Oh no, severe bike lust has struck again (and it's Italian!)

[westtexas]

Dear Wise TE Ladies:

I need your help. I have been struck with bike lust (again) and significant WANT.

I was so put out with the first bike shop that I visited here in Houston (they are a local chain and I like their store out in the country where my folks live) that I was desperate to find a new store. Well, I think I found it. This place is small, the staff is super nice (and really cute) and very helpful. The first guy I talked to about riding routes whipped out a map and was directing me all over the place.

Well, then I was just browsing the store and there, up on the wall was a pink bike (you know me and pink!). And I walked closer. It was Italian. A Pinarello. With Ultegra. IN MY SIZE. ON SALE!!!!!

Anyway, I went home and rode my bike back to the shop so they could put my pedals on it so I could take it for a test drive. I mean, I had to. Really!

And it was heaven on wheels. So light. So stiff. SO responsive. Perfect geometry. Absolutely amazing. I was in love. A giant grin on my face.

I come back to the shop and I start chatting with the bike store guy and come to find out this shop is the only Pinarello dealer in Houston. Also, that they make ANOTHER pink bike model called the Paris. That really, since I would just take this already built model apart (needs new wheels and the bars are too big and it's only Ultegra) I might as well buy the Paris frameset and build another bike from scratch (what I did with my Cannondale Synapse).

Oh no ladies. This bike. I am in LOVE.

Here's a picture:

The Paris, also known as the love of my life.

I feel like I'm cheating on my Synapse!

Help ladies! I don't really NEED another bike, but on the other hand, I swoon at the thought of this beauty being in my stable.

What to do?!

[zoom-zoom]

That is gorgeous!

This sounds like my experience when I first saw Cannondale's 2011 SuperSix 4 Rival. I had already decided that I wanted that set-up for my next bike (after almost a year of riding an aluminum Synapse with 105). Then I saw it in white and orange...orange is my favorite color. My heart stopped. As soon as I showed it to DH he knew he couldn't even try to tell me no, since he has like a half-dozen bikes!

I think you NEED that bike!

[Trek-chick]

It was Italian. A Pinarello.

I lust after these bikes everytime I see one in person or in a magazine---a thing of beauty *sigh--- I ride these bikes in my dreams

[westtexas]

Are you kidding me?

Did you see this thread?I test-rode on Sunday.

We did it again.

Do you know which model you tested? The one I tried was the Quattro, with SRAM Rival, but it is available with Ultegra, too.

Was it this one?

Discovered the best place online for Pinarello info is Competitive Cyclist.

Ahh I didn't see your thread!! I tested one of the FP Models - it was a 2011 (that's why it was on sale). Mostly for the fit and the geometry, because apparently the Pinarello sizing is totally different. I rode a 49 (easy fit) but on measuring, the TT was 53, just like my Synapse.

So are you going to get one?? I decided to go with the Paris - which fully built would be MSRP $7k, but at the frameset is just (HA "just") $3600. I am sure I can find parts for it just like I did my last one. Thinking of going SRAM - Rival or Red, can't decide.

But your job was to talk me out of it!! My Synapse seems so wimpy now

Siiigh.

[tulip]

That happened to me when I saw a Luna. I've had it now for 7 years and it's still the most amazing bike I've ever owned. Enjoy!

[breeze]

That is a gorgeous bike! Bellissima!

[TigerMom]

I can't talk you out of it either. I'm anxiously awaiting for October so that I can get a new mountain bike (my LBS has their sale in October). Plus, I'm already dreaming of potential, more expensive, prettier road bikes (I'm also a pink and purple type of lady). That 2012 Paris Pinarello is gorgeous!
_____________________

2012 Specialized Amira Elite, upgraded carbon handle bars, Jett saddle 143mm switched to 145mm 2012 Selle Italia Max SLR Gel Flow saddle

2011 Specialized Ariel Sport,suspension post,Serfas Rx Women's Microfiber saddle

[Marquise]

Great pictures and a link to more of a Paris on another forum. There's something about those Italians!

[lovelygamer]

OMG! That is a beautiful bike. I am a sucker for a white bike with teal or pink accents. Pink is my favorite color and I accessorize everything in it. I am about to get some bike glow in pink to light up my commuter bike at night! I couldn't talk you out of this beauty. SORRY!

[chatnoire]

Ooooooooohhhhh, pinarello. I test drove one when I bought my bike, and Oh. My. God. I loved it.

Get it get it get it get it!!!

[westtexas]

You guys are seriously unhelpful.

[marni]

oh go ahead and buy it, you know you want to!

Plus be prepared to share the name of the bike store when we get together to ride.

[bmccasland]

You guys are seriously unhelpful.

Of course we are. What, you thought we'd talk you out of it?

oh go ahead and buy it, you know you want to!

Plus be prepared to share the name of the bike store when we get together to ride.

Give the bike a good home, your's! Buy the bike, buy the bike....

[Bike Writer]

Italian. Hunk. Need we say more?

I'll add more pressure...you deserve that bike.

We are a happy group of enablers.

[WindingRoad]

Holy cow that bike is beautiful! I can't help talk you out of it either Awesome looking bike.