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My 'New' Bike


The new image of Miguel

This is what Karl gave me for my birthday.

Ok. Not really. I bought the bike in ... 2002. Really? That long ago? That means I am not even exaggerating (that much) when I tell people it is like 10 years old.

I have loved that bike although it never really fit. I just saved my money, walked into the bike shop one day, saw this bike, and bought it. Not a good idea. Now I know better. Now I have a custom-built frame that actually fits! Big difference!

I have still been using Miguel quite a bit. (All my bikes are named Miguel, after the great Miguel Indurain. My childhood hero. (After googling Indurain and watching a tribute to him, I will have to say that he still is my hero. (Have I told you before that on family rides as a kid we would all be Tour de France riders and I was always Indurain? Well, now you know.))) Where was I? Anyway... I was getting tired of the bike set up and the really annoying huge aero bars and have been wanting to turn the bike into a road bike for a long time.

I have never owned a road bike. My first bike in 1996 was already a triathlon bike. There has just never been enough money to buy one of each. So, to make a long story (somewhat) short, Karl was going to turn the Giant TCR into a road bike! New handle bars, new stem, new brake levers, etc. He spent a lot of time finding great deals for all the parts and then did all the work himself!

I think it turned out perfect! I really like it! Thank you, Karl! What a great present!

I had ridden it on the trainer a few times, and today I took it out for its first official ride: 43 degrees Fahrenheit. Wet and cloudy. 65 miles. 20 miles average speed. Feeling good. It passed the test. I think I am going to be riding it quite a bit this off-season.

Now I am just missing a nice mountain bike and a cyclocross bike... Oh, and a cruiser would be fun, too.





Comments

kar jar said…
You're welcome. And just so everyone knows, we are accepting donations of additional bikes, accompanied by a stable to put them in.
October 23, 2010
wilson4 said…
Yeah!!! That looks so great! I'm thrilled for you. So fun to have one of each. Can't wait to ride with you. Even if we just rode on our trainers to a movie for a ride that would be great too.
October 24, 2010
Barbie said…
That is an awesome looking bike. You deserve it.
October 24, 2010
Leslie said…
Accompanied by a stable....LOL!! It's true though :)

Nice work Karl, and NICE riding Sarah! 20mph avg over 60+ miles - sweet!
October 24, 2010
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