Few months back, we were visited by my sister and brother-in-law. He is a multi- marathon and triathlon competitor and until recently, rode a 20-year old steel-framed road bike for training and for competition. Anticipating his visit, I reserved a new carbon Tarmac for 2 days so we could ride together locally.

The first morning, we did the usual 26 mile loop around the hill, which includes the two long-and-steep hills I mentioned earlier. (He'd brought his own pedals and so was able to click in.) As expected - I mean, the man has like -2% body fat - he waited for me at the top of each long hill.

And at the end of the ride, he got off, gave me a huge grin and said, "Wow . . . on this bike, I feel like I'm CHEATING!" :-) Loved it. You get what you pay for. DB