Well, I took the plunge and FINALLY upgraded my wheels this week. I got my bike back this afternoon and even though I wasn't going to ride today (it IS designated rest day) I HAD to take them for a spin. It was threatening to start pouring any minute, so I waited a bit, and then waited some more and then said enough! Off I went. I did a whopping 7.5 miles around the 'hood but ended up with 900' of climbing.

I purchased the Rolf Elan, after much discussion and debate with the boys at the LBS. I almost got the Aspin, but decided to go for it and get the elan. They are super lightweight (which means that they are "normal" weight for me) and are supposed to climb like nobody's business. I had the LBS put the Conti Grand Prix tires on for added comfort.

Long story short: I felt like I was floating. The wheels definitely climb nicely (better than my old ones), but I'll need to take the bike on a longer, steeper climb to make a better assessment. They have been a long time coming. I'm glad I took the leap (even though SadieKate disapproves ). I still plan on getting wheels built for my new fancy bike (whenever I get it, that is...maybe sometime next year), so that should make her feel better. (Note: she's en route to Bend right now, so maybe she won't find out about the Rolfs for a while...).

And for those of you who know how impoverished I have been for the last several months...I only got these babies because I finally got a real job, starting August 1.