So, following my post in The Welcome Mat (https://www.cyclechat.net/threads/back-after-a-while.176253/#post-3589753), Mr JediGoat and I got back from our weekend away and went to try out our bikes at the local Evans (me a 2014 Cannondale CAAD8, him a 2014 Pinnacle Dolomite Two). It seems that I missed a call while away and the bike they got in for him was still in pieces, so we asked to try any other Pinnacle Dolomite they had in stock.
Then followed much umming and ahhing about pedals for the test ride. I've ridden in SPD's for years, and not been near a toe-clip and strap since the early 90's, so the thought of riding a bike I hadn't paid for in trainers with toe clips and straps was daunting! Isn't it odd that if they'd given me shoes to attach to the pedals I'd have been fine, but putting my foot in a cage was too much. I asked for flats.
Mr JediGoat has not ridden in many a while, and was understandably nervous. I was also nervous as he was testing a £600 bike we were not planning to buy! He bravely announced that toe clips and straps would be fine...I quietly uttered that perhaps he should eliminate as many potential issues as possible and ride flats.
And then, we went for a test ride. Which begins with a walk....quite a walk...away from view of anyone else in the bike shop...then round a corner (just to be sure). After a little two person gear fiddling (twas too high on Mr's)
we set off.
And then we both 'got it'. My first ride on a road bike since my brother's Raleigh in 1983. Mr JediGoat's first bike ride in many a year. We both loved the bikes, felt confident in them. I was amazed (after years of riding a front-suspension MB converted to a commuter) how light and responsive a bike can be.
With the rain drumming down, we took them back. I bought the Cannondale and put it in the boot, and arranged delivery for the Pinnacle for Mr JediGoat.
Since we got home, I have kept purring and stroking my new machine, and he has spend £200 on Wiggle on new lids for us, road shoes and pedals for me, and bits and bobs.
We are both so overexcited, that only bike people would understand.
Thursday is my first chance to go out for a ride, but I may have to wait in to receive Mr JediGoat's bike.
Now there is a dilemma
Then followed much umming and ahhing about pedals for the test ride. I've ridden in SPD's for years, and not been near a toe-clip and strap since the early 90's, so the thought of riding a bike I hadn't paid for in trainers with toe clips and straps was daunting! Isn't it odd that if they'd given me shoes to attach to the pedals I'd have been fine, but putting my foot in a cage was too much. I asked for flats.
Mr JediGoat has not ridden in many a while, and was understandably nervous. I was also nervous as he was testing a £600 bike we were not planning to buy! He bravely announced that toe clips and straps would be fine...I quietly uttered that perhaps he should eliminate as many potential issues as possible and ride flats.
And then, we went for a test ride. Which begins with a walk....quite a walk...away from view of anyone else in the bike shop...then round a corner (just to be sure). After a little two person gear fiddling (twas too high on Mr's)
we set off.
And then we both 'got it'. My first ride on a road bike since my brother's Raleigh in 1983. Mr JediGoat's first bike ride in many a year. We both loved the bikes, felt confident in them. I was amazed (after years of riding a front-suspension MB converted to a commuter) how light and responsive a bike can be.
With the rain drumming down, we took them back. I bought the Cannondale and put it in the boot, and arranged delivery for the Pinnacle for Mr JediGoat.
Since we got home, I have kept purring and stroking my new machine, and he has spend £200 on Wiggle on new lids for us, road shoes and pedals for me, and bits and bobs.
We are both so overexcited, that only bike people would understand.
Thursday is my first chance to go out for a ride, but I may have to wait in to receive Mr JediGoat's bike.
Now there is a dilemma
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I hope you have lots of happy miles together
Love this story, enjoy your new bikes
