I have a bike!
I finally have a new road bike! I went to Bicycles West in Tukwila today and met a very nice technician/sales person, Carl. He really helped me cement my decision. AND I saved some $$ too. I ended up with a 2007 Specialized Roubiax. You may remember from my last post (earlier today) that I was looking at a 2006 Roubaix at Bonney Lake bicycles in Sumner. The price on that bike was $1,799 and they were completely unwilling to deal on the price. So I found Bicycles West through the Specialized website. Their price on-line for the same bike was $1,599. When I arrived, they didn't have an '06 on the showroom, but had an '07 at $1,699. Carl and I discussed the same things I mentioned in my earlier post, then we went through the fitting process. Carl really took the time to make sure I got the right fit. I ended up on a 56cm frame. I also added a cycle computer, clipless pedals and a better seat. While my bike was being built, I ended up at REI where I bought some riding shoes with SPD pads for my new clipless pedals and then over to Center Cycle for a helmet. I finally walked out of Bicycles West at around 4 with my new steed.On the clipless pedals, the ones I bought (Shimano 324?) have a "normal" pedal side and a side with the clips for my new shoes. I want to get used to riding again before I take the next step and use the shoes. So probably next week or so I'll work on the shoes/pedals. I've just got to commit to knowing I'm probably going to crash once or twice on my new bike . . . .
I had to show a couple homes this evening, so I didn't get to even ride the bike until about 8PM. I took a quick 1/2 mile jaunt around the neighborhood just to see how it felt and to get used to these new fangled shifters. It was pretty cool. I cranked her up to about 18 MPH. Very smooth. But man, have I got a whole lotta work in front of me. I'm definitely NOT in cycling shape. But I'll get there. My coach Donna recommended a book, 100 days to 100 miles, which I'll likely pick up here in the next week or so. I don't have the desire (yet) to ride 100 miles in a day, but the STP (Seattle to Portland) IS one of my all time fitness goals, so I'm going to have to get close to that and be able to do it two days in a row if I plan to complete the STP.
Next up, I gotta hook up with my buddy Steve to do some riding. For a representation of my new bike, see my last post. It shows the 2006, but basically looks the same . . . wish me luck!