How on earth do you choose a bike?!

[ilima]

Sometimes it's serendipity!

Three of the last four bikes I've bought have been carefully researched and specifically selected by me. The fourth bike, though, was just dumb luck. It was what I needed at the time and the right price.

I ride a Merlin and just love, love, love Ti!

[Becky]

If a used tuscany in my size showed up, I'd be all over that, no questions asked!

IME, your first bike is never perfect. Heck, my first frame ended up on Ebay! It's taken me several tries (and years!)to get one that's close to perfect. Buy the bike that makes you happy now, and accept that you may need to change a component or consider a different bike later as your abilities and experience grow.

[Flur]

If a used tuscany in my size showed up, I'd be all over that, no questions asked!

+1. That's a beautiful bike. And you like riding it. And you're excited posting about it. I don't think there's anything more you can ask for. And if the frame is good for you (right size, right feel), the rest can be changed later.

[shellkay1212]

Ha- I think you all are right! Last night I was telling a friend about both bikes...and he said, "you sound like you're leaning pretty heavily toward the tuscany". There must have been a reason, eh?

I didn't get the same rush after riding the Ruby. Gut instinct says the Tuscany. As long as the calipers can be closer to my fingers and the handlebars a tad bit closer (is that something to do with the stem?)

If I get the same rush tonight - I'm all over it tomorrow! Thankfully, I have it on loan until Friday!

[Becky]

As long as the calipers can be closer to my fingers and the handlebars a tad bit closer (is that something to do with the stem?)

Levers can be shimmed in some cases, or the shifters/levers replaced altogether with "short-reach" shifters. The bar can be replaced with a shorter reach bar, maybe a narrower bar even, and the stem can be replaced with a shorter one. It all depends what's currently there now, how big of a change you need, and what you're comfortable spending.

It sounds like you've found a really nice bike, and have an excellent shop who will listen to your needs and make practical, well-thought suggestions. Go for it!

[PscyclePath]

You can tell it's the bike for you when it wags its fenders, rolls across the floor to you, and lays its handlebars in your lap...

... well, maybe not quite that dramatic, but you get the idea.

A Tuscany is a beautiful ride at any rate.

Tom

[melissam]

Hey Shellkay,

It sounds like you've lucked into a great bike!! Keep us posted on what you decide to do.

In the meantime, here's a glowing review of the Litespeed Tuscany:
http://www.bikesportmichigan.com/rev...uscany03.shtml

- Melissa

[TrekTheKaty]

You can tell it's the bike for you when it wags its fenders, rolls across the floor to you, and lays its handlebars in your lap...

... well, maybe not quite that dramatic, but you get the idea.

A Tuscany is a beautiful ride at any rate.

Tom

Of course! You're right! That's my excuse for the cat! It followed me home (My Trek does stare at me as I pull into the garage--"Where have you been? Want to go for a ride?")

[indysteel]

I agree that it sounds like you found a great bike and a good deal. Run with it. Are there other bikes out there that would work for you? Maybe, but if you felt really good on the Litespeed and the price is right, then I'd go for it. And don't look back, at least not until your in the market for your next bike (if there even is a next bike).