No, the Cannondale was not a WSD and I thought the shifter issue was a perfect example of the benefits of WSD.

My kids are 8, 4, and 2 - a boy and 2 girls in that order. I think they'd respect my wishes in that regard.

So if a newbie goes out and spends a lot on a bike, does that make me a ... what is it, a Fred? A Frederica? I don't really care what everyone thinks - I just want a bike that I'm going to love to ride, and I think the Ruby was that bike.

But to be sure I think I'll make a trip south and try out a few different bikes - a WSD Trek, for instance. It's hard, because I don't think I'll be able to do that for a few weeks, and I've got tax refund money that's just itching to be spent!

And I think I'll go try on the Ruby one more time, just for fun. Heh heh.