New Additions to the Family

Ok, I'll be honest: I definitely covet when it comes to bikes. Probably every cyclist does. When I purchased my first bike, I wasn't sure what my commitment to the sport would be so I bought from a generic company to get a better deal on the components I wanted (I wasn't about to have any of this sore-thumb Sora stuff). It was a great first bike, even though I had some bad luck with the mechanicals. The components were awesome, and Will assured me that upgrading would only involve the frame and wheels.

So I did. Meet The Stig. Some say he can smell corners.

The Stig was purchased used for about half of what it goes for new. It features all of my old components, wheels, pedals, even handlebars. The Mercier got all the stuff that the Stig came with (mostly comparable quality) and was sold this past Saturday morning to a nice rich old lady. I thought I'd be sad to see my first baby go, but then again it's like the cars. The Stig is such a huge step up that I didn't think twice. Actually, that's not true. I spent about an hour deliberating about whether I should get it or not. I always intended to upgrade, but not before I was actually fast. After my Summer of Speed (recap to come), I've gained speed but am not exactly fast. But what better inspiration and motivation to train is there than an awesome bike. The frame is so much stiffer and stronger that I've effectively gained 2 gears, which is especially useful for a poor climber such as myself and have turned into a not so bad descender. I've gained a lot of confidence in my handling, which will certainly pay off in the future. So far it's just helped me have frequent "oh shit" moments and my first "real" crash.

I had to sell my first bike to make up the loses accumulated from buying two bikes in less than three months. Mid-May I bought a mountain bike.

Meet Jocelyn DaKontents.

With Jocelyn I again aimed for racing level components and my price range (which wasn't a lot, because I didn't think I would like moutain biking... I was right). Beyond that I didn't know what to get so Will recommend her. So far Jocelyn and I haven't gotten along so well, mostly because I feel like throwing up from all the jostling and I like to wreck her pretty frequently. Most recently I ended up in a tree. It wasn't her fault though, it's more operator error. But, the objective of learning to mountain bike was to become a better bike handler, and I can already feel some differences (coupled with the best frame ever) out on the road. As far as the mountain season goes, we'll see if I'm capable of not being a slow poke.

Those are my new kids. You're supposed to love your kids equally, but let's face it, everyone has a favorite. I'll give you one guess about which one I prefer.

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