We ordered road bikes and I'm both excited and a little freaked

[thekarens]

We started off this journey with NO CLUE what we might like/want, but had pretty much decided we would spend a couple grand on two very entry level bikes. So, we went to all the bike shops of the various manufactures and started test riding.

To make a long story short it ended up with my partner ordering a 2013 Trek Madone 4.5 and I ordered a Jamis Quest. Her bike had to be ordered because she loved a different Madone, but had decided she wanted a carbon bike after riding a few other carbon bikes. I loved the Quest, but I wanted to blue one, which is the men's version. I don't care for red (which is the women's version.) The shop owner has assured me that he will make sure I am completely pleased or I can walk out. I'm really not worried. He seems pretty confident that he can compensate for the different geometries between the men's and women's and I also road another men's bike with the same geometry as the one I'm getting.

Anyway, I'm excited because who doesn't love a new bike?!? I'm nervous because it's a freaking lot of money and a real investment for us. I'm also nervous because I'm just getting comfortable on my MTB and a road bike is a whole new ball game.

I also wanted to commend the Jamis dealer, Lone Star Bicycles. The manager was fantastic. He did a fitting on the bikes before we did our test rides. Put it on the machine and adjusted everything before sending us out to ride. He went the extra mile even though we had told him we weren't buying that day. That was one more plus for that shop. The Trek shop was very good as well, my partner fell in love with the bike and we get a 5% discount since we are a member of the local bike club.

[Biciclista]

we look forward to seeing photos of you and your new bikes. Congrats. I hate waiting myself.

[thekarens]

The Jamis guy said the bike would be in Friday and he'll put it together the same day, but we're going out of town Friday, so he said we could pick it up Sunday afternoon when we get back. The Madone will take 7 to 10 business days to get in and have it built. My partner will have a harder time of it. She already wants it. She even bought a matching outfit to go with her pretty new bike

[Biciclista]

lol a matching outfit!!

[thekarens]

lol a matching outfit!!

I know, right? Though to be fair, I understand the desire to buy matching stuff to the bike and the desire to buy "things" to go with the bike. I've been shopping online since we got home.

[Koronin]

Congrats on your new bikes!

[DebSP]

Congratulations! It is just like Christmas isn't it?

[murielalex]

Excellent choices! The Jamis Quest was on my short list when I started out looking. I ended up with a different steel bike, and remain, 1800 miles later, very happy. I'm excited for you just reading your post. Definitely post pics, matching outfits included, along with ride reports!

[Owlie]

Congrats! I rode a Jamis Satellite Femme and it was surprisingly nice, considering that I don't always get along with relaxed-geometry frames. But the Quest is very nice.

Pictures when they arrive! And I totally understand wanting at least some matching gear. My bike is teal, so nothing save black and white match! (I've found a few things recently, though...)

[thekarens]

Mine is midnight blue and white and of course chrome with black tape and I picked a Selle Italia saddle. I was severely tempted to get a Brooks because I love the old school looks of my bike and Brooks would fit right in with that "theme," but I was afraid I might not enjoy the saddle and I liked the Selle I tried on another bike. My partner's (who also happens to be named Karen) bike is red and white so I think it will be a little easier for her to find matching stuff.

I find the whole science behind geometry very interesting. It amazes me how much the right bike and a good fitter can do for you.

Oh, and I picked steel because I've heard so many good stories about how comfortable the ride is. My partner had her heart set on carbon after she decided she wanted to go as fast as possible. We're kind of a tortoise and hare. Murielalex, if I could have afforded a Gunnar it would have been high on my list!

[Shellyrides]

I love steel bikes. And when it comes right down to it, there really is not that much of a speed difference. I just got a new to me bike and am having a ball getting new parts and stuff that I may or may not need.

[azfiddle]

Can't wait to see the pics.

[Jo-n-NY]

Lots of luck with the new bikes when you get them. Yup, nothing more exciting than a new bike. I just got a fitness bike, Specialized Vita to lead our Ladies Social Ride geared to women who ride hybrids & comfort bike. My excuse....I didn't want any of the ladies to get intimidated if pulling up with a road bike

[TigerMom]

Congrats on your new bikes!

___________________________________________________________________
2012 Specialized Amira Elite, upgraded carbon handle bars, Jett saddle 143mm switched to 145mm 2012 Selle Italia Max SLR Gel Flow saddle
2010 Santa Cruz Juliana with R kit and Crampon pedals
2011 Specialized Ariel Sport,suspension post,Serfas Rx Women's Microfiber saddle (sold)

[nottoospecial]

Hi azfiddle, I am new to this forum. And new to biking! Recently bought a 2011 Ruby Comp that someone had in their house and never rode! Virtually brand new. What are your thoughts on this bike?