What to spend $600 on?
Ok, I found out I'm getting a tuition reimbursement check this week for work that I wasn't expecting until 2009. I'm getting married, so 3/4s of it has to go to the wedding. But I've been weighing a bunch of different options as to what I want to spend my fun portion on, and it's definitely going towards a bike or biking related equipment.
Currently, I've got a Trek 800 that I like. I've upgraded to a slightly more comfortable saddle, slicks, and bought gloves. I'm about a 30-31" inseam, so I'm looking at like a 50cm road frame or a 18" MTB frame.
If I purchase a bike, I probably am looking to purchase a complete bike rather than components, and buy an upgraded saddle. I am good enough with repairs/maintenance and have access to the co-op if someone can help me pick the right components if I can go that route and stay in my price range.
My current weight is 314#.
My primary usage is commuting/utility (10+ miles per day currently), with some weekly fun riding, and I am going to do the Wendys Sprint Triathalon in Spring 2009. So I am thinking a Hybrid. In the summer of 2009, We'll be moving to someplace else in the great lakes region, likely with slightly longer commutes.
The other option is to keep the existing bike, but do the following:
New shifters (right one needs cleaned occasionally to keep functioning)
New saddle (give old one to fiance, and find one thats truly comfortable)
Some Garmin GPS handheld for biking and walking (something between the 305 and the oregon)
rack and or saddlebags of some sort (assuming I can find them for the 18" MTB frame)
I'd love thoughts and ideas, specifically bikes people of around my current size, down to say 260#, really like. I have no brand proclivities, other than I'm impressed by the shape my Trek is in for being 15+ years old.