After an MTB ride the other day, he felt weakness on the ride. Weakness that worried him that maybe his wheels could not handle the pounding of rocks and river crossings. SO he...what am I talking about, it's me!

So I tell Gina that the low spoke count wheels on my MTB worry me. The just don't feel tough. I mention that I would like to build a wheel for the rear. Something that doesn't worry me when it comes to getting stranded out in the mountains with a thrashed wheel. So I mention buying a new 32 hole rear hub to build a wheel. She says cool. I got to look at the hubs and find a set of Deore hubs with Sun Rhyno Lite wheels. 32 DT spokes for $140 no tax from a bud that works at a shop. Not much more than a rear hub itself. If the wheels suck, I have the hub to rebuild. Front one too!

The illness part of the story? Gina asked what type of bikes my partners were riding. I told her they were both on 29'ers and I was the only dude on a 26 inch MTB. She asked what the difference was and I said that the 29'ers were suppose to be better at rolling over obstacles and a few other things ride partners mention. She asked if they were better for climbing, I said I think so.

She asks about price and I say, "I dunno, maybe 2 grand for a decent one".

So she says, " if you want one, I'll save up for one and get you a 29'er!

Now the sick part. I told her no, that if I want to climb better, I'll go on a diet.

Maybe I'm sick but I just don't see giving up my bikes thinking that a new one would make me a better rider. Heck, give me some strong wheels and I'm happy!

The new bike smell is a thrill but.........................Meh! I don't need it!