Clydesdales/Athenas (200+ lb / 91+ kg) - My wife is stealing my bike!

My wife took a ride on my Giant FCR3 and wants a hybrid. We looked at FX series Treks and she wasnt' impressed (the LBS that sells Trek dropped Giant). We went to the LBS that I got my Hardrock at (now the new Giant dealer in town) and she loved the FCR even more.

She was convinced (by me of course) to take my FCR and I'll go get a Cyclocross or Touring bike. My problem is that I really dont' want to spend another grand on a bike (I know I should, but common sense tells me 2 bikes a year is pushing it already).

I've read over in the CX forums good things about the BD Fantom CX. I really want to pull the trigger on it, I've read both good and bad about BD and don't necessarily wish to aggravate anyone by opening that can of worms again. Looked at the Randonee from REI that NeilFein just got and it's on my list as well. Of course would love an LHT or even a XCheck. I've looked at Giant's TCX1 and Specialized (since my Hardrock is good to me) but Specialized I think are just a tad too expensive (as the Giant or the other ones listed). I've hit all the LBS in the area - nothing that's '07 an older in CX. My town isn't that refined yet bike-wise for the LBS other than the mass-Trek dealer to carry much in the way of CX.

More of a posted rant to clear my head of this since I've been wrapping my mind around it all day.

The Fantom CX looks like a pretty good deal. I say go for it as long as you know your size.

If your wife stole your bike, that's a guilt free, free pass to buy yourself a new ride. :D

If your wife stole your bike, that's a guilt free, free pass to buy yourself a new ride. :D

I wish I had such problems... :thumb:

A riding buddy of mine has a couple BD bikes, and if you don't mind ugly welds, they are pretty sweet rides. He bought his mostly for the groupsets, then one of their carbon bikes to ride - and he dug them all from what he said. He sold the carbon bike recently, and the new owner also loves it. So really, they make some good rides. I think he took all but one to the LBS for final assembly, but that was also because they had carbon parts (SRAM Force and Campy Record), so I don't blame him there. :) But, not a bad idea to have them do final assembly.

Also, you might check out the Specialized Tricross line. Awesome bikes, a little spendy, but pretty dang sweet.

I actually looked at the TriCross. I would really like an LHT of course but from a pricing standpoint my Stimulus check went to the new garage siding, and I also got som eother things (i.e. bikes this year). She really loved the difference between the FCR and her '03 Boulder SE w/ slicks, and right now I"m working on getting her more involved in the hobby. I think if she can keep up with me (more road worthy bike)it woul be worth it.

I'm going to go tomorrow to my LBS that's a specialized dealer and get fitted to know size. I'm a bit odd in that I'm 5'10 1/2" but only have a 29 1/2" inseam, so by inseam I should get a 52 but because I have a longer torso I think I'll probably end up being fitted for a 54. I'm hoping that I can push them to see if they have anything from the "Archives" in their basement that would fit what I need (even a roadie that I could put some 32s on). If not, then the Fantom CX it is.

Take a peek at an Allez......it's really comfortable for me!:D

Compact geometry and a long top tube. I have a long torso and short legs, 6'2 and 30.5 inseam. If my legs matched my torso, I'd be 6'7ish. ;)

Warning: VERY fast bike, though and the faster the bike, the harder the crash :p

get a salsa la cruz.

Can you get a fatter tire on the Allez?

part of my issue is wrist issues, after riding the past month or so, even with bar-ends, my left wrist is problematic (carpel tunnel and previous injury) so I want more and positions with the drops. I didn't think I needed or wanted them but now, if I want to continue to ride, I'm realized I'm going to need them.

Take a peek at an Allez......it's really comfortable for me!:D

Compact geometry and a long top tube. I have a long torso and short legs, 6'2 and 30.5 inseam. If my legs matched my torso, I'd be 6'7ish. ;)

Warning: VERY fast bike, though and the faster the bike, the harder the crash :p

Get a New helmet to Match your head and the bike.

get a salsa la cruz.

I actually looked to see where Salsa was sold in the area, the closest is 2+ hours away! ARgh! ditto with Kona.

I would guess you to be between a 54 and 56 not 52 and 54. I'm 5'8" and ride a 52 Cross Check, I would buy the 54 if I was doing it again.

26MM is about the widest tire you can run on an Allez. The carbon fork absorbs a lot of the road buzz in the front end though. It's a really responsive bike and a whole lot of fun to ride. With the drop bars, you have a huge choice in hand positions as well.
Can you get a fatter tire on the Allez?

part of my issue is wrist issues, after riding the past month or so, even with bar-ends, my left wrist is problematic (carpel tunnel and previous injury) so I want more and positions with the drops. I didn't think I needed or wanted them but now, if I want to continue to ride, I'm realized I'm going to need them.

Welll I think I may be in trouble ;)

Bought a Specialized Sequoia today at my fav. LBS: http://www.specialized.com/bc/SBCBkModel.jsp?arc=2006&spid=21800

It's a 2006 model marked down to 699. They dropped it another 20 bucks and will be swapping out the stock tires for some Infinity Armadillos (32c) for free, tire and install. The LBS definitely rocks, and I'm quite excited about getting out on the bike!