Saturday, November 7, 2009

Ahhhhh... New Bike Smell!!

It's been 8 years since I experienced the heady pleasure that comes with taking possession of a shiny new bike. I've got to admit, I'd forgotten how satisfying it could be.

The Missus called in the early afternoon and confirmed she had taken delivery on the box. Of course, the rest of the afternoon was interminable, until go-home time.

I unpacked it. It was generally pre-assembled as promised, but there was enough nickel-and-dime fine-tuning and accessory installation to help me begin forming a bond. (There is a minor gouge of the paint on the fork, but pragmatically I'm sure others will follow. I'll see if the insurance company can rustle me up a tube of touch-up paint.)

Unlike that new car, there's really not much of a smell associated with a new bike. But today ("the day after"), I've been grinning inwardly at how quiet and precise everything is! I put 25 miles on it, including 10 miles with Mackie in tow. It's gonna be all right.



(In case you're wondering, it's a shiny new 2010 Cannondale T1 touring model, size XL. I went with the yellow Planet Bike fenders. "Popcorn" colors!)

8 comments:

db said...

Yep, new bikes are great, and you had good weather this weekend to take advantage of. Congrats.

Clancy said...

Fancy, fancy.

Let us know how you like the leather seat.

Apertome said...

Wow, she's a real stunner! You'll go far on that bike. Looking forward to reading more about how it handles.

Clancy said...

OT- My faulty zipper on my new jacket has been replaced. Emailed Friday w/pic and received a call late Friday. He said they will replace. The new jacket arrived today with a prepaid return package for the old jacket.

Besides how much I like the jacket, customer service is tops. I definately recommend J&G Cycle Wear (bicycleclothing.com)

Scott said...

She's beautiful. I always love seeing romance bloom. May you have many happy years together!

Scott said...

Is that a Brooks saddle on there? I've always been curious to try one, but since my seat is still in working order, I can't justify ponying up for one just yet.

Bikeboy said...

Clancy and Scott... regarding the seat.

It is an "An-Atomica" saddle, made in Wisconsin, USA. (Cute name! I'd never heard of it until I was researching this particular bike.) It came with the bike. I'm VERY happy with it so far. I fully intend to write about my "saddle experience" in the near future, perhaps after I get a couple hundred more miles on it. Stay tuned.

Unknown said...

I have the same bike. I love it. The seat looks a bit strange at first but it does not hurt and that is pretty much my goal!
Looking forward to my 32 day tour this summer.