I'm officially in the market!

[WrensMom]

For a new bike, that is

You may recall my earlier posts about needing a new saddle because I was getting my old mtn bike ready to ride for commuting, etc., and it had always given me a lot of pain. I hadn't ridden this bike in well over 6 years. Well, in the time since I had last ridden that bike, I married DH, who is a former bike shop guy and mechanic (in a past life, before he decided to go to college). He took one look at me riding the old mtn bike (he had never seen me on it before) and he was completely appalled! He was disgusted that the shop I got it from back in like '90 had even sold me something with such poor fit. Guess that explains why I was never happy with it, huh?

Anyway, long story short, we agreed that the best thing to do was just to get me something new, that actually FITS (what a concept!). We went this past weekend and I test rode some different bikes. I tried a Specialized Sirrus, a Specialized Sequoia, a Trek 7.5 FX, a Trek Pilot 1.2, and a Raleigh Cadent 2.0. So far, the Sequoia is in the lead, followed closely by the Pilot. The drop bars just feel better to me than flat bars do. I thought I would like the Raleigh, but it just wasn't quite right, somehow. I am having some troubles with reach to the shifters/brakes (I can just barely get a fingertip there), and I have read here on these forums that some women prefer Campagnolo equipment for that reason. The only moderately priced bike I have found with Campagnolo is the Bianchi Eros, but I haven't found one to try out yet. Are there any others with Campy?

I am planning on going back out to check out more bikes--possibly a Jamis Aurora or Satellite, maybe a Felt SRD92 or a F90 or F80, and maybe a Fuji Touring. I want to try that Bianchi too. I am trying to keep the price relatively low, but still get something decent that feels good. Any other suggestions you have would be welcomed also!

Thanks!!

[Trekhawk]

WrensMom - New bike, we love new bikes. Dont forget to post a picture when you get your new ride.

I have two road bikes, one with campy and one with shimano. You can get shimano to have a better reach if you get some shims installed. I find with the shims installed the reach for braking etc is about the same on both bikes.

Hope this helps a little.

Happy bike shopping.

[DrBee]

Good luck with the test rides! Have fun! It's amazing just how different the different makes and models feel, isn't it? I know when I was doing test rides that I didn't expect that. Post of pic of your new ride when you get her!

[KnottedYet]

The Jamis Aurora sure is cool. That's on my "list", too. But I'm just dreamin'...