At the end of last season I bought myself a new road bike. I had ridden a straight bar bike for over 20 years and decided to try something "new". Because of some chronic neck and shoulder problems, this may not have been a good idea and I've been re-examining my riding style and needs.

My older bike is just fine on the road. What I'm thinking I need is a bike to go the other direction. Something to ride on the packed dirt and crushed gravel canal paths. Not a mountain bike, and no front suspension. Something like my old Trek FX (which was stolen, and I think the new ones have a different design). Slightly wider tires (28-32's, maybe), and smaller frame and wheels. I'm 5'0".

I actually worked with a Bike Friday consultant and put together the right bike. But then I got scared about spending so much on a bike without being able to test ride. We looked at a Soma Buena Vista, but again, no opportunity to test ride. Cannondale has the "Quick" series which looks like a possibility, and there's the Surly with a high standover.

I'm still tempted to order the Friday.