Day 103 - May 11th - Road Bike Purchase

What a change in attitude and training.  Here I was at a low point during the week days but a high point this weekend.

My son Tom, found a Felt Road Bike at a garage sale Sat morning and thought it might be the right bike for me.

Earlier that morning I had been on a ride with my wife Julienne. My Giant Perigee Road Racing Sport Bike that is probably 20-30 years old or more finally gave out. The gears stopped working and I knew it was time to get serious about getting a new bike.

I have been looking for months but didn't feel it was a priority. Even if I got a aluminum alloy bike at a discount it would have added up to $1,805 as follows:

Specialized Allez Comp APEX $1,550 less 20% for last years model = $1,250
Pedals $110
Shoes $150
Helmet $40
Aero Bars $115
Flat Repair Kit $50
Speedometer $90
Total $1,805

Now although you can get some parts for less cost, the mixture was not top end and more in line with the cost of the bike.

So I had looked at Craig's list from time to time and found a LaMond Big Sky SL that was about 5 years old and came with Carbon Fiber Forks, Shimano 105, and Delphi cycle computer all for $650. but still would have cost me another $500 to add the other parts. There was no guarantee that the bike would really function as desired as it hadn't been taken care of for quite a while.

I had also purchased the 2013 Bicyclying Buyer's Guide and saw bikes from $600 to $11,000 and more.  Of course the Eddy Merckx EMX-525 they featured on the front page was only $4,250 for the frame and $11,000 as tested.

So when my son reported that I could get a Felt Z5 for under $800 and cleated bike shoes for just $15 I was elated. I went right down and bought the bike, then went on a 15 mile bike ride. It came with pedals and a wireless speedometer. I had received a helmet for my birthday in March so the only other components were Aero Bars and a Flat Repair kit. Tom said he had some extra Aero Bars so the only additional item is a Flat Repair kit making the all in total $816.

And what a difference it makes. As you all know and I have just discovered, the pedaling and the muscles used are much different than a normal bicycle that I had. It is much closer to spin cycling at the Kroc Center.

Now it makes sense to get fitted for the bike. The Coeur d'Alene Chamber of Commerce sponsoring me was kind enough to include that in the package sponsorship. 

I am exited again and ready to continue training for the triathlon.