My nearest LBS is 55 miles away. Rare is the 24-hour period in which I visit three of them. Miscellaneous ramblings and observations . . . (If you don't like ramblings, click through to the next thread) . . .

We conducted a weigh-in of the top-of-the-line 2011 Specialized Allez (SRAM Apex) and the 2011 Trek 2.1 (Shimano 105). Both weighed the same at 20.5 pounds. I was surprised they weighed the same. And I didn't expect them to be sub-17 pound bikes, but I was surprised they weren't a couple of pounds lighter than they are. Mild disappointment.

I'm pretty amazed at the price/value equation on the Bianchi Via Nirone 7. We didn't weigh one, but this frameset has some interesting angles and the workmanship looks excellent. This is not your usual weld-up-the-stock-tubes aluminum frame. With 105, it is competitively priced with the Allez and Trek 2.1 -- and looks like it costs twice or three times as much as it does.

I was shocked at the price of a replacement brake lever (just the carbon blade with the attachment screws, nuts and bushings) for Shimano Dura Ace Di2. After a nasty crash, my right lever has a touch of cosmetic damage -- nothing major. The tip is scraped. The price for this piece of carbon fiber? $350!! I'll keep the crash damage. It's a badge of honor.

And last, but not least . . . I made bold step #1 in convincing my wife I should have a dedicated TT bike. On her own, she noted the amazing aero shapes and how different they are than what I ride (Roubaix). She has heard me and those I ride with talk about how my strengths fit traditional TTs. She looked (in vain) for the price tags. (She's not ready to see the price tags yet.) Progress.

Rambling off.