Evil, Rotten, Enabling DH (Or, Somebody Talk Some Sense Into Me!)

[Skierchickie]

So, this spring a new lbs opened up in our area, giving competition to my old lbs. Owned & operated by a couple of really good former employees of lbs #1. We've been buying stuff from both, trying to spread out our business. The new shop carries Jamis, which I don't know that much about, except for the great value for your money aspect. The older lbs is a Trek dealer (I've bought 7 bikes from them since 1987, and my DH has bought 6 or so).

So, lbs #2 doesn't have any higher-end bikes in stock, but looking on-line, I've been intrigued by the Jamis Xenith Pro (carbon fiber frame, all Dura-Ace, for about what my all-Ultegra Trek 5200 listed for when I got it in 2002). The equivalent Madone lists for a lot more. Like, $1200-1400 more. I've been drooling over websites, dreaming about test-riding, drooling more, ...... Wishing I could test ride them side by side, but neither is likely to make it to either shop floor unless someone actually orders one. So I'm safe, right? I certainly don't need a new road bike. It would be irresponsible and frivolous. And expensive.

Yesterday DH happened to be in lbs #2, talking to one of the owners, and mentioned my drooliness (sorry grammar grinches). Today, we stopped in, and the guy says "oh, by the way, I may have ordered a 51cm Xenith Pro today". Just to have a higher end bike on the floor. No expectation that I'll buy it (but it is my size). AAARRRRRRGGGGHHHHH! I don't do well with temptation. So, DH wants me to test ride it when it comes in (next step is buying, with us). And, of course, the guy gave me a price $600 below MSRP.

And, to complete my destruction, it will be in next week, while we're in Alaska, AND the Trek WSD demo lady will be in town the day after we get back....AND I'm, taking that day off work.

Is there any hope for me??

[Irulan]

be extra nice to your hubby tonight.

[Skierchickie]

Ooooooh! I am SURROUNDED by enablers! (Like I didn't know that) (Eeeeevil Irulan!)

I may have neglected to mention the fact that we're test-driving a Mini Cooper Saturday, when we're in Minneapolis. So, on the one hand, I don't need to be buying an expensive new bike. However, on the other hand, maybe he's buttering me up for the Mini?? But I'm already willing to look into that.

[ilima]

Ooooooh! I am SURROUNDED by enablers! (Like I didn't know that) (Eeeeevil Irulan!)

I may have neglected to mention the fact that we're test-driving a Mini Cooper Saturday, when we're in Minneapolis. So, on the one hand, I don't need to be buying an expensive new bike. However, on the other hand, maybe he's buttering me up for the Mini?? But I'm already willing to look into that.

Your hubby rocks. And who cares if he's buttering you up for the Mini--they're fun little cars!

[mimitabby]

chuck the mini (terrible gas mileage!) but accept the bike with all the dignity you can muster. if you like it, that is!

[Skierchickie]

According to the Mini website, they get mid-30s on the highway (which is mostly the driving we do - actually country backroads, but no stop & go traffic at all). The Mini appears to be better than any of the other cars we've looked into. Theoretically.

Oh, and the Jeep Cherokee is getting somewhere between 15 & 19 currently (my, I love my Jetta diesel!).

[Mr. Bloom]

Don't do it!

There, is that what you wanted me to say?

[Blueberry]

Get the bike (if you love it) and get a honda fit. Great bike hauling car

CA

[Skierchickie]

Okay, so I rode the Xenith Pro tonight. I'm in big trouble. I'm afraid I'm in love. I'm afraid I'm also still in love with my Trek. I have some thinking to do. I know, I know - I'd love to have both, but if I'm going to be a frivolous spendthrift, I can't go so far as to keep both - really need to sell the extra one.

Fortunately, this particular Xenith Pro (the one they ordered because DH mentioned my interest) was sold before they ever took it out of the box, while I was in Alaska, so there is no pressure (which was all in my own head in the first place). I'll have to order another one if I decide to get one. Have I mentioned how breathtakingly beautiful this thing is? Even better in person than in the picture on the website.

They said the Jamis rep just told them today - everything is going up about 20% next year, just like everybody else. So if I want a new bike, now would be the time - this one would be going up about $500+.

I was going to ride a Madone last night, but the Trek WSD person hadn't showed up with the bikes an hour after the demo was supposed to start, so I went home. She must have gotten lost or in an accident or something. Oh, well, the Madone is really really expensive (I think the 5.5 would be the equivalent to the Xenith Pro), so I'm pretty sure it would be several years before I could justify the extra $1200 - my current bike is only 6 years old.

Mimi - I have no dignity when it comes to cool new toys! I flip and I flop, and I waffle, and I decide, and I decide against it, and then I give in to temptation with no regard for practicality, then have buyer's remorse, then I just go with it.

Thanks Mr. S - but, wait - didn't you JUST order a Madone 5.5??? Lotta help you are!

By the way, the Mini was fuuuuunnnn! And DH won't look at anything else unless it gets better mileage + the fun factor (it would be primarily his vehicle), + his super duper extra large bikes would never fit in any car without both wheels off, even a Fit. Maybe a van, but that in not in the running at all.

[tulip]

Jamis bikes are really great. And the CEO is a chica, no less.

As for minis--cute, but they scream chick car. Does DH know that?

[Skierchickie]

Tulip - do you have a Jamis?? I don't know anyone personally who has one (the shop hasn't been open long). I'm not sure it's enough better than my current ride, but it sure is sweet! DH just got home and is saying I'd better get it. Still - it seem frivolous, whatever he says about it.

Minis: Well, you do have to get the color right (how about laser blue with black bonnet stripes??).

[Iris616]

All I can say is that if some one told me to go ahead and buy another bike, Id be at my LBS in a heart beat. And, it would definately be another Jamis! Granted, I only have the Coda, but I love it! I'm already planning for the next Jamis on my shopping list!

[PscyclePath]

I've got a Madone 5.2 (the last USPS team bike) that I've ridden and loved for the past 4 years.

That being said, I test-rode a Jamis Xenith at our LBS a couple of weeks ago, and was really, really impressed by it. Very responsive in the corners, and accelerates well when you start stomping on the pedals... I wouldn't hesitate to pick one if I had to replace my faithful old Trek.

tom

[tulip]

Yes, I have a Jamis Coda Comp that I used for commuting 28 miles RT when I lived in the DC area. It's a very smooth and fast bike. Now use it for errands, since I no longer commute.

I'm not in the market for any more bikes at the moment (I got my newest one in February it's best if I limit myself to one per year), but Jamis would certainly be at the top of the list if I were in the market. I don't know anything about the Xenith, but based on my experience and the very informed opinion of my favorite LBS (Proteus in College Park MD), I have no questions about Jamis bikes (as long as it fits you and it's comfy for you, of course).

[kfergos]

According to the Mini website, they get mid-30s on the highway (which is mostly the driving we do - actually country backroads, but no stop & go traffic at all). The Mini appears to be better than any of the other cars we've looked into. Theoretically.

Oh, and the Jeep Cherokee is getting somewhere between 15 & 19 currently (my, I love my Jetta diesel!).

I had heard that gas mileage is with premium gas, and that while you can put regular in, it doesn't get nearly the same gas mileage as before. If you're trying to save money on gas, buying a car that needs premium isn't going to help; but if you're trying to save the environment, the gas mileage makes sense.