To me it looks like your bike is set up for an older or heavier rider (no offence, I'm far from skinny) that isn't all that flexible. If this is not the case then I would say that you need to get a fitting done. If I am correct then I would guess that you are fine and should save your money and get a fitting after getting closer to your goal weight.

I replace my white bar tape every 3,000 or so miles. Simple green does an amazing job at keeping white bar tape white.

What kind of tape do you use? I had heard the Lizard Skins tape stayed clean but I don't like the look for some reason.

I was getting a black saddle anyway so I got some black Cinelli gel cork tape to match with it.

I really like SRAM bar tape, been using it for a year or so now. I'm not a fan of the Lizard Skins tape either. You can never go wrong with Cinelli, they make great tape.

Yes I am an Athena and am just starting my journey to lose quite a bit of weight. See my sig....and I'm 47 (is that older? LOL). I hope to be near my goal weight by this time next year.

i would still recommend rotating the handlebar/hood position.

remember, the faster you ride, the less weight your hands support (unless pulling during sprinting)

I wish you the best of luck on your weight loss. I am down from 265 to 212 so far with a goal of 180. I realize how hard it is and I respect anyone that is going through the same thing I am. 47 is certainly not old, you have many years and 10's of thousands of miles left in you.

Thanks and your weight loss is inspirational to me.

Its not that everyone will dislike your bike. I dig the color scheme. This particular thread is all about the look of a bike, so the picture and overall appearance is what is focused. Does not mean your bike isn't nice though. Here is the thing you have to remember, you have done all of 4 rides and did the adjustments prior to even your first ride. You may have spent several hours adjusting to what felt right to you, BUT keep in mind that you do not have the experience to know what should feel right and what shouldn't. having someone do a fit will help you get the most out of your power output, form and comfort. Its a worthwhile investment to at least get you in the right direction. After your fitting is when you can start to make minor adjustments. Good luck on the weight loss. You're ahead of a lot of people who are still sitting on the couch just thinking about wanting to do it. You're out actually getting it done!

HOT! Nice color scheme!

Luke at best, 'cause I just can't get over the sloping top tube. I say if it's going to slope... it needs to curve. Nice bike though...

Nice trek.

Congrats on the weight loss so far. I lost over 100lbs several years back through diet and exercise (cycling).

I like the Madone. Very nice looking bike. As others have said, it isn't "hot" by definition around here, but it is a super nice bike.

I would say hot overall....I mean I like the bike, wheels and I am ok with the saddle....but the red pedals just don't work for me.

Congratulations on the weight loss and I hope you enjoy the bike, but it is NOT HOT

Holy billboard Batman! Still hot though.

Who are you and what have you done to JSS?!

Raven, it's good to see you back! It has been a while since I have seen you post. Figured the thread got too trashy.

Sooooo HOT!

Thanks! Yeah I took a break from BF because a lot of the threads were taking negative turns. When I popped on today I found a message from the mods from a couple weeks ago asking if they could shut this one down and have me start a new one. I guess it got bad for a while? Glad people got it going in the right direction again.

Btw I love Ridley Noah's and would love to own one.

So it needs to look like a Specialized then it's hot? ;)

Can someone break the rule for one pic. (non drive-side) Please show me exactly the right position for the skewer levers...ie. Quick release angle on the front skewer shall be an upward angle which tightens just aft of the fork and the rear quick release shall tighten at an angle that bisects angle between the seat and chain stays. It is acceptable, however, to have the rear quick release tighten upward, just aft of the seat stay, when the construction of the frame or its dropouts will not allow the preferred positioning. (the rules)

I want to double check mine.

EDIT:
I don't think my in-home stand allows for the correct postion of the rear sadly.

http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=246832
Woke up feeling awfully bold this morning. Good thing everyone loves Motobecanes from BD :lol:

They can be setup to look pretty decent:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v7...f/IMG_0371.jpg

Nice. Thinking maybe blue hoods for mine.