Clydesdales/Athenas (200+ lb / 91+ kg) - New Bike

Decisions, decisions. I currently have a Specialized Crossroads which I bought last year as a 2006 leftover. It was comfortable and did what I needed at the time, i.e. get back on 2 wheels and the price was low. Now it's on the trainer. Since I got it I longed for something that didn't give me the wind resistance of a garage door being pushed down the road. I hemmed and I hawed and looked at bikes online and compared specs till my eyes went square.

I was sure I wanted a 'road bike' and wanted to do this before the IRS crucified me this coming quarter. So I went down to the LBS and test road several bikes on a trainer to get the feel of, if nothing else, the riding position. The road bikes crunched into an uncomfortable position, I guess I've still got too much inbetween my belt and chest. I couldn't even keep a good cadence on the trainer. Then I rode a 7.5 FX.

The difference was instantaneous pleasure. My cadence zipped right up to where it should be instead of sluggish on the road style bikes, the stock seat was 'dare I say' comfortable and the spinning was just enjoyable. That's what it's about right?

They did have one in my size in stock and the steel duotone which I liked but I didn't have any cash with me for a deposit and the fellow at the lbs says 'a handshake is all it takes', we did and I'll drop a hefty sum next pension check (next Friday).

So now I'll be stripping off the acessories from this bike and getting them ready to get attached to the new one. Needless to say...

I can't wait!

Pictures????

Sadly the only pictures I have are here:

http://www.trekbikes.com/int/en/bikes/2008/road/fx/75fx/

To be clear about this, I didn't have unlimited expenses. I told myself I would spend $1000 or maybe a little bit more if it was something that just 'felt right'. I did look at the Surly Crosscheck and that was about the upper limit but I didn't have the option of trying one out locally. For the money spent, about $700 at the lbs, I think it's a good purchase that ought to keep me going for awhile.

I do have a strong conviction about supporting local businesses whether they be the lbs or others.

Not only does mine give you the obligatory 30 day 'tune up' but lifetime adjustments when you buy there, how can you beat that. My lbs has really gone out of their way to help me with any questions I had as a real noob at bike riding. They sometimes must've pulled their hair out.

Sweet! You must not be too "Clydy" with that spoke count. Enjoy your new ride!

That was a question I had. The fellow at the lbs said there was one guy that rode one clocked 300+ and the spokes worked. I found that hard to believe but...my lbs has never wronged me yet, I'm 235.

If it works and you like it...

Enjoy the ride. :)

That's the important thing. It got to a point where I didn't enjoy it. It was a task.

If it's a chore, you're not going to do it.

I think I will enjoy this one :)