Challenging myself for a new commuter

[carlotta]

I'm posting this so that I have a public goal to hold myself to.

Earlier this week, I saw that this is forthcoming:



WANT! Looks more or like a disk cross check, but it is also sparkly purple (!!!!).

I have a cross check and it is a wonderful commuting beast, but a) the brakes are a little gutless in the rain/snow/crappy weather and b) it's a bit big (while I should take some blame-- it felt fine on test rides-- I also think the previous shop probably should've encouraged me to tweak a 54 rather than buy a 56, but after they forgot to hook the brakes up on a subsequent visit, they're not on my shop list anymore and I'm not surprised they didn't bother to talk me into the right size). Neither of these issues have stopped me from riding it, and honestly, I don't NEED a new bike, but......

Anyway, my self-challenge is this:

I have 5 train tickets in my wallet (2.5 round trips). If I can make it to September 15th without buying more, I'm buying a new frame/fork/wheelset/brakes and moving all the other components over from the cross check.

[thekarens]

Pretty!!!!

[Catrin]

Sweet!!!

[carlotta]

What is that? And where can I get one?

Edit: just found it on the Surly FB page. The new cross check is purple with disc brakes!?!?

OH. MY. I do NOT need another road bike. Nope nope nope. Absolutely not.

WANT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

And look at that Pacer. Red Sparkly?

It's officially called the Straggler (which I like), and there's a little more here, including a picture of the dropouts that I HOPE represents the actual paint better than the whole bike picture....... it's gorgeous!

I saw the sparkly Pacer as well, looks like Surly is going for a little flash next year (my cross check is the aptly named beef gravy brown, with decals removed, so it will be quite the change if I go sparkly purple for the commuter .

Good thing I've been contemplating how to get disks on the commuter for awhile so this potential purchase seems completely rational

Edit: I will also get rid of the cross check frame, so the fiance will be pleased that he will still only be sharing the apartment with three bikes..... four might've been pushing it. At least until we're actually married

[carlotta]

So far, so good.... I still have two train tickets left and am down to 9 commuting days left in my challenge.

Not to jinx anything, but I just ordered a set of single-speed hydraulic disc brakes (Labor day sale I couldn't resist....plus they're an odd product that's been out of stock).

Going to the shop on Tuesday to plan.... and there might be some ordering involved.

[Melalvai]

Sparkly purple is in your future!

[Catrin]

Sparkly purple makes you faster. Yep. My bike is the perfect example