And yet another Newbie if you can handle it!

[Dazeepetals]

Hello ladies,

Just wanted to introduce myself. My name is Starla and I've been lurking here for awhile now. I've been an avid spinner for the past 6 months and have had strong desires to take it outside. When I met my boyfriend about 3 months ago, I knew it was perfect since he is a manager of a LBS and an avid cyclist! He's pushed me (didn't take much effort) to get out and get a bike. So, here I am! I finally got my bike on Saturday, but haven't had a chance to really get it out on the road since it's been cool and I'm pretty much at work from daybreak to dust. The itch to get on it was just to strong tonight, so I rode it up and down my parking garage just to get a little taste of it....and I love it!!! My first ride will be Saturday, I don't care how cold it is, I'm riding!

So, here it is. It's a 09' Trek Madone 4.5 WSD. Excuse the poor picture (I'm ashamed since I'm a photog lover) but I couldn't get outside in the light to get proper pics. Also, excuse the clip covers, I kept them on until I ride a bit so I'm comfortable with clips.

[Tokie]

Welcome Dazee -(I think of it as Dazeepedals) Your bike it a beauty! You will figure out how to dress for cold rides! And your spinning will really help you feel strong on the bike right away! Have fun! Tokie

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Cold? Um....you mean like in the 60'sF?
Get real, girl!- get on that beautiful bike and RIDE!!!!

[Dazeepetals]

Yea, I am a bit shocked that I call in the 50's cool, considering I grew up in KS which actually had a winter season unlike here. Last weekend when I wanted to ride, it was only highs in the 40's so that's cold for Houston. I haven't bought all my cool weather riding clothes yet, so I'm looking for at least 50 to ride in my shorts.

I can't complain though, it still gets into the 60's here in january.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Well the only things you really need to wear that are biking specific might be your padded shorts, helmet, and bike gloves (to protect your palms in a skid-out on asphalt). Aside from that you can layer on regular warm stuff like sweat pants, turtleneck, over-gloves, warm socks, etc. Keep in mind that you don't really need to be in 'official' biking clothes just to ride your bike, unless you need padded shorts for a long ride. Have some fun with funky-chic layering!

[derailed]

Lovely bike! Congrats on all of it, and enjoy the ride =)

[Biciclista]

welcome to TE!

50 degrees is about the best temp for riding. you don't get too sweaty.

get on that bike and ride. and go to your FRIENDLY LBS and get good gloves and a helmet!

[Lori81295]

I have that bike in the '08 version. I love, love, LOVE it. I bought it in late October, so I didn't get to ride it much before winter set in. I am not a brave one who rides in cold weather. Just by the visual appreance, it looks like the only difference is you have black bars and a black seat. I was so undecided on which bike to get and am so happy that I got it. I hope you enjoy it.

[Dazeepetals]

Just by the visual appreance, it looks like the only difference is you have black bars and a black seat.

Yep, I changed those after purchase. There was no way I was having white bars and seat! So my boyfriend re-taped the bars and I picked out a new seat.

Well the only things you really need to wear that are biking specific might be your padded shorts, helmet, and bike gloves (to protect your palms in a skid-out on asphalt).

Got all those already. My boyfriend made sure I didn't forget anything. He basically had my bike completely ready by the time I got to his store to pick it up, i.e. computer installed, seat installed, clips installed, etc. He's awesome.

I'm going to a woman's riding clinic tomorrow morning, no matter what the temp is. I'll let you know how my official first ride goes!

[Dazeepetals]

I have that bike in the '08 version.

I actually would have preferred the 08 version. It was black and blue, instead of white and blue. I'm more keen to black than I am to white.

[Pink Diva]

How about a welcome from another newbie? That counts right?

Yeah, I know what you mean about the cold, I just got my brand new baby today, and I really wanted to ride her outside. I got hooked up on a trainer for fitting purposes since we were in a balmy 28 degrees today! But that didn't stop me from test riding a MTB though

Beautiful bike! Congrats!!!

[Fujichants]

Welcome to the forum and the Madone club!

You're so lucky, to have a BF like that! Now anytime you have bike issues, you can just ask him to deal with it Of course nothing beats having him teach you everything you need to know!

[cylegoddess]

I love your bike! and yes , boyfriends who ride are the best!

[cobalt]

Lucky girl!!! I wanted the orange madone but since I had just started riding and didn't have a bf who worked at the lbs I didn't get it.

So, KS girl, how bad are the summers? do you hike in TX from may-october?

I am a Wisconsin girl and we are looking at Austin, TX as a more bike friendly home. I have the "I want, need to move" itch. My daughter was married on saturday and it was 20 degrees which was warm compared to the days before.

If you bike seat hurts, try a different one. That made a huge difference for me.

[Dazeepetals]

So, KS girl, how bad are the summers? do you hike in TX from may-october?

Summers in East Texas can be horrible if you aren't accustomed to heat. Austin would definetly be much better temp wise than Houston. I haven't done any hiking yet, but the best time would be early "Spring" which is April - May or "late summer" in Oct - Nov. Otherwise, it may be rather hot and humid. Austin is an awesome town BTW.