My new ride's arrived!!

[fatbottomedgurl]

I just put this Specialized Toupe on my new bike (mine is white with red details). I love it- very light (143mm=175g), very minimalist, just the right amount of flex. I don't like saddles with gel or padding or anything- I like to sit "on" my saddle, not "in" it. Found one on ebay for less than $100. I got its twin sister the Phenom for my mountain bike too.

[SnappyPix]

So, tried the new Avail Advanced ...

Was so completely smitten I brought it home with me.
Rides like an absolute dream. As the guy at the bike store said, like riding with no chain.

Upgraded a few bits and pieces (and changed out the white saddle and bar tape) and here's my new baby:







Just waiting for the black speedplays to come into stock ...

I *have* had a problem with a slight chip in the paint on the carbon frame where the paint has bubbled over the metal on the rear dropout.
All credit to Giant, they're sourcing a brand new frame (I'm size XS so not stock size), no quibble, and letting me ride the current frame until the new one comes in, so I'm not without the bike at all.

I lost my cycling mojo for well over a year, and just returning to the saddle, so I'm SO excited about having such a gorgeous ride to bring back that grinny cycling smile.

[SnappyPix]

ps - apologies to BabyBlueinTulsa for shameless hijack.

[BabyBlueNTulsa]

No no, don't be silly!! I think it's fantastic to share the same post with our absolutely dreamy bikes!

WOW.. I must say, the European version has some even snazzier components on it! Holy cow, gf! SRAM Red everything, Dura Ace wheelset.. Those are steps up even from my US stock version! Weee!
Mine is REALLY nice, but yours may be a hundred or so grams lighter even!

Riding without a chain, huh? Man, that is a spot-on description of the "drive", isn't it??

You got a GREAT close-up of the lovely scroll-script artwork on the downtube! I LOVE that. Its a not-easily noticed detail, but its beautiful. I think the whole bike is detailed out really nicely. That the ride is so nice, well... all the more bettah!

I'm so glad you gave in to the Avail Advanced too! Glad I wasn't the only crazy broad over here to say "yes" to the call. hee hee... Long ride report soon! Do you name your bikes? I never did come up with one...but I have so many descriptors.. most of them start with "sweet"-this, or "dreamy" that.. LOL

[SnappyPix]

Thanks BBnT
To be honest, the Dura-Ace wheelset and SRAM aren't stock here in Europe - upgraded them, so basically just kept the frame really.
But the one I test rode was the stock version - and it completely turned my head.
I'd tried several other frames (Look, Ridley, Giant) and was keeping a very open mind with the Avail - but took it out and I'm sure the bike store started to get worried I'd run off with the bike, I was out so long test-riding it.
It just makes me grin every time I ride it. .

It soaks up every vibration of the road, is smooth (rides like butter), responsive, light as a feather and fast when you want it to be. What more could you want of a frame? It's comfortable on an all day ride, but stiff enough to really pack some oompf when you want instant acceleration.

And you're right, the detail of the frame is beautiful (obviously we might be slightly biased ... ), very understated.

As for names - I liked the name suggested earlier - Pearl ("Pearl's a spinner").
Happy riding. Really look forward to your ride report.

[ZenSojourner]

Got a name yet?

If not, how about "Tundra"?