OK. Just over one year ago I started cycling again after a 15-year lapse when I bought a Trek 7200 hybrid. This evening I came home from the Touring Cyclist with a Fuji Roubaix, stock except they swapped the 23 mm Sport 1000 tires for 25 mm Grand Prix 3000 tires. The thing is, I got home too late for a ride. That bike is sitting in the garage waiting for me. No chance until tomorrow afternoon. Even though I got a good price on the bike, I had to promise my wife that I wouldn't buy another for a long, long, time, to which she replied, "ever" (she has been patient and understanding this past year).

Breath slowly and deeply and say "tomorrow will come soon".

Rest up and be ready for a great ride on the new toy.

Well, like they say, tomorrow is the first day of the rest of your life.


As for wives, well, my own wife has noticed some additional, shall we say, performance improvements stemming from increased physical fitness that have helped convince her that supporting my cycling habit benefits her as well. Cycling is, after all, an endurance sport.

RichC

I personally agree with your observation.

This, perhaps, explains why my wife has developed such infinite patience with me.

Had a 25 mile ride today. I have no idea how long it took me or how fast I went because I have yet to install a computer, but it felt fast. The bike climbs soooooooo much better than the hybrid; the rolling hills on todays route seemed like nothing. My butt is as yet undecided about the Fuji saddle, but I'm not all that sensitive there, so it ought to be ok.

That's the Roubaix with the 28 spoke wheels and full Shimmy 105? I am looking at the bike nd wouldn't mind opinions....probably gonna go for a 2004 model when it gets here

Brendon

In the garage !?!?! keep in the bedroom were you can see it , if the wife moans let her sleep in the garage

They also say:

"Live today, as it is your last day"...

Haven't had it long enough to give you an informed opinion. I did a lot of research before buying, but what sealed it for the Roubaix was that the lbs had it on sale for US $930.

I just looked at the Fuji site - sweet looking bike, Prosody. Looks like you got a great deal. Just like you, I started riding again last year after 13 years off - I got a Gary Fisher Utopia and I am now trying to scheme my way into a road bike with the Goddess Of Finances. I've planted the seed, it just doesn't seem to want to grow. When I got home from my after work ride tonight, I told her that I'd seen 2 Bianchis and a Cannondale on my ride and she said "Good for you." That was it..... My question to you is: just HOW did you convince your wife to let you buy a new road bike? I need help here!!!!

They sell here for $2,700NZD.... that's 1,555.20 USD!!!

930USD = 1,614.58 NZD!!!! this down under pricing stuff is starting to really peeve me off! hmmmm might have to get one of ya to buy one and ship it to me....u might get a few bux out of it?

What does it normally sell for over there?

Brendon

Does www.bikesdirect.com ship overseas? They have the 2002 Roubaix for something like $850 US.

New ones sell for $1000 or so, typically. But it's already getting near the end of the 2003 model-year selling season, believe it or not, and clearance prices are starting to apply.

I got my '02 Roubaix Pro (Reynolds 853 DB cromo) in November, "new in box" (ie, dealer-ready) for $700. There seemed to be a lot of these bikes out there last year, for some reason, and by November they were desperate to sell them. (Not so many of the aluminum Roubaix triples, though.)

If you're not going to be paying for the support of a local dealer anyway, maybe some sort of mail order would work for you. I don't know what import regulations might apply.

RichC

According to the web site I am in the yellow zone: YELLOW - customer pays the shipping, Duty & Tax is customers responsibility....now how may I find out how much THAT costs?

Regards,
Brendon

I found a UPS calculator thing to work out shipping costs, what City does the shipment come from?

Brendon

You guys, be a MAN and TELL your wives you are going to buy a road bike. That is your right. You work hard for your money. I am sure that she shops all the time and buys stuff she really doesn't need and never asks your permission! If she gets mad, she'll get over it! If nothing else, lay one away and pay it monthly. Now, DO IT!

I can get one for $895USD which equals 1,544.31 NZD + 6.5% import duty @ $100.38NZD = 1644.69NZD + Shipping - any ideas on shipping (air freight) costs?

Brendon

my first "real" bike was a Fuji Roubaix. this was in 1990 or so. black with 105.
it was good to me, too, with lower gears for my junior-class knees.

i'd say i miss it, but my soma's been nothing but fun since i got it.

You better hope trollie doesn't read this!

Anyway, I guess the media was wrong about the effects of cycling on (well, you know).

I'm pretty sire bikesdirect is in Texas somewhere. You should be able to estimate shipping costs on ups.com.

RichC

I bought the 03 Roubaix in April and have about 300 miles on it so far. I replaced the Fuji saddle with a Terry Fly and went with a carbon seat post.

After the 50 I rode on Sunday, nothing beats carbon on an aluminum frame. It's amazing the difference. I highly recomend it.

I plan on replacing the 1000's with the Conti GP 3000 as well.

For my first road bike in 20 years, it's been a decent ride. I wish I had gotten a real fitting instead of the eyeball and try it out method. I think I'd feel better knowing everything is where it should be... I find myself moving things around thinking I still need to make some more adjustments.

But all in all it's been a good ride.