First Road Bike Advice

[seikoking]

I know there a few cyclists on this forum so I thought I may be able to get some guidance about my first road bike purchase.

I have been mountain biking for a while but I have recently developed an interest in getting a road bike, my first ever! I will use the bike mainly for training to improve my fitness. I have noticed the 'Strava' programme and I really like the idea of having some 'competition' to keep me motivated. Does anyone have any experiance of this programme?

Therefore, I would like to guidance on which bikes to consider that will be a soild first timer bike, but will also be capable and fast enough so as not to lose interest. I am also a little confused by the pedals ! Is there a default option of pedal and shoe combination that I should look that will again be forgiving for a newbie but will be able to progress as I gain more confidence and speed.

I am leaning towards a second hand bike, simply because of the VFM compared to new and have set myself an initial MAX budget of £1000. This budget MUST include the complete bike, pedals, shoes and a couple of bits suitable of kit to wear.

Over to you guys....and thanks in advance :)

[Josh B]

Strava is great but you need to ignore the imbeciles who feel a need to drive routes in their cars just to top the leaderboard!

Best advice is get a good fitting at an experienced specialist shop. That will determine which options are available to you rather than this months no.1 ultimate group test winner nonsense.

If you have mtb shoes and pedals I'd stay with those initially unless you have potential or actual knee issues.

Ignore the current trend for retro, both in bikes and clothes. These are the only chaps who make Lycra look less ridiculous. It's a bike chaps not a blooming lifestyle statement so get over yourselves.

Invest in a couple pairs of riding shorts a pair of gloves and helmet. Rest is optional really. A cycling top is nice if you need the pockets for phone, keys etc. Wiggle is good for clothes once you know what fits.

[RichS]

Agree with the above, that a bike fit would be good. Many shops will refund the fitting cost against a bike if bought with them. Road bike fit is far more important than mountain bike.
There are many good spec bikes on-line e.g. Canyon, Planet X, Ribble, etc. Boardman bikes are also great value, if you can get past the Halfords link.
I've got a Boardman Team in ally. It is lighter than a friends £3500 carbon über bike and to my mind looks great (still want a carbon frame though).

[ptcoll]

I was in almost exactly the same position as you 18 months ago. I bought a new Specialized Allez 16 for £450 from my local bike shop (it was the previous year's model). I used my MTB shoes and SPDs for the first 6 months. I knew I could offload the Allez easily if it wasn't for me.

I still have the Allez (now my training bike), and once I was convinced I was hooked I bought a Cannondale CAAD10 105 and also masses of road clothes, road shoes etc etc.

Strava is a laugh and can be addictive. I use a Garmin Edge 800 to record routes.

Still love mountain biking though, and my road cycling has brought my overall level of fitness up massively so that I enjoy mountain biking even more..

Pete

[Belligero]

As mentioned, fit is paramount on a road frame. There are some useful tools available online, such as this one: Competitive Cyclist Fit Calculator

I have no experience with Strava, but it doesn't seem like my idea of fun. I leave the electronics at home when I ride; I might wear a pilot's chrono or a vintage GMT just to keep track of how much daylight I have left. I enjoy the ride more that way.

I err more toward retro look than the billboard look, personally. It's possible to have modern function without the associated visual mess. As with most things, details are key:



I'm happy with riding gear from http://cimacoppi.ca/. Lawrence does handmade merino wool kit in Vancouver for about what an Asian-made, neon-logoed polyester atrocity typically costs.

There are some bargains to be had on secondhand bikes if you are mechanically inclined. Also, it's somewhat of a roadie faux-pas, but you can use your mountain bike pedals and shoes without any real drawbacks if budget is an issue.

I completely agree that road fitness has noticeable benefits off-road, by the way. The best tip I've ever heard received regarding cycling (or skiing) is "Don't forget to smile!"; it's supposed to be fun.

[gunner]

Leave the big spending until you know how much road cycling you're going to do.

Second hand is sensible and MTB gear including pedals and shoes is fine (I still have my MTB pedals on my cannondale six13 several years later).

[seikoking]

Thanks for all the input so far. I will take all my vital measurements (!) and visit a shop for a fitment, i dont want to make a mistake.

I am happy to make a decent sized investment, as this will also contribute to ensuring I dedicate myself to it, as my life will not be worth living if it stands unused in the garage!!

Re Pedals...maybe I didn't make it clear. I have only ever used standard flat pedals, not SPD's of any type. I kinda feel this is a non-start for a road bike, but happy to be advised otherwise.

[bernie eccle]

Can't offer any advice on the bike but can highly recommend a Garim Forerunner 500. It can be used in combination with Strava but more accurate - very adictive. Unfortunately quite expensive.

[ptcoll]

I use Shimano SPD-SL pedals for my road bike, with Shimano shoes. This is the standard Shimano road offering.

Everyone seems to have their own favourite so don't expect consistent responses !


Pete

[Tokyo Tokei]

Re Pedals...maybe I didn't make it clear. I have only ever used standard flat pedals, not SPD's of any type. I kinda feel this is a non-start for a road bike, but happy to be advised otherwise.

Fine on a road bike, why ever not ? Pedalling is pedalling. To quote a link I've mentioned before ...

"The biggest myth in bicycle riding is the need for special cycling shoes and the benefits of stiff ones. The argument in favor of Special Shoes is this: With a firm connection to the pedal, you will be able to apply power for the full 360-degrees of a pedal revolution.
That's one of the biggest, fattest lies of all time on any topic, but experts, riders, and the media repeat this over and over again, year after year.

When elite pedalers and lousy rookie pedalers have been hooked up to machines that measure muscle activity during pedaling, the machines tell us this:

During normal pedaling at normal cadences, nobody pulls UP on the backstroke. Elite/efficient pedalers push down less on the upward moving pedal than the rookies do.

Think about that until it sinks in and you're bored. The good pedalers----the guys in the logo costumes and the white sunglasses and shaved legs----minimize the downward force on the upward-moving pedal more. They don't pull up on it...

Racing shoes are rigid, slippery plastic. Riders shopping for them pick them up and test their stiffness (as though it matters) by trying to bend them with their hands. If the shoe is rigid and unyielding, they heave out an "ahhh..." and consider it worthy.
It's a bunch of hooey, though. Your foot doesn't bend when you pedal a bike. It tenses and pretty much stays straight, just as it does when you walk up stairs"

I binned my clipless ( and prior to those, clip'd ) pedals and for 8 years have used MKS CT Lite pedals ...



I didn't get any slower.
I didn't lose my footing. Ever. I cycle in all weathers.
I didn't get dropped on the hills. Except by the same people who usually drop me. Because they are fitter and have better muscles.

Today I just got back from a 65Km cycle around Tokyo. Great fun. It was 37 degrees, so I wore my t shirt, shorts, and Birkenstock sandals. No problems, felt great.

Enjoy whatever you choose, clipped, clipless or otherwise !

</contentious opinion> The usual roadie racer-wannabe stuff may now continue

Paul

[Josh B]

Paul makes some good points and agree that there's nothing wrong with using normal pedals.

Depends a bit how you use the bike. For commuting there's a lot to be said for normal pedals. Ditto if you ever need to do any walking in cycling shoes. The more integrated into the sole mtb sytem is a huge improvement.

If you're only going out to ride you may find pedals that connect to the shoe more comfortable. I don't think there's much in it between systems (amount of lateral play can be important with knee issues). Personally I use the classic Look clip system even when commuting. (some folks prefer egg beaters or speedplays cos they fit whichever way the pedal faces.)

[Theboydonald]

As a mountain biker I am using Candys and shimano mtb shoes on my road bike. I went for a genesis as I like a steel hardtail. I find it addictive, enjoy!

[Incredible Sulk]

Paul makes some good points and agree that there's nothing wrong with using normal pedals.

Depends a bit how you use the bike. For commuting there's a lot to be said for normal pedals. Ditto if you ever need to do any walking in cycling shoes. The more integrated into the sole mtb sytem is a huge improvement.

You can do both. I have Shimano pedals on my road bike, flat on one side, SPD on the other.

I can't get on with the road bike specific systems, as I hate walking like a duck when off the bike.......

[rfrazier]

I like using straps, probably just because of habit. So, I use Power Grip straps. Can't say that they give me more power, or more grip, but I'm happier.

Although I ride a striped down bits and pieces fixed gear in Oxford, I otherwise ride another bits and bobs bicycle. Most of the frame is +30 years old (one tube cracked and had to be replaced). I've raced, toured, and cruised using that frame. It is refreshing not to worry about the other bits. I can't even tell you what they are, off hand. I use a Garmin Oregon 300.

Here it is in camera/cruise configuration. :)



Best wishes,
Bob

[Rory]

I rode my road bike with flat pedals for the first couple if months until I was confident on the bike, the handling is very different to my Santa Cruz mtb! There are some great bargains to be had if you settle for last years model - I saved over 30% and the only difference was the colour.

Cheers
Rory

[samswatch]

Depending on where you are in the country, Westbrook Cycles currently have some great deals and to echo the above, Boardman's are great value.

If you are near London, the Bike whisperer in Ealing has good reviews and its worth popping down to Condor Cycles. Condor supply their own frames buy as part of the buying process fit you to the bike. However, depending on spec will push you over the £1000 limit but the current cheapest is around £1100


Enjoy shopping.

[seikoking]

Depending on where you are in the country, Westbrook Cycles currently have some great deals and to echo the above, Boardman's are great value.

If you are near London, the Bike whisperer in Ealing has good reviews and its worth popping down to Condor Cycles. Condor supply their own frames buy as part of the buying process fit you to the bike. However, depending on spec will push you over the £1000 limit but the current cheapest is around £1100


Enjoy shopping.

Thanks Samswatch,

Sadly, I am nowhere near London, but I like the idea of a proper fitting. Does anyone know a decent shop offering a similar service in / around Manchester?

[Lazydonkey]

Mountain bike shoes and SPDs will work fine on a road bike and at least you'll be able to walk!

If you've come from MTB then you might want to consider a cyclocross style to give you more options to do canal path / light off-roading to keep your training varied.

I've had a Surly Cross Check for 15 months and about 1500 miles and it's proved to be a great buy, not as focussed as many road or even cyclo cross bikes but for me that makes it a great and comfortable all rounder.

[markc]

I would recommend spd pedals and MTB shoes as well.

Shimano M54 pedals (about £37 a pair) are as good as you (or anyone) needs, pair them up with Shimano MT33 shoes (£32 a pair) and you're sorted.

For Paul (Tokyo Tokei) above - I'm sorry but I have used pedals with and without clips, straps, cleats and various clipless (Look and SPD) and anyone who says that attaching your foot/shoe securely to the pedal doesn't make a difference is not doing it right (IMHO).

The difference between open pedals and clips/straps is huge and there is another leap when moving to cleated shoes or (now) clipless systems.

Part of the benefit is that your foot is ALWAYS in the right place on the pedal. The "myth" of not pulling on the pedal on an upstroke is rubbish - I certainly do, especially when climbing. I would never voluntarily return to open pedals. I'm sure that some of our more experienced cyclists will comment further but that's my view (I've only been cycling regularly for some 30 - 35 years so what do I know?).

Cheers,

[Meesterbond]

For what it's worth, there was a study that (I believe) Chris Carmichael did on Lance Armstrong's pedalling style, which showed that at no point in a normal pedalling stroke, was he pulling up on the upstroke. The best he would manage would be to almost completely unweight the rear pedal. Whatever you may think of him, he was a very efficient 'pedaller' so if he doesn't manage it, then I doubt most mortals would either.

Personally, as a roadie-racer wanabee, I use whatever Bradley does.

[markc]

For what it's worth, there was a study that (I believe) Chris Carmichael did on Lance Armstrong's pedalling style, which showed that at no point in a normal pedalling stroke, was he pulling up on the upstroke. The best he would manage would be to almost completely unweight the rear pedal. Whatever you may think of him, he was a very efficient 'pedaller' so if he doesn't manage it, then I doubt most mortals would.

From the partner website of the Lance Armstrong Foundation: http://www.livestrong.com/article/34...ycling-pedals/

A clipless pedal system keeps the balls of your feet connected to the center of each pedal, which is the correct foot position for maximum cycling efficiency. While connected in this position, you can use your hamstrings to lift through the back half of the pedal stroke and your quadriceps to push through the front half. On platform pedals, nearly all of your power comes from pushing through the front half of the stroke. For toe clips to be as efficient, you’d have to tighten the straps considerably, and keep them tight to prevent your feet from moving as you ride.

Just sayin'

Cheers,

[Bruce]

I am fairly new to the road bike scene as well and from what my body is telling me is that my feet are always where they should be. On a normal pedal I felt like my foot was trying to grip it and as such I wasting energy.

Would like to hear Kerry's opinion on this.

[Hubs]

Clip in pedals or not:

I've done enough miles both ways now to be ambivalent. I was passed on the Dartmoor Devil ride (70 miles of climbing, as far as I recall) by a guy from Exeter with one leg who powered past me - probably the most extreme example of being able to pull on the upstroke ever.

For the rest of us I suspect it's less of an issue. I've spent the last eight years riding with flats and no straps. It lets me ride with any sort of shoes I have on, and I use the bikes more because of that.

I suspect there's no real answer here: if you're chasing ultimate performance, then I suspect a pedal / shoe system makes a few points difference. However, having no excess fat on your body probably makes more difference!

[Josh B]

Clip in pedals or not:

I've done enough miles both ways now to be ambivalent. I was passed on the Dartmoor Devil ride (70 miles of climbing, as far as I recall) by a guy from Exeter with one leg who powered past me - probably the most extreme example of being able to pull on the upstroke ever.

For the rest of us I suspect it's less of an issue. I've spent the last eight years riding with flats and no straps. It lets me ride with any sort of shoes I have on, and I use the bikes more because of that.

I suspect there's no real answer here: if you're chasing ultimate performance, then I suspect a pedal / shoe system makes a few points difference. However, having no excess fat on your body probably makes more difference!

With that sort of attitude you will soon be suggesting one foregoes the pies and ale rather than invest in a 4.2kg bike made from unobtanium and unicorn hair woven by Essex virgins.

Have a word with yourself man!

[rfrazier]

My guess, wild as it may be, is that if measured correctly, one would find that using cleats (with a bit of float) does increase power. Perhaps part of it would be from applying power a bit longer (start earlier and end later). My guess is that it is more significant that one's feet are in the same place all of the time, so everything else is set up to get the maximum power with one's feet in that place. So seat location (hight/forward/backward/tilt), handlebar location, etc., are optimised for one having one's feet in that place. Also, it inclines one to ride with one's knees in the proper place (in rather than splayed). That's my guess.

I gave up riding with cleats because I wanted to use (only) various non-cycling shoes.

Best wishes,
Bob

[bry nylon]

When you are standing up on the pedals you can definitely pull on the upstroke - there is just no comparision between them and 'flats', much safer ( if on a rough/potholed surface), as well... Go clipless - once you get used to it you will never go back to normal pedals or rat catchers !

[rfrazier]

When you are standing up on the pedals you can definitely pull on the upstroke - there is just no comparision between them and 'flats', much safer ( if on a rough/potholed surface), as well... Go clipless - once you get used to it you will never go back to normal pedals or rat catchers !

I went back to standard pedals and I think I was used to wearing clipless. I used clipless for 10+ years, after 20+ years of using (nail in) cleats.

Best wishes,
Bob

[AlistairD]

Off the pedal theme... Frame geometry and material make a big different to comfort. Decide whether you want an all out racer or a more comfortable fit. IMHO steel and carbon are more comfortable than aluminum. Titanium is also an interesting material but I'm not sure where it is on the comfort stakes. Touring/Audax frame configs are generally more comfortable for a newbie than an TdF type frame.

Good luck.

A

[Belligero]

Off the pedal theme... Frame geometry and material make a big different to comfort. Decide whether you want an all out racer or a more comfortable fit. IMHO steel and carbon are more comfortable than aluminum. Titanium is also an interesting material but I'm not sure where it is on the comfort stakes. Touring/Audax frame configs are generally more comfortable for a newbie than an TdF type frame.

Good luck.

A

Frame material characteristics are subtle compared to the effect of tyre width. Going from 23 mm to 28 or 32 mm makes a far larger difference in my experience. Unfortunately, many frames can't accommodate any tyres other than the skinniest without rubbing. It's a shame, since wider tyres at somewhat lower pressure are more efficient over typical public roads, to say nothing of the improvement in ride quality. Another case of suffering for roadie fashion.

[Dazzler]

I am nowhere near London, but I like the idea of a proper fitting. Does anyone know a decent shop offering a similar service in / around Manchester?

Paul Hewhitt http://www.hewittbikefitting.co.uk/ in Leyland fitted me for mine and is worth a visit. However, your budget might be a little on the light side for some of his stuff. That being said I got measured and fitted and I picked up an ali-framed Kinesis bike for £700.

http://www.dolan-bikes.com/ in Ormskirk can probably do the same too. Sorry don't know about Manchester.

[gunner]

Fine on a road bike, why ever not ? Pedalling is pedalling. To quote a link I've mentioned before ...



I binned my clipless ( and prior to those, clip'd ) pedals and for 8 years have used MKS CT Lite pedals ...


I didn't get any slower.
I didn't lose my footing. Ever. I cycle in all weathers.
I didn't get dropped on the hills. Except by the same people who usually drop me. Because they are fitter and have better muscles.

Today I just got back from a 65Km cycle around Tokyo. Great fun. It was 37 degrees, so I wore my t shirt, shorts, and Birkenstock sandals. No problems, felt great.

Enjoy whatever you choose, clipped, clipless or otherwise !

</contentious opinion> The usual roadie racer-wannabe stuff may now continue

Paul

1) I have a significant scar on my right shin which is enough evidence for me that there are benefits to clip in pedals other than efficiency...
2) Not pulling up does not mean there is no gain in efficiency
3) Stiff soles remove some of the requirement for the foot to "tense up", thereby reducing fatigue.
4) Don't see many pros using flats...
5) I'm no roadie racer wannabe.

[samswatch]

1) I have a significant scar on my right shin which is enough evidence for me that there are benefits to clip in pedals other than efficiency...
...
5) I'm no roadie racer wannabe.

I have quite a few scars on my shins from my flat mtb pedals. Part of the reason was being tired and just having my foot in the wrong place. Also being clipped in, means I don't have to think what about what my feet are doing.

But for the OP, getting the right bike first is probably a bigger hurdle.

From google found this link re:bike fitting manchester

http://www.cyclechat.net/threads/bik...chester.55315/

And just found this as well

http://www.bikeradar.com/fitness/art...fit-you-35013/

[seikoking]

Just popped into Decathon, not looking at bikes, but noticed the Btwin FC700...

Full carbon frame and forks, Shimano 105 throughout, carbon seatpost and Look spd's included. Weighs in <8kg and price < £1k

This seems a good deal to me based on the spec, but I have no experiance of the brand or bike at all. Does anyone know anything about them? Good bad or indifferent?

I am likely to 'pull the trigger' on something very soon, so some quick responses would be a big help :)

[markc]

Just popped into Decathon, not looking at bikes, but noticed the Btwin FC700...

Full carbon frame and forks, Shimano 105 throughout, carbon seatpost and Look spd's included. Weighs in <8kg and price < £1k

This seems a good deal to me based on the spec, but I have no experiance of the brand or bike at all. Does anyone know anything about them? Good bad or indifferent?

I am likely to 'pull the trigger' on something very soon, so some quick responses would be a big help :)

Decathlon sell excellent value bikes - you could do a lot worse (and pay more!).

Cheers,

[Belligero]

Just popped into Decathon, not looking at bikes, but noticed the Btwin FC700...

Full carbon frame and forks, Shimano 105 throughout, carbon seatpost and Look spd's included. Weighs in <8kg and price < £1k

This seems a good deal to me based on the spec, but I have no experiance of the brand or bike at all. Does anyone know anything about them? Good bad or indifferent?

I am likely to 'pull the trigger' on something very soon, so some quick responses would be a big help :)

Carbon frames are all pretty much the same other than the stickers, seems like a good deal. 105 is a solid group. I assume it comes with Mavic Askium wheels, yes?

[Bruce]

I looked at it the other week as well, it does seem fantastic value.

Try finding some reviews online it seems pretty difficult

[Belligero]

I looked at it the other week as well, it does seem fantastic value.

Try finding some reviews online it seems pretty difficult

Plastic-framed bikes are essentially a commodity now. Just take it for a spin it and see if it fits; subjective road bike reviews are like subjective hi-fi reviews, which is to say worse than useless.

[Red Steve]

I looked at it the other week as well, it does seem fantastic value.

Try finding some reviews online it seems pretty difficult

Not sure if this is the same model, but certainly from the same manufacturer:

http://www.bikeradar.com/gear/catego...cet-3-11-45041

[seikoking]

Carbon frames are all pretty much the same other than the stickers, seems like a good deal. 105 is a solid group. I assume it comes with Mavic Askium wheels, yes?

Yes, mavic askiums. I assume these are the default choice in the price bracket?

[Belligero]

Yes, mavic askiums. I assume these are the default choice in the price bracket?

They seem to be. They work fine, although the disappearance of handbuilt wheels is not what I'd call progress. In any case, it looks like quite a decent bike for the money.

[seikoking]

Sealed a deal today on my new bike...a Felt F75.

I looked at numerous models and ummed and Ahhed For a while over carbon vs ali, different group sets, price etc etc. I managed to narrow my choice down to couple of front runners and the Felt was the winner.

I found a good deal on the bike on wiggle but instead, used this price to secure a deal at my local shop. The price was a little higher, but the chap had offered good advice and we did a package deal including some SPD pedals, shoes, tights (that'll be a first!), two years free servicing and a couple of other jobs on my MTB. I am looking forward to it arriving now...hopefully before the end of the week.

Bring on the Lycra!!!

[Dazzler]

You are now a MAMIL

[Rory]

Sealed a deal today on my new bike...a Felt F75.

I looked at numerous models and ummed and Ahhed For a while over carbon vs ali, different group sets, price etc etc. I managed to narrow my choice down to couple of front runners and the Felt was the winner.

I found a good deal on the bike on wiggle but instead, used this price to secure a deal at my local shop. The price was a little higher, but the chap had offered good advice and we did a package deal including some SPD pedals, shoes, tights (that'll be a first!), two years free servicing and a couple of other jobs on my MTB. I am looking forward to it arriving now...hopefully before the end of the week.

Bring on the Lycra!!!

You won't regret it - road biking is great fun!

Cheers
Rory

[bry nylon]

^^ +1 what he said, hope it arrives soon and you enjoy it !

[Josh B]

Congratulations. A good choice and a wise approach to the purchase too which should provide a level of support I am confident you will appreciate far more than a few pounds extra you might have saved (and even then savings online are unlikely once you factor in the cost of 2 services!)

[Belligero]

Sealed a deal today on my new bike...a Felt F75.

I looked at numerous models and ummed and Ahhed For a while over carbon vs ali, different group sets, price etc etc. I managed to narrow my choice down to couple of front runners and the Felt was the winner.

I found a good deal on the bike on wiggle but instead, used this price to secure a deal at my local shop. The price was a little higher, but the chap had offered good advice and we did a package deal including some SPD pedals, shoes, tights (that'll be a first!), two years free servicing and a couple of other jobs on my MTB. I am looking forward to it arriving now...hopefully before the end of the week.

Bring on the Lycra!!!

Well done; looks like a fun ride. It really is amazing how much road bike you can get for the money compared to, say, ten or fifteen years ago.

Honestly, the differences between most bikes within a given category are minimal, anyway. Even the geometry tends to be nearly identical on road bikes. It's essentially a mature technology.

What's far more important is that you have a place to help fit, tune and maintain your bike, and if they're any good, they'll be able to sort out the finer points of road bike ownership and operation in a stress-free manner. If a spoke breaks, for instance, it's nice to be able to go into the shop as an existing customer and get sorted ASAP.

Just don't forget the chamois cream for long rides.

[simoscribbler]

I just ordered a Felt hybrid from Wiggle and didn't think of the OP's excellent buying strategy - as others have noted it sounds like a really good one.

[seikoking]

Well done; looks like a fun ride. It really is amazing how much road bike you can get for the money compared to, say, ten or fifteen years ago.

Honestly, the differences between most bikes within a given category are minimal, anyway. Even the geometry tends to be nearly identical on road bikes. It's essentially a mature technology.

What's far more important is that you have a place to help fit, tune and maintain your bike, and if they're any good, they'll be able to sort out the finer points of road bike ownership and operation in a stress-free manner. If a spoke breaks, for instance, it's nice to be able to go into the shop as an existing customer and get sorted ASAP.

Just don't forget the chamois cream for long rides.

The factor of the local shop played a big part in my decision to be honest. He has already doe a couple of minor jobs for me when I just turned up out of the blue, so the piece of mind is nice to have, especially with a first bike of this type.

The idea of 2 years freee servicing for the bike was attractive too, and there was a good steady stream of existing customers in and of the shop all the time I was there, so a good sign.

I am really looking forward to getting out on the road ASAP and thanks to everyone for all the support.

[Dazzler]

Good for you supporting your local bike shop, they don't do it to become millionaires, they mostly do it because they are real enthusiasts. Looks a good bike you have picked up, I hope you enjoy riding it.