Bought a bike today!

[QuestionableCarro]

I had to decide between a Marin Larkspur and a Trek 7.5 something or other today at the local bike shop.
Tried them both out for a mile near the shop and was pleasantly surprised by both having ridden a downhill mountain bike for the last two years.
The Trek had wonderful comfort and felt very stable between the legs offering great speed thanks to a very light frame. But above all it had a wonderful gearing system (deamo?) which was as smooth as silk and quiet as the proverbial mouse.
The Larkspur was nippy, not to mention very light but aesthically was the best looking bike for me. The gearing system wasnt as regal as its buddy the Trek but overall in terms of comfort (thanks to a nice shock absorbing seat) was the bike that I opted for in the end.

Stuck 100 notes down as a deposit with the promise of a new helmet and wireless comp thrown in for good measure - not bad eh?

Cant wait til' me next pay check!

 

[gavintc]

Good luck carro - so a Trek not bad

 

[QuestionableCarro]

The Trek is great but there seems to be more buzz around Marin and its components.

 

[BIGSESAL]

Tried them both out for a mile near the shop and was pleasantly surprised by both having ridden a downhill mountain bike for the last two years.

I bet that in another two years you will be looking at a road bike.

 

[Randochap]

I bet that in another two years you will be looking at a road bike.

Or maybe not. Not everyone needs or wants a "road bike," assuming you mean a racing-style bicycle.

In fact, most recreational cyclists are content to own a bicycle that is comfortable and utilitarian -- can carry their groceries or office gear, handle a bit of unpaved trail, fit mudguards and wide tyres and allow a more upright position.

It is unfortunate that there are not more options in this area in LBS showrooms and that many bike shop assistants push their interests on customers, rather than listening attentively to customer's needs and making suggestions accordingly.

The bright side is that there are more manufacturers beginning to respond to the need for utiitarian bikes and those shops who miss the boat, I believe, will soon be scrambling to stay in business. Commuting is the growth area for the bicycle industry. High end road bikes are declining as a share of the market.

 

[QuestionableCarro]

Yes, I am quite fortunate where I come from, that there is a shop nearby that sells a great range of gear for the passionate cyclist. My local shop - Cycleology (cracking name) sells mtb, hyrbids, commutes, racers etc and an overwhelming amount of accessories to dazzle and confuse.
I got the impression that hybrid/commute bikes were the in thing with many designs,strong tyres and better seating etc.
I just did 25 miles this afternoon on my downhill bike and I cannot wait to have the Marin Larkspur between my legs hopefully next month. I think going the hybrid route is going to become more and more popular as they are just so practical.

I dont think I can ever see myself bent over a road racing bike and espousing the time that I did 20 miles in just x amount of time etc.

Just my two cents.