoom]

That is SO sharp! LOVE the red hoods! I really wish that came in my size. I'd LOVE a steel CX bike with disc brakes!

[thekarens]

Gorgeous, congrats!

[murielalex]

You finally got it! Yay!!!

[Bike Writer]

Congratulations on your new bike, it's a beauty.

[velo]

Sweet! I was thinking like Muirenn, that the hoods look good with that red accent. But most importantly, you like the ride. Awesome! Congratulations on your new acquisition!

[Owlie]

(So, your signature says you're already saving for the next one?! ).

But of course! The next one is either a 29er or a new go-fast bike.

[Catrin]

Congratulations, and I am sure it appreciated finally feeling some pavement and dirt Lucky you for being able to ride! I had to be in the office

[emily_in_nc]

Beautiful!

[gnat23]

Yay! What a great addition to the family!

-- gnat!

[OakLeaf]

Very nice!

[TrekDianna]

Awesome and so pretty