We finally had a lazy (i.e, getting a bit chilly to ride) Sunday, which doesn't happen too often here. Got up, ate, read the paper and I was thinking, OK, what to do? After a short core/upper body work out, I decided today was the day to start the serious research for a touring/commuter/2nd bike, built with couplers, so we can take it traveling. So off we went to Harris.
No other customers in the shop, so we had the total attention of all 3 staff, including Mr. Harris. Thanks to the education I've received at TE, I was well prepared, impressing both the staff and my DH. So, first they bring out a Surely LHT. I already knew that I probably didn't want this, but I stood over a 46 cm, which confirmed one thing... there's no way I will ever be able to use bar end shifters. The top tube also felt way too long, even though the stand over was fine. They tried to push a Brompton, to which I said no, don't want a folding bike. DH looked at several Waterfords and Surleys, mostly frames. He pretty much liked the Waterfords. OK, then they brought out a Terry. It was an Isis Sport road bike, in a a very teeny (even for me) size, with the 2 different sized wheels. I reiterated I was not looking for another road bike and I had no toe overlap issues with my road bike and 700 wheels when Mr. Harris started lecturing me about my negative reaction to the 2 sized wheels. But, I already knew the Valkyrie (touring model) has 26" wheels, which is what I want. So, I left with the knowledge that 1) they can put STI shifters on the Valkyrie for me 2)they can do the couplers after receiving the bike from Terry, and 3) even the teeny Isis bike did not have short reach brifters... I couldn't reach the brakes from the drops, although the bar was so narrow, it must have been a 36 cm. I mostly talked to a woman who was really nice. They have a new fitting system there, so next step is to go back and go through a fitting, and bring my road bike there, too. I had to explain that even with my experience, I am not so coordinated and don't want much change in the mechanics... just a nice steel bike that can be broken down, has low gearing, wider tires, and room for panniers. After I explained that while we might do short credit card tours, we don't need bikes for super loaded touring.
It was interesting, to say the least.