Runningcyclist's bike search

[runningcyclist]

Well, after riding a few bikes of varying sizes I've finally settled on a Trek 43cm with 650 wheels. It's certainly the smallest bike I've ever sat on but the top tube fitted perfectly unlike the others, including the lovely LHT. I really love smaller wheels too

I wanted to get the 2010 model as the colour scheme for the 2011 model is a little hard to take, but I'll have to add more blue bits to counteract the white.

Already thinking about my next bike I want one I can use as a tourer so that might need to be custom build or maybe I could adapt a child's bike. I did see a rather nice Dawes Espoir junior road bike on a website but didn't try to get one for a test ride.

[Owlie]

It's okay. I have the upgrade for my current road bike planned, the eventual new go-fast bike, the steel tourer/grocery-getter...And I'm broke.

[runningcyclist]

Owlie, did I mention I have no money?

Currently my bikes are funded by my company's cycle to work scheme, which is a government initiative to encourage people to ride rather than drive. This has enabled lots of people to get bikes they wouldn't normally be able to afford. I suspect a consequence of this is that bike prices have risen steadily year on year. For example the 2011 Trek I am now getting is £100 more expensive for the same spec so far as I can see

Anyway, yesterday I went to Roberts Cycles who are custom bike builders and I didn't know what to do with myself. The bikes are fab, fab-you-lous and having decided on - eventually - getting a road bike then a tourer, I was then shown a 'commuter-type' with dynamo lights and I want one of them too

Fortunately the total cost means it will take me about 2 years to save the money for the first bike so I've plenty of time to come to a final decision about the type of bike I want first