A secret benefactor...
 

purchased me a 12-30 Tiagra 10 speed cassette, and mid-length rear der. and left it at the shop with instructions to install it on my bike. Paid for it, and the service, and asked the manager not to say who did it for me.

I thought that was pretty darned nice of someone. I currently have 105 with an 11-25 that has caused me a bit of knee issue going up hills. They cared enough as well as paid attention enough during a ride to notice and hook me up.

that's awesome dude, congrats.

Nice. :)

Don't forget, when you get the chance, "Pay if forward."

That's really really cool.

Wow, punkncat. That's very thoughtful and generous! I would send thanks to your benefactor via the manager. I love hearing stories like this.

This is how I too would try to explain to my wife how all this awesome new bike schwag showed up in my garage. ;)

Seriously, it's nice to hear there are people out there caring enough to look out for their fellow cyclists. You must be a great guy to have moved someone enough to hook you up like that. Seems like there are probably two nice people involved in this story. Have fun getting up those hills with the new gears. I'm sure you're knees will appreciate them.

That's awesome! Love hearing stories where one person was quietly nice to another. As dwhitlow said, you must be a pretty decent sort for someone to do that. Don't forget to pay it forward one day.

wow, nice

Awesome!!! Now pay it forward when you have a chance!! Keep it going!!

Nice things happen to nice people.

Thanks much to all, I really appreciate the comments. I am blown away. I think I know who did it, and I have ridden with the guy one time. Super friendly, easy to talk to fellow that my son and I tried our best to catch one ride last week. He was just goofing off running about 18, and I almost blew up trying my best to catch him. We met at the corner store where he was going to turn around and head home. He ended up changing plans, rising our loop with us, and even slowed down to match OUR ability instead of his own. He rides with the groups out of our shop and I have seen him in and out a few times while I was at work.

I will most definitely pay it forward.

I love the bike fairy!

This is seriously awesome. :)

I recently installed the same setup on one of my bikes, replacing the DA 7800 RD/12-27 that was on there previously. (I tried the cassette by itself first - close, but no cigar.) You'll find it works fine in all 20 combinations.

Like the others have said - pass it on. Good begets good.