I am back in the saddle, with my very belated birthday present bike. To understand, I should tell you that I had a birthday last year...almost a year ago. For my birthday, my oldest daughter handed me a drawing of me riding a bicycle through the trees. The idea behind the drawing was that I should go choose a bike from the shops. But there was a problem with that in my mind. After looking at bikes, I had chosen one that was out of stock and then the store that carried it was going out of business. Then, I looked at the price tag and thought "NO!" I spent the funds on dance lessons, swim club, pottery and other child related stuff. I just couldn't justify spending money on a bike - with the clincher being that we were heading into the long months of our northern winter. No bike for me.
Now, I also know that I disappointed people with that decision as they really had tried to do something for me that I had wanted for about three years. My other bike had been a tank, it was impossible to pedal and very unpleasant to ride. It was a $30 garage sale special and that is the only good point about it. I eventually got so fed up that I tossed it out.
So, early in July, a new bike sports shop opening up in our community. They were doing a demonstration on Specialized bikes. This was perfect as I was already being inspired by the Tour de France and was really wanting to get back on the trails. There was also a rumor of sale. Fortunately, I already had my tax return back and it was enough...to think about a little bike.
Inexpensive: $200ish
Light
Easy to pedal
Comfortable
Fun
Pretty color
Umm...yep...pretty color...
I tried a couple of bikes to test drive down the back lane and hated them. If I was going to buy a bike, I wanted to love it. LOVE IT.... Add into this experience, the fellow running this new store was the same fellow that has watched me come and go into the defunct store over the past three years eyeing up bikes and then walking away. He also noticed I had my birthday present picture in my hand and was willing to humor me by test driving bikes. But, he got sneaky. He asked my my opinion and I frankly said that they were wrong and could he remember the one I really liked before? He went prowling and brought me three similar bikes as they didn't have the one I liked, but they were all wrong too. Then, he brought me a bike that I had passed over due to sticker shock. I always start at the cheapest bike - see criteria number one.
Try this.
Ok. He had the staff explain the specs. http://www.specialized.com/ca/en/bikes/mountain/jett/jett#specs
Those went in one ear and out the other. I spent exactly 5 minutes riding this bike and I had to have it. I didn't even look at the price tag as I walked up to the till. I handed over my credit card and just said "Don't tell me how much, just do it." I closed my eyes and signed the paperwork and walked out with my bike. My Special Specialize Bike. Who knew?
As I was riding today, I had the wind blowing a coolish breeze to offset the sunshine. I had hills to climb and then race downhill. I hit all the small neighbourhoods in Timberlea and loved it. I was dive bombed by dragonflies and even had one fly down my shirt at one point. The mosquitos couldn't keep up and the trails were clear. The point of this is that I LOVE MY BIKE.
Thank you for the belated present to my family. I guess they do listen to what I want sometimes afterall...It fits all the criteria except the first one...but you get what you pay for...GRIN.
(For my next birthday: please could I have a water bottle holder, kick stand, bike lock, and grocery transportation device? Anyone? Lol)
No comments:
Post a Comment