What else should I be test riding?

[pinsonp2]

Don't get a bike that does not appeal to you aesthetically. You certainly don't want anything to deter you from riding even a blah color/color combo. Keep looking. You will know by the big grin on your face when you find just the right one.....great fit, geat color, right price.

P2

[IBrakeforPastry]

Thanks P2. I'm sure my bike is just waiting for me somewhere! Funny thing though. I forgot that when I went for the fitting, the LBS guy adjusted my straight bars so they were a little lower and further forward. Yesterday I went for a short ride and the new setting felt really good, making me wonder if I should really be looking for a new bike now. I'm going back to the first LBS to look at the Dolce again, anyway.

[TrekDianna]

So...any news?

[IBrakeforPastry]

So...any news?

No - not yet. But I saw where you went back and bought another bike! You're my inspiration! I found the Lexa felt very different from the Dolce. I have a few threads running now, so I don't know if you've followed them. I tried a Dolce with SRAM components and I liked it a lot. That was the white bike that I wasn't sure I could love.

Then the steel option came up, and maybe build a custom Surly, but I'm still leaning towards the Dolce. I'm not in a rush. It will be winter soon. Our season is short and I really need to consider needs/wants and if I even should get another bike.

I saw a purple Kona the other day...

Thanks for asking - enjoy your new rides!

[TrekDianna]

No - not yet. But I saw where you went back and bought another bike! You're my inspiration! I found the Lexa felt very different from the Dolce. I have a few threads running now, so I don't know if you've followed them. I tried a Dolce with SRAM components and I liked it a lot. That was the white bike that I wasn't sure I could love.

Then the steel option came up, and maybe build a custom Surly, but I'm still leaning towards the Dolce. I'm not in a rush. It will be winter soon. Our season is short and I really need to consider needs/wants and if I even should get another bike.

I saw a purple Kona the other day...

Thanks for asking - enjoy your new rides!

I figured I had to get it since I kept thinking about it. They are different and since I have two houses a few hours apart over a mountain pass, I could rationalize it as not having to carry them back and forth. I left the Dolce over on the dry side of the state where it's flatter and a keeping the Lexa (triple) over here where I have to ride a lot more hills and climbing seems to be easier for me with the triple.

I can also rationalize it that its my freedom. I spent most of my adult life in the military and as a disabled veteran, I have foot issues that make it impossible for me to run (no feeling, nerve damage). I found biking and it's complete freedom for me again. I can ride and ride the way running used to be for me.

Purple kona? I love purple. sigh...my specialized myka HT is purple and gray.

Yes, my Dolce is white with red. I found that it looked really good splattered with mud last weekend

I hope you find one (or more!) that you love too.

Luckily we can ride here most of the year -- what's a little rain? it's good that you have time to think about it...unless your list gets longer