Bike Shopping- day 3- the freak out (long)

[ace]

Thank you. That does help a lot. I know you're a bit ahead of me on the trajectory, Mimi, but it does sound like you have similar issues.

It is very tough giving myself permission to do this. It is bringing up a lot of issues for me about what I "deserve," whether if people see me, a crappy beginner out there on this beautiful high-end bike they're going to think I'm ridiculous....that in itself is ridiculous. I'm 45 years old, I can do what I like!

And I also know that it's not really about deserving or not. Lots of very "deserving" people ride junkers because that's what they can afford. I am lucky enough to be able to afford an expensive bike, that's all. And I feel it really supports what I'm trying to do with my life- move towards taking better care of myself and doing things that make me happy, as opposed to my tendency, which is to work all the time.

Did I mention it's going to be a sort of irridescent purple-blue color?

[mimitabby]

Oh, Ace, that sounds beautiful. and I wanted to congratulate you on quitting smoking. That is just fantastic. As soon as you have photos of your machine,
share them with us.
And yes, there will be people who will sneer at you because you aren't whatever THEY think should be riding that bike, but TS, it's your money and your bike.
And like I have, you'll learn.
I am getting more and more confident on my Bianchi, standing for fun,
going faster, making turns that i couldn't before. THere is a definite learning curve, and as long as you keep riding you will keep improving.

[IFjane]

Amy & Mimi - I am ahead of both of you but have gone through exactly what you are going through now. I started the process about a year ago when the physical pains I was having got too much to deal with any more. I had a bike fit & tried to make-do with my old beloved Lemond. By June I knew I needed to do something different so I, too, opted for a custom frame. Mine is from Independent Fabrication. I ordered it somewhere around July 1 and took delivery of it at the end of October....long wait but definitely worth it.

For those non-cycling friends who just don't understand - tell them this bike is your "little red sports car" or better yet, find something they are obscessed with and use that as an analogy. And ride and enjoy those new bikes!

[Trekhawk]

It is very tough giving myself permission to do this. It is bringing up a lot of issues for me about what I "deserve," whether if people see me, a crappy beginner out there on this beautiful high-end bike they're going to think I'm ridiculous....that in itself is ridiculous. I'm 45 years old, I can do what I like!

LOL - you sound like me. Last year my husband told me he wanted to buy me an eternity ring and I told him diamonds are nice but I would prefer a new bike. Well long story short he said get the bike of your dreams so I did a beautiful Colnago. Now I loved my new bike but felt just like you what would people think when they see how slow I ride. Well I was out riding one day and an older fit looking gentlemen cruises up next to me we start talking and he says beautiful bike. Now here I go again with the guilt and I say Im endeavouring to deserve it. He laughed and said you are out riding you sure do deserve it. Anyway it helped me to stop worrying about what others think because most of the time they are not thinking anything except hey nice bike. Cyclists love eye candy.

Happy riding and dont forget to post some pics when you get your new baby.