I think I've decided...(kind of long-ish)

[moderncyclista]

Okay. I've talked to my LBS. I'm gonna either trade/sell the Aurora (in the next few months - I've got til' August or September til' the new models are announced right?) and buy a new model year 520. I'd be okay with buying another 2009/2010 model too, so that's a choice as well (I just thought I'd look less cheesy with two diff. color 520's. As far as I can tell from Bike Pedia.com they change the color of the fivetwenty approx. every two years) I like having a back up bike and really I know I adore the 520. So, that's where I'm at for now. Unless, I change my mind. *grins*

Again, you gals help and suggestions were infinitely eye opening and thought provoking. (((((*hugs all around*)))))

[bikerHen]

Just asking . . . why do you want two of the same bike? My two main bikes are about as different as two bikes can get. Slow, heavy Surly LHT and fast sleek full carbon Ruby. Two very different ride but I love them both. If I were getting another bike I would definitely get something different.

Something like the Surly Pacer, I don't need but can't stop lusting after. bikerHen

[moderncyclista]

bikerHen: because I want one as it is, with slick race-lite tires for touring and another I'm going to customize a lil' bit with maybe cyclo-cross style brake levers, knobbier tires, etc (studded tires for winter) what-ever tickles my fancy. I just like the geometry of the 520. Out of all of the bikes I've owned - is really perfect for me. *for me being the operative words* I know some might say - get a race bike - etc. I am short-legged but long torsoed. Touring bikes work for me because of this. Most bikes I can stand over - but the top tube is too short. If the top-tube length is correct, then I can't stand over it. So, some might say - wow - go custom, well - I don't have that kind of cash. I would love to have a bike built to my specs. Love it - but alas - I don't make that kind of scratch. I know a few people who own two of a bike they love. I've had one bike in the shop before -and had to ride a back-up bike: I usually prefer one over the other - so why not the same bike? I don't want them to be twins so a different model year would be good. It works for me, but everybody is different. The other bike I was debating was the LHT - I like my bikes - sturdy, durable, and fast enough to be fun. ;D We're all different. Celebrate the difference. I used to own a mountain bike and I hated it. Weird, huh? I'm a loveable weird, I promise.

[bikerHen]

Well when you explain, it makes sense. Same frame, two different bikes. I was thinking more like two identical bikes. Couldn't quite wrap my mind around that. bikerHen