Clydesdales/Athenas (200+ lb / 91+ kg) - Went bike shopping today.....

Decided what I need for a change was a decent NEW bike (my old Iron Horse Urban needs to be put out to pasture). My biggest problem has always been the budget. Luckily, I've been putting in some overtime lately and the bike shop will work with me. Though my idea of a budget was around $300 I found this for a little over $440.

Specialized Globe Vienna (http://www.specialized.com/bc/SBCBkModel.jsp?spid=38417)

I think this will go with my daily commuting, car free, utility bike, with the weekly long distance pleasure ride lifestyle. Guy at the bike shop says I'm hard on bikes to ride that much all the time. Go figure. I guess they were right in the first Conan movie. Flesh is harder then steel (or aluminum). Still I hope the Iron Horse will hold out for a couple of months.

Cool bike, which color did you get? I really like the satin black.

Haven't really "gotten" it yet or I would post my own picture. First barriers are cleared. Finding it, being told I can get it from bike shop, grudging approval from spousal unit who bought Iron Horse that was never quite right 3 years ago and mentions that in those 3 years I probable spent $2000 on it in those 3 years repairing this, that and the other (this was an amazingly civilized conversation).

Barriers left are at least a couple more weeks (or more) of overtime pay (I might be able to pay for it outright then). Need the Iron Horse to hold out (broke four spokes a week ago and stole the rear wheel off her bike, left crank arm always wants to fall off the way it did when I rode my Half Century Half Century (50 miles one day before my 50th birthday in August, in Houston, TX).

My computer screen now looks like a fetish alter since I ganked the image from Specialized and ran it through The GIMP.
http://i42.tinypic.com/oppp44.jpg Keepin' my eye on the prize. Yeah, Satin Black

Nuthin' like that new bike smell!! Good looking bike, I sat on one at the lbs and it was very comfy. Looking forward to pics...

Nice bike, I was interested in one and could not find one to ride in person - none of the lbs that I trust had them in stock.
Great color - enjoy!

Looking at the specs on the site it looks like that has single wall rims, you might want to ask about upgrading those. That all depends on your needs and cost, etc. Other than that, it looks like a nice ride. In satin black it is sort of the same idea I am going for with the Cypress I am slowly piecing together. Very nice indeed. Let us know what/when you buy. Nothing like getting a new ride!

Looking at the specs on the site it looks like that has single wall rims, you might want to ask about upgrading those. That all depends on your needs and cost, etc. Other than that, it looks like a nice ride. In satin black it is sort of the same idea I am going for with the Cypress I am slowly piecing together. Very nice indeed. Let us know what/when you buy. Nothing like getting a new ride!

Yeah, there are a few things I wanna slowly change from stock. The wheels were one, also planning to change out the ders. They're low level Shimano. Thinking I can scan for upgrades on sale. First thing though is to add the stuff that's missing like fenders and racks.

Yeah, there are a few things I wanna slowly change from stock. The wheels were one, also planning to change out the ders. They're low level Shimano. Thinking I can scan for upgrades on sale. First thing though is to add the stuff that's missing like fenders and racks.

How about a 9-speed 105 rear d for $0.99? http://cgi.ebay.com/Shimano-105-Rear-Derailleur-9-Speed-NO-RESERVE_W0QQitemZ180329765707QQihZ008QQcategoryZ27950QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Yeah, there are a few things I wanna slowly change from stock. The wheels were one, also planning to change out the ders. They're low level Shimano. Thinking I can scan for upgrades on sale. First thing though is to add the stuff that's missing like fenders and racks.

After you get it set up like you want (fenders, racks, lights, bells, etc) you should swap out the rear wheel for a handbuilt one with a double-wall rim... at least before the stock wheel gives you problems.

Sweet bike, man!