Choosing a bike, part 2

[murielalex]

Gorgeous bike and nice pic of you and family!

[LovelyGirl]

Thanks, all! I finally got all the kinks worked out (saddle position, a fender issue, friction shifter that was loose) and I think it is perfect. I rode her with DH and my two DSs to church this morning. We put in almost 7 miles, and the feel of the road is just so plush. I love being more upright so I can look around at the leaves changing colors (yes, CA is just getting around to that now). I don't have the neck pain I used to have. I can actually bring STUFF with me in my new basket on my front rack. I do feel a bit slower, and the weight of the rack in front is an adjustment, but that gets better with each ride. Im working different muscles than I did on my Trek, which took me by surprise. Nice to not worry over skinny tires and terrain anymore. I took some gravel and felt totally secure. So much versatility, and I love it for that. I can't believe how quickly my preferences for bikes changed in just a few months. I went from a flat-bar road bike, to thinking I needed a carbon road bike, to choosing basically a bike that is the antithesis or either of those. But I know I've arrived at the right bike, finally. Practical+quality+beauty+can pull my kid and haul my dog = perfect for me.