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Discussion: I bought a bike!!!!!
Subject: I bought a bike!!!!! By: Becky D. Written on: 2006-06-13 11:30:46 Message: This is the story of me finding the bike of my dreams inside my price range. If you want to cut to the chase, scroll down and skip the story. Details below : ) For those of you bored at work and who like to read stories, please enjoy! I was home in Vermont this weekend watching our dog for my parents while they attended a wedding. Since I have had no luck finding a cheap bike here in Boston, I decided to look around while I was home. There are 5 places in my town that sell bikes (it's not a big place!) so I started doing the rounds. The first few places I got, "Road bikes?!?!? This is Vermont, nobody rides ROAD bikes around here! Now, if you want a mountain bike, right this way!" Sigh. Ok. I know that people in Vermont ride road bikes, despite this woman's emphatic denial of it. I had been to 4 of the 5 places with no luck, and did not have much hope for the last. It's a great shop, but is usually very pricey so I was sure I'd find one that was outside my price range. I went inside and found a ton of road bikes. To my surprise, it was a SALE day. Ohhhh boy! I talked with the sales guy about what I wanted a bike for, my low budget, etc. He got excited when he asked me how tall I was because they had ONE bike left, on sale, that should be about my size, he said, from last year that they were trying to get rid of. He brings over this bike and the price tag was turned towards me and it read $660. Now, to you guys, that's is probably an amazing price. While it is low, I couldn't spring for anything over about $500 (Which is why my search was for used road bikes originally). I told the guy it was a little too expensive for my budget and he goes, "Oh that's not the price tag, this one's on sale!" He turns over another tag, and I had to contain my excitement when I saw the bike was marked as $479.99. WHAT?!? Is this a lie? Even the saleperson checked it out because he wasn't sure it should be marked so low. Turns out, it was exactly my size (53cm), a women's specific bike (Specialized, Dolce), and last year's model so it was marked waaaaaaaaaay down. I couldn't ride it that day because it was pouring out, so he set it aside and I went back Sunday morning. The rain was holding off so I took it for a spin and couldn't quite get over what a nice ride it was compared to the Fuji old school mountain bike I had been riding. Anyways, long story short, I bought the bike. Then, I called my parents, my boyfriend, my triathlon buddies (newbies as well, but they bike) and told them about my find. Everyone was so excited for me! But I couldnt' wait to tell YOU guys: People I dont even know because I knew you guys would be as pumped as I was!!! Here's a link that shows this year's model: http://www.specialized.com/bc/SBCBkModel.jsp?spid=13172 This isn't the exact bike because this is the 2006 model, but mine is the same color. That's my story and I'm very proud of it ... I still can't believe I got it for so cheap! Wahoo!! Happy Tuesday all ............. Becky
Subject: RE: I bought a bike!!!!! By: Brad H. Written on: 2006-06-13 12:03:42 Message: She shoots, she scores (a nice bike)!!! Great find Becky. You are going to be amazed at how your training progresses riding the Dolce instead of your old mountain bike. Now you need to figure out how to get someone to spring for a set of aerobars (ebay/birthday/Christmas/etc)...
Subject: RE: I bought a bike!!!!! By: Dan W. Written on: 2006-06-13 14:25:57 Message: Wow - that's cool. I want to upgrade my road bike, but if I get a little cash, maybe I'll call you and get a better bike for the same money - you're good! Let us know how it rides.
Subject: RE: I bought a bike!!!!! By: Ronald F. Written on: 2006-06-13 14:32:38 Message: Born to shop? Congratulations on your lucky find.
Subject: RE: I bought a bike!!!!! By: Leo d. Written on: 2006-06-13 14:36:43 Message: Nice bike Becky!! Wow, I wish I could find one that cheap. I guess I'll take a roadtrip to vermont ;-) Leo D
Subject: RE: I bought a bike!!!!! By: Katie B. Written on: 2006-06-13 15:00:57 Message: Hi Becky, That is the bike I've ridden for the past year and it has been good to me. The only thing you have to watch out for is that the chain sometimes can slip off the largest rear gear if you're in the middle front gear. But then again, that may just be sometime specific to how my bike was tuned up. Slap a pair of aerobars on and you're good to go! Nice find! ~Katie
Subject: RE: I bought a bike!!!!! By: Becky D. Written on: 2006-06-13 15:02:53 Message: Aero bars ... I'm a little scared of them to be honest. They seem to put you in a precarious position should you need to brake or shift position quickly. I think I will get used to riding this one (I've been riding with straight handle bars until this weekend) before I move onto aero bars. We shall see ....
Subject: RE: I bought a bike!!!!! By: John P. Written on: 2006-06-13 16:14:49 Message: wow Becky, what a find, you sound as happy as you should be, enjoy.
Subject: RE: I bought a bike!!!!! By: Jeanette M. Written on: 2006-06-13 17:16:07 Message: Great find! Congrats on your new bike.
Subject: RE: I bought a bike!!!!! By: Jay T. Written on: 2006-06-13 22:53:44 Message: happy riding! lets get some miles on that thing. I'm new to aero bars, kinda hokey at first but you ll be alright.
Subject: RE: I bought a bike!!!!! By: John P. Written on: 2006-06-14 10:59:45 Message: Aero Bars, i bought a set of profile design for my bike, there nice, but I hardly use them, I suppose as time goes on I may use them more but they take some getting used to. I am just getting used to a road bike from a hybrid so I think it will take some time.
Subject: RE: I bought a bike!!!!! By: Jael A. Written on: 2006-06-14 11:14:37 Message: Becky, what a steal you got!!!!!! I loved reading your story by the way! Congratulations on becoming the Proud owner of a great Bike! Jael
Subject: RE: I bought a bike!!!!! By: Elizabeth C. Written on: 2006-06-14 11:36:52 Message: Great story Becky, your persistence paid off! I just got aerobars with my new bike, and I agree, they are kind of tricky. I wobble a lot getting in and out of them, like trying to ride a two-wheeler. Best of luck with your new toy!
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