Digital Gee

I went to an LBS, looked over the selection of bar-ends, and purchased a set which I will install on my bike tonight. I didn't hesitate; I didn't ask the Fifty+ Forum for advice, and I didn't decide to think about it for a while. I went, I shopped, I bought.

Aren't you proud of me???

cheeseflavor

Gary, this is a step in the right direction. Not quite impulse shopping, but a good step.

You're not going to return now, are you?

Steve

CheeseLouise

So, are you ready to graduate to buying a brand new bike?

But, yes, we are VERY proud of you!

Blackberry

Ah, Grasshopper, your progress is like that of a mighty river. As master Po so often said, "When you can rack up credit card debt without flinching, you will know how to live."

Tom Bombadil

I did the same two weeks ago. However I went to the used bike shop and rumaged around in their used bar ends, finding exactly what I wanted for $4/pr.

BluesDawg

NO! Not THAT one! Boy did you screw up.

Terrierman

Prove it. Post before and after pictures.

CrossChain

You what?! You saved the receipt, right? DG, remember what we told you-- after we set up your bed time schedule and toothbrushing chart-- about being rash and willful?

March yourself right back down there, young man. Is this what we get for all our selfless advice....independence indeed.

Louis

I'm surprised the shop would sell something like that to DG without first consulting us.

Digital Gee

You're all a bunch of smartypants.

Got the bar ends installed, AND got them taped. Neener neener neener.

Went around the block in the dark to test them and they seem really neat. BUT, my little finger is now getting pinched by the bar ends when my hand is in the normal position, so I'm going to have to slide the shifters (aren't they called trigger shifters?) in a quarter of an inch or so. Of course, that will impact all the cables, which means I'll be down at the LBS anyway sooner or later!

Dchiefransom

I looked at my son's MTB for reference. Unless your cables are wrapped under something, you should be able to move them that much without it affecting anything. The loop made by the cables in front of the bar may change, but that should be it.

Digital Gee

Thanks! To my untrained eye this looks to be true. I just figured with my luck... but I think you're right.

CrossChain

A REAL cyclist would simply have the offending finger(s) removed rather than compromise shifting performance.

Digital Gee

Yeah, I considered that.

Tom Bombadil

I trust you got $80 carbon fiber, aerodynamic bar ends, right?

Digital Gee

Is there any other kind?

howsteepisit

I am proud, and pleased. Now, abou that new bike?

Digital Gee

How can I buy a new bike when I've just invested in my current bike?

howsteepisit

Gary,

Go for a ride on a true road bike, drop bars, good fit and so on and on. Its like the difference between a small enconomy car and a sports car. Except you have to be the engine.

CrossChain

Bikes are passe, DG. Have you considered a street luge? Many young professional types commute by street luge around here. Gotta be a little cautious at intersections as well as control your speed. But, no issues with bars, seat height, etc. And you'd be the first guy on your block in trendy San Diego, not to mention you'd have a "leg up" (make that "legs out") on all the wise-old-heads here at 50Plus.

Street luge. Think about it. And take those bar ends back.

P.S. Not pronounced "loogie". That would be very uncool.

bkaapcke

I'll give you my approval when you buy the bike you want. Not the one you think you can afford, but the one you want. bk

Coyote!

Our little coyote is growing up. . .Sigh.

>>> Neener neener neener.

OK, well two steps forward, one step back.

stapfam

You do realise that you have made such an investment in these bar ends- It will put the New bike back by several months.

Now watch out for the difference that these bar ends will make. You will start collecting Door mirrors from cars- Branches from trees and Grannies from the supermarket so don't forget to clean them out occasionally.

bkaapcke

How can you buy a new bike when you have just invested in the old one? That's a tautology, Gary. Invalid circular argument, UNLESS, you have no intention of ever buying that bike you want. Which, BTW, is what I think is going on here. You prefer to discuss it, ad nauseum. Sorry to be so brutal, but you need a kick in the butt to get you down to the LBS without any care as to what the final tab will be. Real bicyclists step up to the plate when it is time. Besides, with the huge inflation that is coming from throwing all those billions at Iraq, the bike you want will never be cheaper than it is now. Buy it with borrowed $, and repay the loan with cheaper $. The only roadblock is antiquated thinking. bk

NOS88

I feel.... so.... useless.