Choosing a bike, part 2

[LovelyGirl]

Hi All,

I had posted a thread previously about getting a road bike either to complement or replace my Trek 7.6FX. I started with the idea of getting a Specialized Dolce, then decided against it as the aluminum frame and the components were the same as my Trek's. I set my sights on a Specialized Ruby next, because the frame and components were better/different, and because I can then have a nice, comfortable bike for long rides next year when both boys are in school. One family bike and one bike just for me, right?

Well.

Then I read lots of threads about steel. I am sold, Girls, sold. I want a smoother ride but like sturdiness. I don't need/want to go racer-fast (though I'm not a fan of slow, either). I want to tow things without worrying about carbon. I love the delicate look of thin, steel-lugged frames.

Honestly, I'm never going to be a racer. I don't want the outfits or the clipless pedals or to become really focused on cadence or timing or any of that. Cyclists that do are SO cool, and I admire their dedication and skills immensely. But I'm a recreational and practical rider with two little kids. And after further study, I just really want a great do-everything bike. A bike that goes all around town, on long rides, will tow a Tag-a-long, give me a buttery smooth ride and will last for years. Steel seems to be the answer to my complicated situation.

I stumbled across Grant Petersen's book Just Ride and I really identified with what he was saying. Well, you know where that led me - to his very expensive Rivendell Bike site. In record time, I fell in love with his Sam Hillborne steel beauty. Sigh. Considering that it is such an expensive bike, I would probably sell my Trek and just have the Sam for my do-it-all bike. IF I get the nerve to plunk down the money at all. My husband is horrified at the thought and will take a bit of sweet-talking. But it can be done.

I live 6 hours from the Rivendell store, so will need to plan a trip to go up and test ride and investigate. So I can't answer as to whether I actually find the bikes a good fit and choice for me. I'm still doing the most preliminary of ground work.

Anyway, back to you. I realize there is a BIG difference between racing bikes and the retro-type bikes from Riv, and I have swung wildly from one to the other in the past week. I would love the opinion of anyone who cares to comment on whether or not such an expensive steel bike is a good choice for someone like me. Given what I've said about my riding, would a Rivendell bike be preferable? If you weren't a racer and could only have one bike, would a Rivendell bike be a logical choice for you? Or would you go a different route?

Thanks in advance for all your input. Means a lot to newbies.