I just bought a 2007 Ruby Comp off Craigslist!

[channlluv]

I think I got a bargain - $1200. When I got her home, though, DH and I discovered lots of grit in the chain and gears, and it looks like they used actual grease to lube it. We've taken her apart and have cleaned each gear, and we've gone over her with soft cloths and degreaser, and DH is going to buy a new chain today, and a few other small parts that need replacing because there's just too much dirt and grit on them, but this time Thursday, I'll have a practically new bike!

The young woman who had her was dating a triathlete about two years ago, so her father bought her this bike and Sidi shoes, and a Cateye and really nice gear bag to go with it...apparently Daddy approved of the BF. Well, they didn't last, and she hasn't ridden the bike in quite some time, and she's in fashion design school up in LA and needs the cash for gas and tuition, plus the bike has some negative associations for her, I think, with the ex.

She's going to be beautiful when we get her all cleaned up. Woohooo!

Oh, and she came with speedplay pedals. I need to get shoes and cleats now. Any suggestions are appreciated on this. I have short, wide feet, just like the recent thread described, so I'm going to go back and read that, but I stopped by our Pearl Izumi outlet store (conveniently about five blocks away from where I bought the bike), and found some men's 41 Vagabond shoes. They're a tad long and a tad narrow for my feet, but not uncomfortable, and DH has warned me about bad shoe fit over long rides, as have you all on the board here, but they were on clearance for $42. I was thinking I'd use them as a learning shoe, to learn how to clip in and clip out, and then buy real shoes when I figure that out. Or would it be better to go find some shoes that really fit me and learn on them?

Roxy - pictures coming soon

P.S. The Cateye indicated the bike has 104 miles on it. If that's accurate and authentic, I think I got a really good deal. It's got a small scrape on the back right fork, like it scraped up against a concrete wall or something, and there was grease on the handlebar tape - the grease was a real mess - but other than that, not a scratch on it. I asked, and the girl said she'd never had a wreck on it or anything. I didn't see the scrape until I got home. It also has two different style tires on it - one a slick Roubaix, one all condition. DH is buying me new tires today, too. Gotta love his idea of romance.