got my new bike-finally
 

A while back I posted that I got the OK from the old lady to get a new bike. I finally got a Raleigh Passage 4.5. Took it for its maiden voyage today, even though it was 30 degrees, windy and blustery. I love it. It is so much easier riding on the road than my Trek mtb. I do a lot of off-roading, so I'll keep the Trek for that, but if its dry out and I'm going on pavement I'll take the Raleigh.
I looked at Treks, Fujis, and Raleighs. I settled on the Raleigh because it has the Shimano shifters and it seemed to have better built parts. Now we just need some nice weather.

I'd be biting at the bit too. Congradulations and have fun.

I looked at the 4.5 when I was looking at hybrids. That's the one with the fixed fork, right?

None of the hybrids vary that much, within their list price ranges, you can get the same components on pretty much any of them. But you go with the one that feels the best and appeals to you. Or you get a really good deal on one.

I found the Passage a very comfortable bike, I liked its seat. It is one of the few hybrids that come without a suspension fork - that sets it apart from the crowd.

Should make for some comfy riding when it gets warmer.

Hope the weather gets nice soon; so you can take it out for a proper ride.

Congrats on the new bike! Be careful out there!!

Good for you. It was too much today. Got out of the theater about 3 pm sunny, and temps heading up. On the road by about 4 and the weather heads south. 40f windy as all get out and still some ice patches and the sun to be seen nowhere. Got in 19 miles.

The Raleigh doesn't have front fork suspension.
The Fuji hybrid had grip shifters, the Trek hybrid has front fork suspension. I'm happy with my decision.

I rode the Raleigh around the neighborhood for an hour or so this evening. Then I got on the Trek mtb. Man, what a difference! I never noticed before, but the Trek puts a lot more of my weight on the handlebars. It felt like I was going to pitch forward over the handlebars. And those knobbies didn't roll nearly as well as the tires on the Raleigh. It took noticeably more effort to pedal the Trek. I'll still keep her though, for when I'm going on the gravel or riding on the river levees.

Ideal for a ride bike is one you like to ride- Sounds like you have it. I have to agree about front suspension on road bikes and gripshifters on any bike. Still no pics and its been home about 12 hours- Broken the camera?

Century season is coming up and that sounds like a good way to find out how it rolls.

Am trying to attach pictures. We'll see if this works.

Hey, it worked! There they are. Next time I won't make them so small.