Finally got my first road bike!

[Pan Dulce]

..Well, sorta. It's on layaway, that dreaded word that I always loathed when I was a child. It's killing me. I want to be riding. I just couldn't come up with the last $270, and I didn't want someone to snatch her up, she was the last they had in that size. Plus they were giving me 10% off to get rid of the last of the '09s.

She's a Giant Avail 1. I figured that would be perfect for what I need her for - fitness, centuries, club and charity rides, maybe a tri in the future? I think she'll serve me well in that capacity. I can't wait to bring her home. Now I need to name her!

She fits perfect, like it was made for me. The narrower handlebars are great.

My LBS is the best ever. I love them! They are the only shop that offered to do a fit on me.

Thanks to everyone here who answered my questions and put up with my indecision. You guys gave me great feedback and helped guide me to what I really wanted!

[MartianDestiny]

Congrats!!!

Here's to you having more willpower than I. I had my bike on hold while I paid it off for a whopping 2 weeks before I couldn't stand it anymore and put it on a credit card (NOT a recommended move). He'll be Mine all Mine this month! I think I'm going to bake a cake and take it to the shop to celebrate

On the bright side you have time to pick a name and the perfect first ride route before you get her home.

[Reesha]

Layaway is the magic fairy god mother that makes all bikes possible!!!!!

I know what you mean though... I hated it when I was a kid too because we'd put a lot of clothes on lay away when I wanted to wear them NOoooow!

Also that's a neat bike. I like its design! Not 'frilly' at all like some bikes. Ugh!

[Pan Dulce]

Really, I don't think I'll last more than 3-4 weeks. It's practically all I can think about. I may just take it out of savings (bad!) and pay myself back slowly.

My mom used to put clothes and bikes on layaway for me as a child, too. I wanted them NOW and I HATED it. But even when we finally got the clothes, she made me wait until school started.

[babynoahsmom]

Too funny! Amazing what you can figure out you can do without to pay off a bike! I keep wondering, what did I do with my money before I had a bike? Hope you enjoy it!

[ASammy1]

Do you have anything you are willing to part with and can sell on Craig's List??? Just a thought, but I've sold plenty of things on CL and relatively quickly. When I needed cash fast, I went on the items wanted page on CL and just looked through to see if I had anything that was wanted/needed...

[Biciclista]

congrats on the beYOUtiful new bike!

[Tri Girl]

ooooooo... pretty bike!!!! I think it looks so clean and sleek.
I, too, hated layaway when I was a kid. My first bike went on layaway... for 1 day until I got my husband to come down and fill out the application for the credit card with no interest for 6 months (my identity was stolen so I couldn't do it; long story).
We paid for it within 3 months. Just like layaway but without having to wait.

[arielmoon]

Lovely bike! I hope you can bring her home soon!

[canonsue]

Good for you for not putting it on credit. I am very impressed.

I am also a Craig's List seller. I have sold a bunch of things and bought a few. It has worked out well for me. Cash only and first one to buy it gets it. I won't hold things for people who never show up.

-Sue

[Reesha]

My first bike was on Layaway for four months or so. The bike cost lots more than I made in a month at the time!

Now I have a mountain bike on layaway and I expect it will take me a few months to bring home as well. Patience! Good things come to those who wait

[KSH]

CONGRATULATIONS! That bike will serve you well for many years!

I do triathlons... and even though I have a tri bike... I use my roadie 90% of the time in races. I even did my Half Ironman and Ironman on my roadie. I love it that much!

[TrekTheKaty]

AAHHHH! Pretty I'm sure she can't wait to come home to her new home! Way to be responsible and make payments--though. You'll love her even more without the guilt

[Pan Dulce]

Thanks everyone!

I learned from what my family went through - don't rack up credit card debt! I have a small amount on one card, that's it. We're stretched thin enough as it is. Plus I have $15,000 in student loans.

ANYWAY. Love my bike, love my Giant, love my LBS, love the forums, I love just about anyone right now.

[mudmucker]

ANYWAY. Love my bike, love my Giant.....I love just about anyone right now.

Yup, new bikes will do that to ya