So a few months back I was in a mood to look for a rd bike. And I did. As I was not too sure if I wanted one for real or not, I didn't take it too seriously and that's all it was to me - looking. Maybe considered wanting a Merida for a bit but at R5700 for bottom of the range bike (ok ok with some discount R5200) I was not too impressed. A fellow hubber had mentioned he had a bike for me but again as I was not too sure I wanted one I passed on the offer. Buying junk mail a few weeks in a row and I stumbled over this offer.....Size 50, Cannondale, Tiagra components.....Hm a call to the guy later I started putting 2 and 2 together and it equalled IanC's bike again. Ok so some kind of sign maybe. Price was good, components were better than on the new Merida (which has Sora by the way....new Sora but still) and a fellow hubber. Went over and had a look and I would not lie and say it was love at first sight as my MTB but I decided it will do. Some new tape and a new derailleur and it looked something like this A month like that and a few races down the list I am now wanting a "newer" look and the quill stem is basically poking me in the eye. Some questions later and a sale on "cheap" carbon forks made me think that maybe I can solve my vanity problem. A visit to the shop and I felt like an idiot. Can't be done he says. Ok so I am a girl hence your estimation that I know nothing bout bikes, but do I look stupid too? oh....he has a 2nd look after I flipped on the light side. Maybe it can be done after all. Has a look at the stems they got and yes they have a 90mm one like +/- same lenght as mine. I say well that's a problem as the stem besides being the eyesore to me it is also a bit too long and makes me stretch too much. Pls order an 80mm. Decided I'd bring the bike back when they got that part in. In the meantime I sourced a 80mm stem. Went back and I get 2 sales people and another cyclist (sorry but now you know my name and I have no clue bout yours). All 3 of them are basically telling me how I just need to get a new bike. Ok give it back to me then.... Off we go and Sonic (who was kind enough to provide the 80mm stem) says to me he actually has a fork at home and can take the bike with and have a look. Discovery of the day - the ?@*& grrrr morons had left the bolt that goes down the stem off!!!!! Anyway some extreme measures included cutting off the stem as there was no other way (some rust or something down there did not allow us to take the stem off) some TLC by the Joneses and that bike looks completely different Took it for a ride Thurs morning and besides the getting used to standing up again all is great. So fork, headset, stem and new bars that weigh like nothing or nothing for me at least.....not a weight sissy considering my hardtail sits at 13.4kg but it's still nice to know you got fancy things and some carbon on your bike........finally....bored girl2007-11-16 07:39:24
