I just bought a 2007 Ruby Comp off Craigslist!

[channlluv]

I finally got to ride my new bike this morning. DH and I took her to the lake for her inaugural run. Here she is, new chain fresh from New York, new handlebar tape, newly cleaned gears and frame. He also swapped out the stem and replaced the beat-up handlebar caps with shiny new ones. We still need to get new tires. Ride report follows.

[channlluv]

Now for the ride report. According to the Garmin 305 I inherited from DH (he got a 705), I rode the 7-mile lap (it was 8 on my Polar) in 30 minutes 53 seconds, about 5 minutes faster than I did it on my fastest lap on the mtb. I would have been under 30, but I had to dodge a toddler running wild on the path, and then a whole family strewn across the pathway right where I was making my big finish. Young kids stopped and squatting on the road while their parents adjusted bike seats or something. I couldn't tell.

At least I got some practice in emergency braking.

The bike felt great. It was so light! I was able to sprint and reached 19mph, average speed was 13.9 - a full 2mph faster than my mtb. I actually paced behind Blue Asian Guy for a few minutes. He's this guy, Asian, who always wears blue kit, and rides a blue bike, so DH and I have named him Blue Asian Guy.

I know I'll get faster - this was my first ride and I'm just learning the bike. She's awesome. I need to think of a good name for her.

Thanks, all, for the love, support, and encouragement.

DH wants me to share these numbers for those interested:

I went from a 100mm to 90mm with an 8 degree rise, and the chain is a SRAM PC-1090 !0 speed chain. He asked if you all were into numbers. I told him there are people here who'd know what he was talking about. I'm still learning and this stuff is still over my head, but my fitting rides got progressively better as he made changes, so it worked.

I did have trouble with my hands, though. Numbness and pain in my wrists. There will be some saddle adjustments, I think. He moved it down about a degree and forward a centameter and it helped. We're still working on the fit.

My shoulder held up well, too, but if I'd gone longer, it might have been painful afterward. I need to be careful of that injured tendon.

Peace, all!

Roxy

[Miranda]

Roxy... The bici looks awesome. Glad your DH got her built up for you to check her out.

[blackhillsbiker]

The bike looks amazing, and so do you! I love the big grin! Congrats to you and DH for all the hard work and patience, making the bike into something which will bring you joy and health. I wish you many happy (and safe) miles on her.

Deb

[ridenread]

You look so happy on your new bike. Congratulations and enjoy the journey!

[Tri Girl]

Beautiful bike and beautiful rider!
Congrats on your new ride!!!! You look so happy!

[tribogota]

What a pretty and cool bike. Hadn't thought I needed (wanted) a bike like that, but yours makes me wonder?
Does your husband have an available cyclist hetero brother????

[channlluv]

Gotta love Craigslist.

Other things I like about this bike:
- she fits in my Rav without taking off the front wheel
- she's a really pretty deep ocean blue
- I actually got some respect from the road bike people at the lake today, or maybe that was just my imagination, but it felt good all the same
- I feel like I'm really driving this machine - the mtb is heavy and feels more like something I'm just along for the ride with; the road bike - I'm more forward on this bike and I feel like I'm driving it
- This bike is one of the nicest things DH has done for me in a long, long time

Tribogota, (laughing) DH says sorry, but he's an only son. (Four older sisters - he's the baby.)

Roxy

[Owlie]

Ooh, very pretty bike. And you look so happy.

[Jo-n-NY]

very nice and congratulations along with wishing you much luck with her. We needed to replace my car last year and I got a Rav just for that reason, just roll the bike in and out without take off the front wheel.

Enjoy!!!

~ JoAnn