To go Custom or not...do today's mass-produced OTS bikes allow good enough geometry?

[tulip]

SFLiz, you don't have to justify anything here, let's just get that clear. If you want a $5k+ bike, then go for it. It doesn't affect us one way or the other. Enjoy your bike, whatever it turns out to be. Do learn to change your tubes and do basic maintenance and repairs, though. And if you get the electronic stuff, remember to charge it up. Any chance they come with solar or friction chargers so that they could be charged while you're riding the bike? That would be very cool indeed.

[Catrin]

You may also find, as many of us have, that as we ride longer we find ourselves buying different types of bikes for different types of riding as our interests and experiences change. The important thing is to ride!

[Becky]

You may also find, as many of us have, that as we ride longer we find ourselves buying different types of bikes for different types of riding as our interests and experiences change. The important thing is to ride!

This, for me, sums it up. Both my riding style and my bike fit have changed as I've become more proficient and as I've discovered new types of riding.

[Catrin]

This, for me, sums it up. Both my riding style and my bike fit have changed as I've become more proficient and as I've discovered new types of riding.

Yes, this. The bikes I ride now are quite different from my first bike - I am very glad I didn't go for custom or even very expensive to start with - thought that first bike wasn't cheap. Eventually I did go with custom because of both my size and certain fit related issues, but it would have been a mistake for me to have done that right off the bat.

[Crankin]

I never thought I'd be coveting an around town mixte with a basket.
Of course, this has to wait until I live in a part of town that's flat.
I wonder if there's a townhouse that will have room for 6 bikes?