How to spend a tax refund

**divingbiker** · 02-25-2007, 11:20 AM

After months of agonizing, I finally ordered a new commuting bike on Friday--a Rivendell Glorius. And it's red! (This is a picture of a Wilbury, but it's the same bike, just a different name.)

Hopefully the albatross bars and bar end shifters will help eliminate the wrist pain I've been experiencing with the grip shifters on my early 90's vintage Trek hybrid. I decided that it was foolish to ride my crappiest, oldest bike as my commuter since I ride it every day. And I don't want to ride my newer, nicer road bike to work because I want to sit more upright in the traffic.

Yesterday I forced myself to do my taxes--the refund will cover about 2/3 of the cost of the bike! Unfortunately I have to wait 6-8 weeks to get the bike, but that will be just in time for spring.

You know this is all ace's fault...

**wannaduacentury** · 02-25-2007, 12:51 PM

Very pretty

It looks like my old 3 speed and it is red w/ brown/tan seat and bar grips. Looks like a fun commuting bike

**ace** · 02-25-2007, 12:55 PM

Hey! I resemble that remark!

That bike is so cuuute! May you ride her in great happiness.

Anyone else want me to take the blame for purchases? I'm happy to.....

**BleeckerSt_Girl** · 02-25-2007, 12:56 PM

Congratulaions! Welcome to the Rivendell sisterhood!

**xeney** · 02-25-2007, 02:09 PM

Ooh, so pretty. I commute on a mixte with those same bars and I think it's perfect. Have fun!

**Aggie_Ama** · 02-25-2007, 02:40 PM

Congrats, she is beautiful!

**Trek420** · 02-25-2007, 02:49 PM

Originally Posted by Lisa S.H.

Congratulaions! Welcome to the Rivendell sisterhood!

First lugged steel, next wool.

Resistance is futile

**BleeckerSt_Girl** · 02-25-2007, 03:13 PM

Originally Posted by divingbiker

Hopefully the albatross bars and bar end shifters will help eliminate the wrist pain I've been experiencing with the grip shifters on my early 90's vintage Trek hybrid.

My husband changed to albatross bars on his 10 year old steel Trek that had straight bars, and he said it was WAY more comfortable on his hands and arms. He loves his albatross bars on the Trek- which is his go-to-the-store/bank/PO bike.

**divingbiker** · 02-25-2007, 03:15 PM

Originally Posted by Trek420

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** · 02-25-2007, 04:04 PM

Originally Posted by divingbiker

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** · 02-25-2007, 04:33 PM

Originally Posted by Lisa S.H.

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** · 02-25-2007, 05:46 PM

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** · 02-26-2007, 04:48 PM

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** · 02-26-2007, 04:57 PM

cool bike, happy tax return!

**divingbiker** · 02-26-2007, 05:58 PM

Originally Posted by Regina

(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...

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