I have a lot of money to spend at REI

[sfa]

Ooh, thanks for the ideas and advice! Does anyone know if REI would order a bike just to let me test ride it? The REI closest to me doesn't have a great selection, although I've never looked at a time in the cycling season when they'd be more likely to have a good stock. I did buy my daughter a bike there in October and the guy who was selling it and setting it up wasn't very helpful--I ended up adjusting everything for her myself and showing her how to work everything before she test rode it, but maybe I just caught him on a bad day. He was nice enough, just not really engaged.

A trainer or a GPS are good ideas. I have/had a GPS but it disappeared sometime in the last year. I used it while camping, and I remember having it in the car on the way home but I haven't seen it since then. I hate to replace it until I've completely turned my house upside down, though. But it's driving me nuts not having it and I'm not sure how much longer I can hold out!

Sarah

[badger]

I'm in the same situation with the first tri sort of thing - do you have everything else you need for it? like tights, jacket, shirt, bra, etc? I couldn't believe how little I have in terms of preparation for the event.

You can never have too many merino wool socks

[Cataboo]

I'm in the same situation with the first tri sort of thing - do you have everything else you need for it? like tights, jacket, shirt, bra, etc? I couldn't believe how little I have in terms of preparation for the event.

You can never have too many merino wool socks

Seriously... I'm going to take a picture of my sock chest.

It is literally possible to have too many pairs of merino wool socks.

[jobob]

Wow, what fun, Sarah!

Have a great birthday and enjoy your gifts!

[badger]

Seriously... I'm going to take a picture of my sock chest.

It is literally possible to have too many pairs of merino wool socks.

lol, if they're in good shape I might buy some off you!

[Veronica]

At last year's school talent show two girls did a routine with lemon twists. They were pretty much in sync the whole time and fast. It was really cool.

Veronica

[greycoral]

I would personally just get a bike through a bike shop, it's better than limiting your selection. I guess if you don't have the money, then go that route, but I would do a fair amount of test riding first. As many as you can.

As for REI, that place is like my toy store. I can always find something I want, mostly clothes. Just wander around, you'll be surprised at how many things you didn't realize you needed! My birthday is coming up in about a month, and all I've asked for is REI cards. I'm in the market for some new trekking poles for hiking and hopefully some more wool socks. I just bought new hiking boots last week, and my husband picked up some new cleats/pedals, along with arm warmers with a GC he had.

[Cataboo]

Ooh, thanks for the ideas and advice! Does anyone know if REI would order a bike just to let me test ride it? The REI closest to me doesn't have a great selection, although I've never looked at a time in the cycling season when they'd be more likely to have a good stock. I did buy my daughter a bike there in October and the guy who was selling it and setting it up wasn't very helpful--I ended up adjusting everything for her myself and showing her how to work everything before she test rode it, but maybe I just caught him on a bad day. He was nice enough, just not really engaged.

Sarah

REI will definitely let you order a bike just to try it out.

Try to get a different guy next time...

[Aggie_Ama]

Oh another thing I have wanted but haven't splurged on yet- a Find You Spot. If you are a camper/hiker/cyclist they are pretty neat gadget.