All of which went out the window as soon as I ran into problems getting access to the bikes I really thought I wanted to ride. Terry was not to be had in DC for a test ride without a special order. Bianchis were limited and if I had to retrn something under warranty, the bike could be gone for months. (The Italians just don't need the US market I guess.) To sum up my shameful state of affairs, I bought the first bike I rode. I rode none of the bikes I intended to try. And I'm perfectly happy about my choice.
What did I buy? A Jamis Quest. It's a steel frame, with a triple ring, 105 componentry, Mavic Cosmos wheels, a carbon fiber fork and touring details.There are lighter, faster, more expensive bikes out there, but this is smooth, comfortable, and really fits. Smooth- did I mention smooth? The aluminum frames I tried felt like I was riding a broomstick. No flex around the corners at all. The wheels are a hard detail to quantify, but the whole gestalt of the bike is something buttery and gliding. Calling it a well oiled machine is inadequate. Mmm... comfy... bike... After I rode that one, I really TRIED other bikes, but this one just had "IT" whatever that is. I could have been all arbitrary and walked away, but hey, I took home the first dog I walked at the pound and that worked out beautifully. So what's not to like?
The only problem now? Seeing how many times I fall on my ass before I get the hang of the clipless pedals.
Posted by karen at June 8, 2003 12:00 AM