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

[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.