My new ride's arrived!!

[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"?