New Bike.. POSSIABLY

[kermit]

I think it is bikepedia.com.

[hebe]

How exciting! I think you should definitely have a look at it and see how it feels if you can test-ride it too.

I'd love a new bike, but am going to hold off til next spring/summer when I have a few more miles under my belt. That's the plan, anyway.

[Roadtrip]

Part of me says this is silly...

• I don't NEED a second bike at this point.
• Bike seems a decent deal as other 08' Trek 7.3's on ebay are around $400 with free ship, so the asking price is fair market value if not a tad under. New this bike MSRP'd at around $540... 2011 version goes for $660 and comparing the two, I see small differences. The main changes is the new saddle post and bars that are supposed to dampen some of the vibrations. Different rims (Bontrager Camino instead of SSR on the 2011) but stock Bontrager wheels so they're likely pretty much the same and if I have issues with them I'll get better ones anyhow.
• I've been using the trainer a lot and taking on/off the bike when I want to ride outside is just a plain hassle, so I've been thinking of getting a old beater bike for the trainer anyhow. This defiantly isn't a beater bike, but something I'd like to advance to, something to keep nudging me forward.
• New 2011 bike costs about twice what this bike is, but I have some peace of mind with a new bike as local shop is a really nice. I do have to factor in the cost of the tune-up on this new bike (at some point.)
• From what I'd read, going with a dedicated road bike might not be for "me", as we have LOADS of hills around here and not much flat. I could get a roadie with a triple and geared properly, but browsing it seems these bikes are WAY out of my price range. My back is still an issue so I do have to wonder about the standard stretched out position on a roadie. I don't plan on doing anything besides treks around the neighborhood and paved trails-- the ultimate goal tho is to build toward doing some longer distance events... but that is way into next year... I have to get more saddle time and work on fitness first.

Shannon

[Biciclista]

you need to make your own decision, but that's a nice bike at a good price!
and you can probably sell it at close to that price if you decide you want something different later.

[Roadtrip]

I went ahead and did it... I'm now an owner of two bikes... have it hooked up to the trainer now. Bike is in pretty good shape. Few scratches on the bike from use, but shifts gears smoothly and rides smoooooth. I did already swap out the saddle for one I had here at the house and it's much more comfortable.

Pictures to come!

Shannon

[badgercat]

Hooray! Looking forward to the pictures.

[hebe]

Smiling for you here, and wondering how long it will be before you take it off the trainer and onto the trails