So BikerZ got me thinking...new wheels?

[Trek420]

I've read here that wheels are the single most effective upgrade to your bike so if the frame fits you otherwise, and a good bike fit at the shop shows 650 wheels will fit you better....go for it. You'll have room for your Luna bars and with lighter, faster, more aerodynamic wheels you reduce rotational weight that you gotta get going from a dead stop. Stiffer wheels feel "rounder" to me, much less rolling resistance. Not sure aerodynamic makes much difference at my speed but WTF, I LOOK faster, that counts for something.

Even having the wheels trued makes a huge difference in speed on the bike if that's not been done.

[bikerz]

That's Trek - spending our money!!!

I can't offer specific advice, since I haven't even picked up my bike yet, but I've heard the same advice about wheels. I decided to upgrade mostly because of the flex I felt my wheels had - it was kind of freaking me out. I don't want to pin too much hope on the wheel weight, since I think the rider's weight (in my case!) is a much more significant factor!

You might like a handlebar bag - I've used one of them sometimes, and I don't fnd it difficult to steer. I also have been using a camelback more often, and there's plenty of room for stuff in those.

[Trek420]

bikerz "That's Trek - spending our money!!! "

much cheaper for me that way.

[SandyLS]

These are made for a recumbent so are shorter than the regular ones.
http://cgi.ebay.com/Arkel-RT-60-Recu...QQcmdZViewItem

[MomOnBike]

That Arkel bag is indeed made for a recumbent, but it's made for a recumbent that is about to make a backroads, coast-to-coast, solo, unsupported tour. It's probably a bit much for an around town, or club ride.

I wouldn't suggest that bag for Shadon, but if someone wants to buy me a really nice Christmas gift that I can guarantee I'd love, I'll take a set.

As to the wheels, I have no idea. I'd be inclined to try 650s, what's the worst that could happen?

[emily_in_nc]

I am sure that a good LBS can tell shadon if 650c wheels will work on her bike. I sort of doubt it, though. As far as I know, all bike frames are built for one size of wheel, period. Spending bucks for a set in a different size without checking that they will actually work is a waste of time, if not money (I am assuming they could be returned).

I ride 650c wheels on my 46cm Aegis Swift, but that is what it is built for. I carry an extra tube, a patch kit, and two CO2 cartridges, but have never had to use any of it. No, I have not had a single flat since I had this bike built in early 2004 (shhhh.....don't tell the flat gods or I am sure to flat immediately! ) So, I don't worry too much about having an odd-sized wheel since I am a small person riding a small frame, and 700c wheels just wouldn't work for me. As long as I am prepared for a flat, I'm good. And even better if I never get one!

Also, re. the Arkel bags (of any sort), I second the recommendation. I bought a full set of Arkel panniers for my Bike Friday last year for a self-supported tour, and they are simply awesome - amazing quality and very nice looking as well. I reviewed the Tailrider, which is a great little rack pack, on girlbike.com last year and am still loving it. It expands to hold a lot more than it would appear at first glance. Arkel products are not cheap, but they should last many, many years since the quality is definitely there. And the company stands behind the product 100%. Thumbs up!

Emily

P.S. You can see my full Arkel set in my avatar....