My new friend (baby?) is here!

[warneral]

Oh girls! I picked my new bike up today. My DH finally agreed to the extravagant purchase of this bike.

My first road bike only has a few hundred miles and months under my belt. I bought it used and it is still a nice bike. But I've been wanting higher end components and a better fit from day 2.

I had tested out the Ruby Elite Apex and the Madone 5.1 which dh was supportive of purchasing. But I just wasn't 100% sure they were right for me. And I couldn't decide between the two. Then a few weeks ago, after leaving urgent care (for the bronchial problem I'm still fighting), I stepped into Williamson Bicycle Works in Madison. And hanging on the wall was a Independent Fabrication steel bike. In my favorite color of green. With pink accents. I peeked to see that it was just my size (50cm). I saw the price tag say that it was a 2009 marked down from 3,999 to 3,199. I told the guy I loved it and he said to bring in some pedals. They were closing.

So I did. That week I brought in my frogs and took a ride in Madison along the bike paths. The bike sung to me. Campy chorus components are similar in functionality to my Tiagra/sora components but OH so much better! It has a carbon fork that was handpainted.

I came home and told DH about it but he wasn't too keen on the price. Especially b/c my job is unknown (I've been doing contract engineering work for a company and the project is coming to a close).

A few weeks later, he went into the shop and said he wanted to pay 3100 with taxes and the lowest they would go was 2,999. So he bought it and they sold me a nice protoge bike computer for 50% off. I picked it up today. I'm quite sick still but took a 6mi spin on it today. I just know we are going to be very good friends. I don't care for the fiz'nik vitesse sport saddle. I think I need my cutouts to be happy. Perhaps I need to try a Terry butterfly? Will have to investigate.

I don't care for the white handlebar tape but I wasn't sure what color I will want. I think some dark pink will be nice

I'm a little worried about the fork paintjob but they say the bike has a lifetime warranty so I will try not to think about it... When I spend too much $ I tend to get paranoid.

forgot to mention it is a Steel crown jewel with carbon fork.

Here are some pictures

[emily_in_nc]

That is a GORGEOUS bike! My favorite colors together too...so stunning. I am extremely envious! ENJOY!!!!!

[Tri Girl]

It's BEAUTIFUL!!!! Is that an Independent Fabrication? LOVE the pink headset. I think pink camo bar tape would look good.

http://www.the-internet-eye.com/Spor...Pink-Camo.aspx

[warneral]

oooh that bar tape would be fun

it's Independent Fabrication - handmade in Massachusetts They build mostly custom sized bikes but sell some stock frames too. My shop built this up with the wheelset & components.

[redrhodie]

Yay! You got it! It's gorgeous! I actually like the white tape, but you have a lot of options with the color scheme.

[pll]

Wow! It's stunning. Congratulations!

[Mr. SR500]

Very Nice!

[ny biker]

Congrats!!

[Possegal]

Color me jealous, that is one gorgeous looking bike! Congrats.

[XMcShiftersonX]

Very beautiful bike. You have a great husband to suprise you with that! I think pink bar tape is the way to go, and I would suggest the pink Fi'zi:k tape. I just put it on my white and pink Orbea and it made the handlebars pop! Congratulations! And if worse comes to worse, you can always sell your old bike.

-Jessica

[jelee1311]

Its sooooooo pretty!

[hebe]

oh my! That's very beautiful. I hope it helps you feel better very soon.

[Trekhawk]

Great looking bike!
I hope you enjoy many miles together.

[Bike Chick]

Very, very nice! Seems like it was meant to be.

[Catrin]

Beautiful bike! I like the white tape, but I would think that white tape wouldn't stay white very long... matching the pink would look great!