Am I crazy?? And Thanks to ...??

[Squeaky]

Okay, I just rediscovered my love for cycling and I've been bike shopping for the last couple of weeks. Well, I test drove a Serotta Fierte and fell in love!! Waaay more than I wanted to spend, but I'm hoping to grow into it.

Was I being too impulsive? Should "newbies" have such a nice bike? I don't regret the purchase, but I'm worried that "real" riders will role their eyes at me.

Also, I had posted a thread a while back (can't find it) for opinions of different bikes, and someone suggested checking out Serotta's... so thanks to whoever that was! I LOVE this bike!

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

All that is important is that you love it, it fits you well, it works fine, it was within your financial means,
...and most of all that you are RIDING it, enjoying it, and getting healthy!!!
How could anyone roll their eyes at that?

Great bike! Have TONS of fun, and KEEP RIDING!!

[Bad JuJu]

Though I'm no expert, it seems to me that there are two schools of thought when it comes to bike acquisition: 1. You can be like me and start cheap and work up to a better bike, thereby maybe (though not necessarily) spending more than you had to, but also taking some time to make sure you're going to love the sport. Or, 2. If you're already pretty sure you're going to love cycling and spend lots of time in the saddle, and your bank account can stand it, you can go straight to the "big kid" bikes and go for it. You spend some serious money up front, but you also get one kicka$$ bike that you can love for a long time--"grow into it," that is.

There are pros and cons to each approach--you just have to know what's best for you. Don't let anyone tell you--either in words or with their rolling eyes--you did the wrong thing if you know it's right--for you. As Lisa said, if it fits, works well, and you could afford it, ENJOY!

Oh yeah, and we want to see photos of YOUR Serotta!

[Python]

Lovely bike Never mind what other people think, you go out there and enjoy your bike

[Squeaky]

Thanks! And you're right, the important thing will be to keep riding.

[Squeaky]

Thanks everyone! You input really does make me feel better about the cost (I guess I'm feeling a little emotionally needy right now ).

[Hub]

She's a beauty! Just enjoy

[Geonz]

Get out of that "what will real riders think?" mode ... you're making yourself far too important When real riders roll their eyes, half the time it's so that you'll *think* they're a real rider... p'raps it feeds some need of theirs. Hey, does it keep you from having fun?
If your choice isn't messing with their riding satisfaction, then no harm no foul.
Now, I sympathize with "real riders" when - and it happens every season - a rider or two will come along who gets into the sport, gets a fast bike, and gets going fast - but doesn't have the knowledge & skills to support it, and does things like hop into pacelines without realizing how important "the rules" are (or keeps going out fast and then not being able to keep up, and expecting people to sympathize and slow down - there's a big social difference between casual & testosterone rides!)

[Squeaky]

ouch. Good points, I'll definitely keep them in mind. Although I don't see me forgetting that I'm a newbie, I also don't think I'm the type to jump in a pace line. Maybe one of these days I'll be that good, but for now I'll be working on it.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

.... it happens every season - a rider or two will come along who gets into the sport, gets a fast bike, and gets going fast - but doesn't have the knowledge & skills to support it...

We have a wealthy friend who has a $7,000 road bike and just ordered a second one because he "wants one without a rack" -a rear rack that he attached to the first bike. We like him, but it's funny how he does not take the time to learn ANYTHING about taking care of his bikes. He can't change a tire --got as far as cutting his old tube into two pieces in order to pull it out using a screwdriver (without pulling one side of the tire bead out first, needless to say), and then aborted mid-project when he realised he'd STILL have to remove the rear wheel in order to get the new tube on! Too funny. I asked him about his stem and he had no clue what a stem was. Gotta love him. He sure can ride fast though!

[Denise223]

Squeaky That is one GORGEOUS BIKE Ride her often!! What kind of Serotta is that?

If you don't have a lot of cycling experience, I would suggest that you take a bicycle safety course, if you think that's something you'd like to do.
Out here, we have "MassBike", and they offer courses for both beginners & intermediates. Perhaps your lbs can lead you in the right direction.

Stick around here at TE and let us know how you're doing!

Peace & Love,

Denise

[RoadRaven]

Should "newbies" have such a nice bike???

OF COURSE!!!

All of us should have the best for the type of riding we want to do - unfortunately, we generally have to start lower than our sights and work our way along, trading in parts or trading up to newer models.

You should have the bike you like the most and that you feel comfortable on. Its as easy as that.

[Lenusik]

Of course you should have a nice bike especially if it fits right and you love the sport. I started with a cheap one simply because I didn't know if I would enjoy riding. My current bike is quite expensive and I love it. It becomes even more expensive when you add a new set of wheels and start changing your components. But it is wonderful that you have it now. Enjoy it!

[roshelleuop]

Beautiful bike!!!!!!!!! and way to go newbie!!!!!!!

I am also a newbie and started riding about 3 months ago. My DH bought me a very nice Specialized Roubiax for my first bike and I had the same question. But I just told myself to ignore anyone that rolled their eyes and remember how much I love riding.

I also found my bike on the Specialized website and learned as much about it as I possibly could. JUST incase I get some jerk that wants to quiz me! But no one has!

Happy riding!!!!!

Roshelle from Milwaukee

[Bikingmomof3]

Congratulations on your new bike!! All that matters is that the bike is a good fit and you love it. Ride in good health.