Quote Originally Posted by Owlie View Post
I love him dearly, but if there's a bike involved...gah!

I will admit that he's gotten a lot better as a riding partner (he's stopped trying to coach me, but gives advise if asked and encouragement as necessary). ..............................................................................................................It seems like anything related to upgrading--whether it's my riding, the pedals or the bike--should be done the way he did it, and later. He's only pushy about his way of doing things when it comes to bikes. He nudged me toward the Avail (it's the girly version of his first road bike). That's fine, because I knew diddly about bikes at the time, and the bike suits me pretty well. The pedals, I can understand. Safety and all that. I can't figure out why he feels the way he does about the Cannondale, though. Is he feeling threatened in some way by the fact that I'm looking at something on par with his bike? Is he thinking "she's getting herself into some kind of shape. She must be planning on leaving"? Or something I'm not thinking of?

I'd be grateful if anyone could offer some insight.
Maybe I have imperfect memory, but it seems this is the 2nd time you've mentioned about your bike-competitive SO?

Anyway, just focus on getting a quality bike that is not too off your budget and that fits you. His advice is only the advice of 1 person, not several experienced folks, including LBS. Take your time. Clear your head several times if you need to. In the end, you may need to do this bike hunt alone. It will be your bike, not a shared bike between him and you.

Ride some bikes before you lay down your money.