Big_Easy51

I had been waiting for my LBS to bet a Giant Suede and a Suede DX in for me to try against a Specialized Expedition and a Giant Sedona. I was pretty sure I was going to love the Suede DX, like the plain Suede, and hate the Expedition and the Sedona. That assumption was based on reading LOTS of rider reviews.
Well, I just rode the Suedes, and I hated them. The "pedals forward geometry was ok, the high, semi-chopper style handlebars were not comfortable, and the bike wasn't easy to pedal in a straight line. The short distance I took it off road convinced me that it might be a good bike for paved paths, but not what I needed. I did like the saddle, though. Big and pretty comfortable for my ample glutes.
The Expedition was ok. Nothing special.
Then I tried the Sedona, and it was instant love. (Well, everything except the saddle, which was really uncomfortable.)
Long story short, I bought the Sedona. The LBS is swapping out the twist grip shifters for Shimano triggers (a $20 up charge), adding Ergo grips, swapping out the saddle, installing a Cat Eye 7 function computer, and installing a pump, bottle cage, and rear rack. They also fitted me for a helmet. It will either be a Specialized XL or a Bell XL. None of the large helmets came close to fitting.

Last week I had a class lll receiver hitch put on the car, and I just ordered a Wheel Mount Swagman XTC-2 bike rack.

The LBS will let me try any saddle for 30 days, and return it for full credit for another one until I find the one I want. And I am going to spring for the 5 year, $75 "insurance" that covers every part of the bike except tires, brake pads and grips. (They offer free tubes as long as I own the bike.) The plan even covers crashes, whether while riding, or if I manage to drop the bike off the rack and it gets run over by a truck. For $15/year, it sounds like the way to go.

I will post pics as soon as I get the bike.

chefisaac

nice perks from the bike shop thats for sure!

Street Pedaler

Sounds like a pretty sweet deal. Congrats!

jethro56 

Good solid bike, the same with the rack. Head over to Inverness and ride.

BikinPotter

Sounds great! Don't be surprised if your butt gets a little sore, even with a different saddle. It will toughen up in no time. I think it was Craig_B who said the only thing worse than the first ride is the second. I know that was the case for me. Enjoy!