Getting a new bike!

[Owlie]

Nice! (To both of you!)

[Grits]

I went for a 25 mile ride yesterday in 11 mph winds, so was really able to test her out well. First, the SRAM shifting is SO much smoother than my old Tiagra set up. I love it.

I got a compact double (after a good test ride on a hilly road), and have no regrets there. I had plenty of gears for some challenging hills and head wind. The carbon definitely absorbs a lot of the vibration and is a more comfortable ride.

It is hard to tell about improvement in speed since it was so windy yesterday, but I was not nearly as tired afterward as I usually would have been after fighting such strong headwinds. I am very happy with my choice

I will need to switch out the stem and put the less aggressive one from my 2.1 on the Madone. I wanted to try the new set up, but after 20 miles, my lower back started hurting. I think I just need to duplicate my old set up, which worked well for me. I also need some toe warmer cover things immediately!

I am looking at the calendar and am dismayed at all the stuff on it that is going to interfere with riding for the next month! I will just have to fit in some short rides when I can instead of waiting until I have time for longer ones!

[tzvia]

Congrats, it is a beautiful bike! That teal is lovely!

Maybe the stem is 'flip-able'; that is, it can be run one way for a negative, downward direction, or the other way for an up-swept position. Keeping yourself low is really helpful in the winds so I would suggest keeping it as low as you can go comfortably. Maybe a fitting could get it dialed in? It sounds like it's setup for someone with more back flexibility or longer arms.

[smurfalicious]

Awesome! That is super sexy, but I'm biased about ninja black bikes. I dig the SRAM myself, but I still have a tough time wrapping my brain around it. Pity the poor innocent SRAM equipped bikes I've test ridden.

One thing I've noticed about Bontrager wheels is that they tend to be "tight" no matter what brand of tires you have you them shod with. So test out flat changing at home and see how you do. I'd hope they've realized it after all these years and changed it, but better to find out at home, right?

Having come home with 150+ mosquito bites after flatting in a marshy area I can attest speed is of the essence! Also, if you're crying and covered in mosquitoes, guys will help you.

Boy, you lucky dog, showin' up all stealth on the group ride with a sexy new steed. We gotta find you some pretty teal bar tape to make those highlights pop. I think there's one from Bontrager, there should be, they have 3 different pinks.

[Grits]

Thanks Smurf! The sooner I get rid of the white bar tape, the better!

[smurfalicious]

Ha ha! I love white bar tape, but it's super high maintenance! I had a long tube sock I used turned inside out to scrub my tape with dish soap. I'm rocking red/white striped Fizik tape now, much easier.

Looks like Soma's Kelly Green might work:


But why not go for all out bling?

[macski]

Great choice - it's a stunning bike. I wish you many happy miles riding your new stead.

[warneral]

I'm glad you like your bike! Such a great upgrade!!!

[Bike Writer]

Nice bike! Congratulations on your new ride and many happy miles together!

[zoom-zoom]

Ahhh...congrats on that first ride!

[Jo-n-NY]

very nice bike!!! and I love the color especially the teal accent. I wish you much luck and many enjoyable riding miles.

[arielmoon]

Congrats Lori! Gorgeous bike!

But why not go for all out bling?

WOW I like the chrome!!!