I've been away for a while - in more ways than one! I'm with a lot of you ladies ("Bought my last bike").. The current situation has me rethinking purchases too. With that said however... I AM in serious bike like mode here.

After getting my Trek FX last summer, I realized quickly that my roadie (the baby blue in my TE name) was actually a little smaller than it could be. It still fits, mind you, but it could be better. Its a small frame fitted out with a longer handlebar stem. Both bikes have me ride somewhat upright..obviously the FX a little moreso. Still..its an obvious difference. When I go from the FX to the OCR, I feel like I'm scrunched. Annnyway.. All that to say, I'm in LOVE with the '09 Avail Advanced 1 (MEDIUM frame). Here's a picture of her:
http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-US/...4&preview=true
It's a really nice nice bike and I'm really interested in going from my triple to the compact. I keep getting told the shifting is far superior and for comfort, I think I'd switch out the 12-27 for an 11t and 28 for a speed and hill climbing option.

I've been away because I've been remodeling my kitchen (all on my own)..removing some minor walls, repairing plaster walls/ceiling, repainting, and laying down a new floor. Either I've been ill-motivated to ride BabyBlue or the FX in the cold or it was a nice day but I chose to work on the kitchen instead most of the winter.

I HAVE been going to the gym though..and I found this great app for my iPhone (LOSE IT) that's helped me lose 4lbs already(3wks). My goal is to drop 15-20 by May 15. When my real riding season starts next week, that goal will be accomplished a lot easier, I hope! I haven't been at my goal weight for 12yrs! I've been told I look great now..but I sure would like to be leaner and get up those hills just that much easily! (Did I just say "easily" and hills in the same sentence????) LOL

Missed you gals...