Over the last few weeks I have ridden a total of 8 different bikes...a total of 2 from Trek, 2 from Novara, and now 4 from Specialized.

I was ready to pull the trigger on a Roubouaix but after reading through the posts I decided to do a second, more critical look. I agree that there is no one bike that can do everything really well, so I started looking at what I *really* wanted out my next bike and going from there and came up with the following list.

What I came up with:
1. Can commute full-time on it, 5 days a week, twice a day (125+ miles a week).
2. Good handling and control during my commute.
3. Good quality components that can put up with constant use.
4. Can do long distance rides on the weekends to see friends and family.
5. Can do light (see credit card) touring on the weekends
6. Can have a front and/or rear rack put on it.
7. Relatively light weight.
8. Can do group rides on weekends.


Once I really started looking at it critically, doing group rides kept coming up last on the list. The time I spend by myself on my bike is golden to me and commuting (done by myself) and weekend touring (also done by myself) rank WAY higher on the list. Group rides would be a great way to expand my social horizons with people who also enjoyed riding bikes (the few people I do know in this area think I'm nuts for not worshiping cars), but I really couldn't see myself getting terribly serious about it. A couple of the local clubs have recreational rides that I am sure I could keep up with even on my old, doesn't-fit-so-well, steel commuter.

With that in mind I tried out two more bikes and ended up pulling the trigger on a Specialized Tricross Expert. The one I test rode was comfortable and fit the highest priorities on my list...but the one I tested was already sold by the time I thought it through and decided to buy it. So mine should be ready to go by this Saturday.