Ms. Silque has arrived

[Crankin]

Got back from the maiden voyage about 45 minutes ago.
We intended to do some hills in Harvard, eat lunch at the General Store, and return home. But, we had made like 5 stops in the first 5 miles, so we altered our plan and ended up riding maybe 5 miles less than we would have. No big hills, but some small ones, all around Acton, Boxborough,, back into west Concord, where we ate lunch and then rode the 6 miles home. First, our stops were to shed or change our our gloves, head coverings, etc. Then, the back gears had to be slightly adjusted. Then, I wanted my saddle raised a teeny hair, like half a mm.
The verdict is: This is the first road bike I've had that fits me. Sad that it took 14 years, but true. Some of it is change in technology and the way they build bikes now. The pain in my shoulder is gone. My hip doesn't hurt right now, either. Of course, other things I do annoy it, but if I can have one less thing that does, it's good. The Oura saddle (one in my size miraculously appeared in the shop yesterday) was great on the soft tissue, no pain at all. I did feel my sit bones, which the fitter warned me about. Not terrible, but by the end of the ride, I was noticing it more and more. He said it would take some getting used to. The ride is smooth, just like, well, silk.
The biggest thing I had to pay attention to is shifting. I have the same gearing (well one more lower gear) on my Guru and except for commuting, I don't ride it much on local roads, except for when I am going to do really hard climbs. But this past summer, I made myself ride the bike with fewer low gears, to prepare for my trip. Hence, I just have to remind myself I will be in the small ring of the compact a lot more than the granny gear of the triple. There's just more shifting involved, overall. I remember having trouble finding my sweet spot, when I got the Guru, but I didn't feel like that today. Just sort of playing with what felt good. My average was really, really slow today, with all the experimentation, stopping, etc.
Overall, I am thrilled. And, what's sad is, that this bike cost less than either the Kuota or the Guru. Very glad engineering has caught up with the needs of petite riders.

[Bones8]

Great looking bike! The geometry looks very comfortable. Did you have to play around with it much to get it to fit right?

[Crankin]

Pretty much, except that the stem/bars are more specific to me. And, of course, the components are 1-2 steps up and it has the inserts. But the geometry feel is the same. I think the wheel base might even be a bit longer. This bike does not feel sluggish at all to me. I pushed it on a small hill near our lunch stop, where, on a good day I am going 11-12. Today I was going 14. So, I can accelerate if need be. But, don't worry, because basically, I am a lazy rider, unless someone gets me mad!
*I* did not play around with the fit; I had an extensive 2+ hour fitting on the Guru fit machine, plus another 1/2 hour of anatomical measurements before ordering. The bike is a Project One Trek, which means you can customize certain things. And even yesterday, when I went back for the last extra fit for the bars and saddle on the actual bike, I had 3 guys (2 fitters and a sales rep) plus my DH watching me on the trainer and making minute adjustments. I laughed and told them that this is the way it should be, 4 men standing around just asking me what I want...
Seriously, this time, I knew exactly what I wanted and needed. But, I don't have the time, mechanical skill, or patience to do this myself. After I did the initial research and found a newer Trek model with the same geometry that the bike Irented had, it was in the fitter's hands. And both of them listened. Maybe because now I have the knowledge I didn't have 10 years ago, but I was treated perfectly.

[millefolia]

After I did the initial research and found a newer Trek model with the same geometry that the bike Irented had, it was in the fitter's hands. And both of them listened. Maybe because now I have the knowledge I didn't have 10 years ago, but I was treated perfectly.

What shop did you go to? I'm in the Boston area and thinking of getting a new road bike...

[Crankin]

Pedal Power on Great Rd in Acton.

[millefolia]

Thanks! I like Trek, but I don't like the Trek dealers nearest to me.

[Crankin]

Yup, do not go to Landry's, IBC, or Belmont Wheelworks.
The Cycle Loft in Burlington is good, too.

[millefolia]

Yup, do not go to Landry's, IBC, or Belmont Wheelworks.
The Cycle Loft in Burlington is good, too.

Nor Ace Wheelworks, sigh. I had good service a couple of times but then both my housemate and I had noticeably patronizing service (different visits) so I don't go there anymore. I love Broadway Bicycle School, though!