Posted by Les Faber in What does one do when it’s -20 degrees Celsius outside? Go bike shopping of course! This morning I spirited my friend Sergio away from his family duties in order to bike shopping. I know a lot about bikes. But road bikes are a different beast and I wanted someone I could trust and who had some knowledge along for the ride.
Sergio is an avid cyclist, great athlete, and passionate about road bikes (and mountain bikes). He also “loves to spend other people’s money.”. LOL – I trust him and his advice. Enough said.
We went to 3 very different bike shops. I got the lowdown on Framesets, Wheelsets, Groupings (Gruppos if you are cool) and peripherals. We will probably spend a whole day on seats alone!
I am blown away by what is available and the options I have to parse through. And… the amount of money a decent setup will cost me (us…).
Shimano or Campagnola Groupings? Hmmm….. I really like the Campy gear. Did you hear that Sergio? And the Willier Framesets are to die for. The Italians make such beautiful well-sculpted bike equipment. Today’s technology takes away all limitations and allows designers and Engineers to run wild so to speak. It shows in some of the things I saw and toyed with.
So……. I need to really noodle through this.
The next step is for me to price things out (I am sorry Helen….. Thought I’d ask for forgiveness now!). After that I need to look at things very hard as this will be a big financial investment. But also an investment in my health, as I will have to do 10,000 kilometers in the first season alone in order to justify the purchase to Helen and ….myself!
Stay tuned.
oh dear Teapot In Space…you lycra freak!
He he he he – ROFL… You are so predictable. I figured you’d PING me on this one. Sweet dreams buddy – SWEET DREAMS!
Hey Les!
So what kind of $$ are we talking here? Do you need to upgrade your home insurance? And are these bikes such that you lock your feet into the petals?
Well well .. everyone has a vice — we now know what yours is Bubie!
Cheers
Greg
Hey there Greg —- Pricing of any bike is dependent on numerous factors that I will not get into here (in any detail). But basically the lighter the bike is the more you pay. As Dr. Evil would say “Billions” (Thousands). It is a complicated process which I am enjoying very much! Pedals would definitely be the type you mention.
So … you need a raise !!!! I know just who to talk to !!!
)
I make too much money as it is! It is embarrassing — ROFL
Soon… there will be another addition to the family (of bicycles).
Helen
That may very well be true!
Hey Les!
Thanks for the avatar link – sometimes you have to be careful what you ask for!!! ha ha ha ha
Are you loosing your hair? Or is it just “optics”?
My alter ego …
Me too!! Must be something in the air.
(mountain bike for me this year)
So many choices!
Awesome!
I went shopping again yesterday. I saw some great deals on ’08 models at Bushtukah. Not sure if there were any MTB models. But it’s worth a call.
Bushtukah?
Les, stick with the Willier or Bianchi buddy. You can’t go wrong and you’ll never regret it. Besides, look at all the money you’re saving by not belonging to a golf club any longer? Go for it!
LOL! Too funny Renza….. I am stuck on the Campy gearsets anyways. Hopefully I’ll hear back from the “suppliers” soon. The Bianchi was a 2007 model. and it Shimano gearing etc…. Nice frame. It would suit Sergio. He needs another bike!
I’ll be seeing a guy that builds bikes sometime this week. He only uses Campy stuff. Should be a fun experience.