It is done......

“I finally ordered my bike. I decided on this one...the buenos aires. It was a tough decision, but the steel won out over the aluminum. I should get it by next monday. Now I just have to save up enough money for the pedals.”

“Nice bike and good luck with it. I think the steel frame was a good choice. If I had to choose between steel or aluminum, I'd pick steel too.”

“Looks good, you will be glad you got Shimano 105 over the cheap stuff. Just watch out for the rust!”

“Sprocket Heads!”

“What size is the headset on that bike, it looks smaller then 1 1/8?”

“Is that your hat-size?
1 1/8?”

“Something I don't understand here. You have to save up enough money for the pedals??? Why doesn't this bike come with pedals, or why would you spend so much on a bike that does not have pedals rather than buying a less expensive bike (without pedals) and have the dough to buy the pedals. I just don't get things. I must be getting old. Is this an expensive bike? I am guessing yes. Is "Smothering Mom" footing the bill? (pardon my intrusion, I just had to ask.)”

“flyguy...lol....like buying a kayak.....spend a bunch of money, but it comes with no paddle....”

“Good bikes don't come with pedals because serious bikers use SPD clipless pedals, and they usualy have specific ones that clip into your SPD clipless shoes. There are other clipless pedals as well, so it makes no sence for the bike to come with just any old pedals that might not fit your shoes. Some really expensive bikes don't come with anything but a frame and a fork, you buy the rest, it's called customizing and it's for rich peeps!”

“So, why shell out all that dough and not reserve enough for your special little clippy pedals???”

“Nice bike, DM99.

On the standard equipment front, try finding a bike that comes with fenders and lights anymore. Few and far between. I got hooked on "city" bikes when I was in China, bikes that are equipped for daily functional riding to work and general transportation. A few small companies, such as Electra, offer one or two models. But the big manufacturers, such as Trek, often make these bikes only for the European and Asian markets. Cannondale, proud of its USA made frames, only sells one bike with fenders, rack, lights, chain guard, etc. -- their world touring Adventure, for $1,800! The lower price bikes like this they will only sell in Europe.

For riding around town, I just picked up a Schwinn Cruiser Six left over from last year for nearly half off, but I have to order fenders for it from Schwinn for $35. Then the companies wonder why folks don't ride their bikes more often -- like in the rain. Duh. In China, the bikes had fenders and almost every little shop sold cyclist specific ponchos.”

“DeathMarch99-

I've got a spare set of pedals from a used mountain bike I recently bought. I pulled the pedals from the mountain bike I sold and put them on the new one. They're Coda (original Cannondale, I think) SPD compatible and ATB pedals, but they'd do until you saved enough to buy your roadie pedals.

E-mail me if you are interested, I'll ship them to you.”

“thanks ski, but I'm already sold on a set of speedplay x-3's. Flyguy, Tarpie's right.”

“Well, it's the thought that counts. I just thought you might be able to use them until you were able to purchase your dream pedals. There's nothing worse than not being able to use something when you first get it because you need another doo-dad or accessory. Unfortunately, pedals are one of those "must have" items for successful operation of a bicycle.”

“its...its...yellow!”