Ordered my new bike!

[Triskeliongirl]

This is interesting, cuz I used to ride more like you, so for me its been an evolution brought about by both gaining experience and a properly fitting bike. Before my accident I had a triple, and I used that small chain ring. But, the fellow making my custom crank set urged me to go with a compact double, and while at first it was hard, I realized that for me my granny gear really was a crutch, if I had it I used it but I could climb even a long slow mountain descent in the pyrenes in my 34/34. Also, getting my terry bikes with short top tubes is what was required for me to feel really comfortable out of the saddle, I needed to be balanced over the bike. No, I don't do this in a long steady mountainous climb, but its great to avoid having to change gears when the road suddenly steepens for a short way. Once you have a better fitting bike you may find your riding style changes too. But if that happens its very easy to swap out a chain ring or casette. I used to even use different casettes for different terrain, but decided to stick to the 11/34 cuz its easier.

Lisa, you posted after me on the wool weenie thread. Do you like my new sweater? It looks a tad heavier than the shak, but I hope its not too bulky. I like that my shak S is very slim and sleek, but then I can't layer it over my heaviest cotton t-necks. It looks like the oganic sweater i just ordered in M will do the trick, I just hope it doesn't end up bulking me up too much. We'll see..... there is always return UPS. I said that last time but that Ibex stuff is so addictive. And boy is wool warm!

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

It will be very interesting to see how a custom fit bike changes my riding experiences.

Lisa, you posted after me on the wool weenie thread. Do you like my new sweater? It looks a tad heavier than the shak, but I hope its not too bulky. I like that my shak S is very slim and sleek, but then I can't layer it over my heaviest cotton t-necks. It looks like the oganic sweater i just ordered in M will do the trick, I just hope it doesn't end up bulking me up too much. We'll see..... there is always return UPS. I said that last time but that Ibex stuff is so addictive. And boy is wool warm!

I don't have that sweater, so I can't tell if I would like it for myself. It looks elegant.
I spent years piling on bulky acrylic sweaters trying unsuccessfully to keep warm in winter. When I switched to merino wool, I found I could wear several thin layers and keep warmer than with my old thick acryllic sweaters. So now my preference is just to layer thinner merino- a thin base merino top with one or two shaks and a wool vest, and I'm good down to 20 degrees, so I'm thrilled to be able to keep with thin layering now. If I need more than that I wear a wool jacket on top. I like the shaks so much I prefer wearing 1 or 2 of them rather than a typical sweater these days. I hope your sweater is just what you are looking for!