just got back from biking in the rain. had to, because today i got ...
2019 trek fx sport 4. 20 percent off. some of the 2020s are radically different from their 2019 counterparts. the only difference between the 2019 and 2020 fx 4 is logo placement and tire. exact same components and frame. went through the specs one by one with a bike shop rep to make sure. 20 ******g percent off!
i could not get one penny off a 2020 model. 20 percent off the 2019 was at another lbs. that was the extent of their discount. not a penny more. no discounts on accessories with the purchase of a discounted 2019. i certainly asked every way there was to ask. i know internet people like to beat their chest and say how they would have gotten more, but i was raised to pay bottom dollar and i'm positive that i did. i'm thrilled with the price i got and will repay the bike shop for their steep discount by picking up any accessories for this bike from them. i already got a front quick release replacement lock bolt -- or whatever you call that -- from them. i want a super light u-bolt, but we could not find one in stock while i was there. anyone one know of one? suggestions will be appreciated. with such a light bike, i'd hate to strap a brick of a bike lock to it.
in making my decision i rode the 2020 fx 3, 2020 fx 4, 2020 cannondale quick 3 (to get a feel for the quick 2, which wasn't on any floor), and the 2019 fx 4. the two fx 4s were hands down the nicest. like a razor cutting through asphalt marshmallow. nimble yet soft.
both derailleurs are tiagra. for another grand i could have gotten 105s, but the tiagras are already accurate and responsive as ****. plus the fx 5 and 6 are full carbon, and i'm not responsible enough for a full carbon frame. it's not guaranteed i'm gonna relapse again. but if i do, it's guaranteed i'm gonna crash my bike again. even the carbon fork on the fx 4 makes me nervous. but carbon forks are luxurious. and i do enjoy luxury.
reducing chainring count and upping cog count is straight gangster ...
a 10 cog cassette. that's right, 10 cog! 11 - 34t. it's like some psychedelic fractal. and only two chainrings, 48t and 34t.
front and rear breaks are hydraulic disc.
i'm excited.
thanks again for everyone who provided guidance in this purchase!