How to spend a tax refund

[divingbiker]

First lugged steel, next wool.

Resistance is futile

Hmmm...I'm not so sure about that. I tried to be a wool weenie, but except for socks, everything is too itchy. (And I've got my doubts about a leather saddle, but I haven't run across an alternative that keeps the whole retro vibe going.)

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Hmmm...I'm not so sure about that. I tried to be a wool weenie, but except for socks, everything is too itchy. (And I've got my doubts about a leather saddle, but I haven't run across an alternative that keeps the whole retro vibe going.)

Have you tried 100% merino ultrafine wool? Examples are Ibex or Smartwool brands. Most people find them very very soft rather than itchy, including myself.
Leather saddles....sure they look good instead of "plast-icky", but many cyclists get hooked on them because once they form to your butt they don't HURT like many plastic foam and gel saddles do!

[divingbiker]

Have you tried 100% merino ultrafine wool? Examples are Ibex or Smartwool brands. Most people find them very very soft rather than itchy, including myself.
Leather saddles....sure they look good instead of "plast-icky", but many cyclists get hooked on them because once they form to your butt they don't HURT like many plastic foam and gel saddles do!

Yeah, earlier this winter I bought an Ibex sweater and had to send it back because it was too itchy, and I've tried on Smartwool underwear at REI. It doesn't work for me, because apparently I'm just so darn sensitive.

I have no doubt after reading all the testimonials here that leather saddles are comfortable, but being a vegan I try to avoid leather as much as possible--I'll buy leather shoes because I've got to wear something on my feet, but I'd never buy a leather coat, purse, gloves, etc. I've got a couple of months to think about the leather saddle. I think the only one that would work is the waterproof Selle Anatomica saddle, because I'm definitely going to be commuting in the rain and from what I understand regular leather saddles don't hold up well in rain.

I do love the way they look on the steel bikes!

[twin]

Welcome to being in the Rivendell group.I really like my Bleriot and I am sure I would like all of them. What a beautiful red! Have fun and enjoy the times you ride it. I totally agree with having a great commuter bike and ride my Bleriot for everything.

[7rider]

Hi DB!
Congrats on the new buggy!
Many happy utilitarian miles on her (curious: how far is your commute?).
Just think, when you do get your new bike, all this snow and icky sand and salt will be gone. You don't want to muss her up on the first ride, do you??

[mimitabby]

cool bike, happy tax return!

[divingbiker]

(curious: how far is your commute?).
Just think, when you do get your new bike, all this snow and icky sand and salt will be gone. You don't want to muss her up on the first ride, do you??

Hi, Regina. My commute is about 7 miles each way, into downtown DC. I am SO looking forward to consistent 40+ degree temperatures. I was only able to ride my bike to work 6 times so far this month--hopefully it will be 8 times by Wednesday. As opposed to 16 times in January. I think I'll have a hard time at first taking the new bike out in bad weather, but bikes are made to be ridden, not stored away waiting on a nice day. Looking forward to riding with you and the rest of the mid-Atlantic gals when the weather's better...

[Bad JuJu]

Such a beautiful bike! The red is so rich--like a redheaded woodpecker's head. You'll certainly be visible, flying through downtown DC!

[withm]

Nice bike! I could be interested in something like that. I'm curious about the handlebars - could you post a pic showing the shape a little better? Can't find anything on the Rivendell site...