Kelly the Culinarian: Expanding our Family

Monday, March 10, 2014

Expanding our Family

All together now: oooooo, ahhhhh
... by another bike. Don't get all that excited. I just know how to get your attention, you baby hungry readers, you.

I have finally committed to a triathlon bike and brought it home last night. It does, in fact, feel like bringing home a baby. It's precious and incomprehensibly complicated. I drove home wondering if I had everything I needed and hoped that I wouldn't break it immediately.
Precious cargo

If I'm this worked up over a bike, I might not be fit for real human children.

Anyhow, when I first got interested in triathlons a few years ago, I knew my K-Mart Huffy from sixth grade wasn't going to cut it. But I didn't want to go out and buy the fanciest bike on planet earth because a) I knew nothing about bikes and b) what if I hated triathlons? So I bought Belle the bike, a Giant TCR Aero from Craigslist. She's a great bike, but a road bike that probably doesn't fit me as well as it should. I've gotten my $550 out of Belle, easy, between crossing off my first triathlon and sailing through two half Ironmans (the Racine 70.3 Ironman and the Festival of Races 70.3).
Belle the Craigslist Bike

Venus de Miles with Belle
I've been marching towards this purchase since I signed on the dotted line and plunked down my cash for Ironman Wisconsin. A Craigslist bike is fine and well, but I'm going to be on that sucker for six hours or more. Time to get something that's fitted exactly for me and has the geometry for a triathlon.

I started looking online and did a little searching. We headed out to a bike shop that I thought would be the one. They fitted me and recommended the Specialized Shiv. It's a pretty penny and the extra small frame I need is nearly impossible to get. They wanted me to put down a deposit on it before ever laying eyes on it, so I decided to hold off.

We went to a second bike shop just to see what else was out there. The owner mentioned they had a 2013 model of the Cannondale Slice 5 in a 51 coming over from another store and it might be my jam. I made an appointment to come and check it out and was impressed with it's handling, the fit out of the box (so to speak) and the standard features.

I ended up negotiating upgraded gearing, fitting and a final tune up before the Ironman. I put my money where my mouth was and came back a week later for a full fitting. I reused my bike pedals and shoes, but still need to add a front hydration system. The bike feels strange and wonderful and I can't wait to hit the open road with my new little friend. In the meantime, she's all set up in my pain cave at home and I've already logged some time with her.

 Like a new toy, I just can't get enough.

Now, the big question:
What should I name my new bike?

5 comments:

Losing Lindy said...

nice!!

Unknown said...

YAY!! Happy new bike day! Can't wait to see you rocking IMWI (and hopefully meet ya there!)!

Anonymous said...

Congrats on the new bundle of joy! LOL

Although I can't say I relate. My boyfriend wants to get me a road bike so badly so that we can ride together in couple's bliss.

I told him if he bought me a bike, I'd throw it into traffic.

I really hate bikes...

Zenaida Arroyo said...

Nice bike! How about Lulu or Lola for a name?

Unknown said...

To keep with the theme of this post.

Congratulations! She is so beautiful!