expensive hobbies.

[meganursula]

I got Stompy back. $160, new cassette, new chain, new seat post (longer), full tune up, new brakes. It rides like a different bike. I'm topping out on my gears now, getting to work. Fancy what not fighting your tools does for you.

(I remind myself, regularly, while riding with friends, that my gear is better. It just is. I'm not necessarily a better cyclist, but i can go faster because i have a nicer bike and my bike fits me. Actually, given how good Stompy felt this morning, i feel a bit better - my friends can all afford to have a well-tuned and fitted bike, even if they don't want to invest in a Shiny bike. Phew. Less guilt.)

In other news, i totally want these. I'd add a reflective stripe. http://www.swrvestore.com/servlet/Detail?no=85
I like the Hiding Hoodie as well.

I suspect this isn't what i should be spending my next available cash on. My sports bras left another chafing sore during todays run. Clearly, while less fun and sexy, a sports bras should be next.

I have entries percolating on work, and our kitchen, and fitness. Who knows if i'll get to them.

Comments

[pauldf.livejournal.com]

Hmm. I don't remember whether I've seen you in a sports bra or not (well, I'm sure I've seen you wearing a sports bra with other garments covering it), but in general, I think sports bras can be sexy. :)

Long live Stompy! Yay!

[mh75.livejournal.com]

I meant sexy in a less physical way. I'm not sure i would expect the knickers to be attracting looks either.

[via-lens.livejournal.com]

I need to get fitted when I buy a new bike. Maybe before I buy a new bike? Where does one go for a really good fitting? Joan mentioned a physical therapist (I think) that she saw.

My new bike is likely coming in May.

[via-lens.livejournal.com]

I should note that I'm asking about getting a fitting for a bicycle, and not for a sports bra. I know what size sports bra to buy. Also, I wear two of them at a time, which is pretty damned effective. =D

[mh75.livejournal.com]

I just buy expensive ones that fit well. The size needs to be described with chest and cup size, not just SML.
That seems to work well, 'cept they do stretch and wear out after a while. As with my shoes, they start out for running and then get demoted when they get too old. I'm just due replacement.

[mh75.livejournal.com]

well, the person who sells you the bike should be able to do a gross fitting. This is important so you buy the right size bike. (Stompy is fundamentally too small for me, although the new seat post helps.)

Actually, Shiny was fit for me at Gregg's and i haven't had to really re-adjust. There is a lot of info on line that can help you make small adjustments yourself if you feel problems.

I'm not sure a physical therapist is really necessry, but maybe can't hurt (but could cost a lot). But maybe Joan feels differently?

[via-lens.livejournal.com]

I just worry about how persnickety my back has been lately. The last thing I want to do is get a bike that isn't adjusted right and then go ride it 20 miles and put myself out of commission.

I have been fitted in terms of frame size (I actually need a slightly larger frame than the one I have) but I'm more interested in the handlebar and seat configuration for maximum torque and comfort. Perhaps I'll take a trip to Gregg's. It's just that I doubt they have anything in my price range.

[mh75.livejournal.com]

There are a lot of bike stores in Seattle. Many of them will have professional fitters when they sell bikes. Gregg's isn't the only one. You could post on the STP list and see if anyone has a store or fitter that they especially recommend.

Is the REI store brand really that much cheaper than the equivalent name brands?

Its certainly not worth hurting your back. It might be worth looking into some core strengthing and stretching, as well. (It seems like a lot of back problems on a bike can be alleviated with the use of a strong core. And with all your recent activity it stands to reason that you need to be stretching more, too.)

[via-lens.livejournal.com]

The REI store brand, for equivalent equipment, is about 2/3 of the retail price of a comparable "name brand" bike (e.g. Specialized). Used bikes, as you know, are not in ready supply and I think I really want the warranty/peace of mind/willingness to tinker that goes along with buying a new one.

When you figure that I either get 12% back as dividend or will be able to take 20% off the price of the REI store brand, I can get a lot more bike for my money by buying a Novara, and they have 3 models in my price range that meet my criteria.

I will gamely go to Sammamish Valley Cycle and Redmond Cycle and whatever that new place is in downtown Redmond and see if they can offer me something equivalent for the same price, but they couldn't last year by a long shot. (I can't buy a bike in downtown Seattle because if I do, I'll have to take it downtown every time I want to get it worked on by the seller.)

I do need to do more strength work. I try to do a fair bit of Pilates and yoga via Wii Fit, and it always helps, but I'm not consistent.

[mh75.livejournal.com]

The REI sale is pretty compelling. Bikes are getting more expensive in Seattle.

My whole body benefits when i'm paying attention to my posture and core work. But it is really hard to be consistent with it. Actually - a regular yoga class really seems to help, when i can manage to find the time to get to one.