Finding Your Riding Style?

[Velocivixen]

I think it can take riding in different areas, different parts of town. For example, I bought. Lovely hybrid and I fell in love with riding. I loved that bike. It was aluminum with flat bars so long rides more than say 10 miles were a little uncomrpfortable because I had only one hand position. I then bought a steel cross bike that gives me more hand positions. I have ridden in town and I have ridden out on country roads, longer distances, and I've come to realize that I prefer urban rides. I'm just not into riding out in the countryside for miles and miles. So...I have fenders, a great bell, lights, a Carradice classic saddlebag and a Brooks saddle. It's not a race bike...it's customized for what I like-quirky like me.

[Catrin]

Congratulations on your new Fargo! Those bikes just rock. I wanted one in the worst way last year before I finally accepted that they just don't make them small enough for me and I wound up with a Surly Long Haul Trucker.

I would go with whatever bike shop gives you the best service and you are more comfortable dealing with. No harm in having more than on LBS

[Bethany1]

Murien,

I know they make a WSD Madones but my bike store didn't have one and I would have to buy it to know if it fits better. Another bike store had a much smaller WSD model and there is a difference when I stood over it. LBS guy said once you get up into the larger sizes, it doesn't make much of a difference. I still wish I could have tried a WSD version to know.

I still have a hard time getting over the top tube on mine, but I think it's more me than the bike.

[Bethany1]

I haven't put pics up, but will tomorrow.

The ride is amazing! I went out for 6 miles and headed back because the wind was so bad and my chain wasn't catching right but had a blast. I called the guy up and he told me how to adjust things and said if I needed help I could bring the bike back up for another adjustment. WOW. A guy that was happy to help over the phone. So far this new bike shop rocks.

It handled all the bumps on the road, went through the mud spots and handled gravel beautifully. I felt in perfect control of the bike and for the first time relaxed.

Out of curiosity I checked out the local Surly shop and rode the Long Haul Trucker, the Karate Monkey, and the Cross Check. Cross Check was my favorite but soon realized my Fargo was a much better purchase for the extra money with the disc brakes.

Hopefully tomorrow I can take her out for a longer ride.