New equipment!

I decided to purchase a new bike for my 100 mile journey.  Olaf is great but really doesn't fit me well.  The Specialized Vita is made for a woman and the distance from my knees to the bars is pretty short.  Matt, my brother-in -law, gave me a new stem to use that was much longer which has helped.  I figure that I really should have a bike that fits if I am going to take this on though.  Also, that bike is like riding in a paint shaker.  IT is all aluminum and very stiff with no vibration dampening or very little compliance.  So last weekend, I took the plunge.

Here's what I wanted.  I planned to purchase an endurance road bike.  I wanted all carbon frame and fork with 105 Shimano (or SRAM equivilant) group set.  I wanted carbon for the soft feel and vibration reduction and the 105 components for smooth shifting and reliability.  By all accounts that would be a great entry level to mid-range bike and serve me well.

I had landed on either the Cannondale Synapse 5 (favorite), Specialized Roubaix, or Trek Domane.  My preference was the Cannondale and I found it new for $1899.00.  I was having a hard time with the price jump from Olaf ($200 used) to $2K for the new bike.  Also, I am a realist.  I may give up on cycling in the near future even though I am pumped about it now.  So I was looking for a good deal, possibly used or other options.  Ultimately, I was ready to pay the $2K if that's what it takes.  Then it happened.

I was at a bike shop in Orlando and they had a barely used Trek Domane 2.0 for just under $1000.  I rode it.  It felt good.  I slept on it and did a little research.  Then I bought it!  The bike is good looking and feels MUCH softer than Olaf.  Also, I am positive that I will be able to ride it 100 miles without upgrading it.  The point is, it's half the cost and will serve the purpose.

Here's what I gave up.  The frame is aluminum but the fork is carbon.  The rims and hubs aren't as expensive as the Cannondale's.  I had to go lower on the group set.  The Domane 2.0 comes with Tiagra.  The cables are externally routed.  Weight.  The carbon bikes weigh less.  Let's face it...carbon bikes look cooler.  Those smooth lines.  Mmmm...next time.

Here's what I got.  An Awesome bike that is very comfortable.  It is an upgrade from the Vita in every conceivable way so it feels great to me.  The Tiagra components shift fine.  Again, much smoother than Olaf.  Who cares about the weight.  I would be better served losing human weight rather than bike weight.  I am very happy with the purchase.
  
I will be purchasing my first shoes, and clipless pedals.  All should arrive on Monday.  Maybe I will do an unboxing video or something.  Once I get a few miles on the new bike I will post a "shake down cruise" and bike review.  Also, have to unveil the new bike's name!