Ordered my new bike!

[Yen]

Congratulations! How exciting to get a new bike, and open up a new bunch of opportunities!

Woody is a good bike, it's always nice to have a zoom-zoom bike and a utility bike. (and a cruiser bike, and a mud bike, and...) Keep him, you'll be glad you did!

I have Specialized Taho shoes, too. I use them with Speedplay Frog clipless pedals. http://www.speedplay.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=home.frog

"Woody" is my 2006 Giant Cypress SX. I bought it in spring 2007, on sale. It was too big for me, but I didn't know any better at the time and we figured that it would be Hubby's if I decided it indeed was too big. Well, he ended up on a Trek 7500 instead, so Woody remained mine. "Too big" includes a top tube that is barely below my pelvic bone, and I slipped onto it a couple of times while dismounting from the bike. When winter began last year, I added an extra headlight, puncture-resistant tires with reflective rims, and two Planet Bike blinkie taillights, so it became my dependable night rider. I also added trekking bars (from Nashbar.com) and ergo grips for additional hand positions and comfort.

Last month we participated in a 50-mile memorial ride for the LAPD SWAT officer who was killed in the line of duty earlier that month. The LAPD cycling team opened the ride to any and all riders who wanted to participate. It was a very easy ride on mostly flat ground and the speed was kept slow (10-13 mph or so) so that everyone could keep up. The only hard part was a very steep, long hill at the end back up to the police academy (right outside the entrance to Dodgers Stadium). Thought I'd die, but we made it up in the granny gear on our 30+ pound hybrids. That ride was our first group ride, and introduced us to a whole new experience and the fun of riding in a group. Though we've had a blast on our hybrids, we know that to keep up in typical recreational group rides, organized rides, and the like, a road bike would be the answer.

Thanks for the tip on the pedals. Are they very easy for you to clip in/out of? We ride in mostly traffic, no nice long rural roads around here, so I'll want to be able to clip in/out fast without any trouble.

[KnottedYet]

They are very easy to clip out of. Passive release, so there is no pressure needed to clip in or out. No moving parts, so no tension to adjust. 20 degrees of float, so very kind to grumpy knees and hips.

Several TE'ers have Frogs. See if your shop will let you try a pair before you buy. (try several different kinds of pedals, just like you tried several different bikes)

[Starfish]

Congratulations! You've bought great bikes...I'm looking forward to reading all your upcoming posts...and seeing pictures!!!

[kermit]

Did I tell you the expert was an awesome bike? I know you will have a great time on that bike. I wanted to suggest Look Keo pedals if you can't find the frogs. Also very light and easy to get in and out of. My only suggestion, whatever pedal you get make sure it has some float. I mean you can move you foot side to side. Most have 6 degrees or so, thats all you need. Good luck and hope to see pics of the new bike when you get it. A Name? My husband calls his sledgehammer.

[Yen]

Starfish: Oh, don't worry.... I'll be taking pictures like a new parent.

Kermit: Thanks for another pedal suggestion and tip about the float. The clipless pedals are totally new to me and I have no idea what to look for, ask about, etc so I need to do some research before it's time. The LBS owner and fitter know I'm interested but I said I want to get totally comfortable on this bike first (fit, posture, overall comfort, shifting, etc) before I start looking at pedals.

[Jo-n-NY]

What exciting news!!!! It looks like you are off to a real fun riding season.

~ JoAnn

[sundial]

Oh boy!! Matching Roubaixs! I love mine and I put Frogs on it paired with the Specialized mtb shoes. I have really enjoyed putting in the miles on my plush bike and I'll bet you will too! Can't wait for the pics!