Sadness disguised as a receipt

"Damn. I knew I should have done it sooner. "

This was the exact thought that ran through my mind when I received a call from the LBS that the order that I had placed for a Giant Defy Advanced 1 couldn't be completed.

Me:"Seriously?"

Bike shop Guy:"Yeah, there's 5, size small, between the East and West coasts. All spoken for."

"I can get you on a Roubaix Expert or Madone."

Me:"I'll be in on Sunday to test ride those two. Thanks"

The fact of the matter is that I wasn't going to go test ride anything. I had made up my mind that this was the bike that I had wanted for the past year and a half. After all, my road bike and two mountain bike were all Giant. Not that I'm a one brand kind of guy. Not that these other bikes aren't great bikes. But the Defy had gotten great reviews, looked great, and in general delivered on Giant's reputation of offering a terrific bang for your buck.

At roughly $3500 including taxes, bang for your buck is a relative term when talking about a bicycle. But you can hardly argue the specs. Full Ultegra 6700, Mavic Ksyrium elite hoops, and that gorgeous full carbon frame. The reviews had confirmed it over and over.

And to Giant's credit, they tried very hard to get me on a bike. I could get a frameset and swap out my current Ultegra 6600 out onto the frame. Too bad I'm looking to go from a triple on my current ride to a double on the new ride. They were willing to knock quite a bit off of the Defy 0. This was very tempting, but not realistic.

I ride enough to justify a nice mid-level bike. No more and no less. I know you're thinking that $3500 doesn't sound like a mid level bike, but if you shop around enough, you'll see what I mean. The Defy 0 goes for about $5800 with taxes. 6 grand. 6 Large.

That's a lot of lattes. And while I can afford it (and am truly lucky to have that luxury), I'd like to consider myself somewhat practical. I am what most serious bikers call a "lard ass". At right around 200lbs, I do not have a resting heart rate of 48. Shaving ounces does nothing for me. I do ride over 100 miles on a weekend all summer long, weather permitting. I also do 6-8 centuries a year. Along with some other reasons too boring to get into, this would have been a perfect ride.

If I could get one.

The moral of this cautionary tale? Don't wait.

Whether it's buying a bike or anything that you want to do, do it today, because the opportunity might not present itself again for a while.

Gratitude

Yes, it's really been that long. I've been traveling quite a bit for work...18 months on a weekly basis to be exact. And while this hasn't really allowed me time to ride as much, I have had some time to reflect. Given the general state of affairs in the world today, I am grateful. What am I grateful for? I'm grateful for my bike. I know that seems like a trivial thing to say. But I'm grateful that something that I love to do as much as I love riding a bike allows me to make an impact in the world.
If you go to my website, sethmillman.com you can see information for two charities. While these are the two charities that I choose to support, there are many rides that support fantastic causes. The gratitude doesn't necessarily comes from a particular charity, it comes from the ride and the charity. There is something special about being with a group of people, together, doing something you love for a good cause, and leaving it all out on the road.
So while there is enough bad news these day to make even the sunniest of dispositions consider Prozac, I wake up every day and look at the weather. Every degree closer it gets to riding weather makes me that much happier. It doesn't matter how bad work is on a particular day, or how bad the news is, we're another day closer to ride season. And for that, I am truly grateful.

Kurt Kinetic

I set up my trainer lasdt week ant took it for a spin, pun definitely intended. Maybe I'm not used to trainers, but it seems like the claim of "realistic road feel" is bull$..t. That being said, the resistance was super consistant and did give a good workout. It came with a good beginners DVD and while I think that trainers can't compare to getting out and riding, I'm pretty happy. Set-up was a breeze, and other than the hideous shade of green, it's nice and sleek looking. It's also got a solid base. I have little experience with trainers, so my mechanics need work, but even with my fat ass wobbling around, the bike, the base, and the trainer were rock solid. Overall I'd give it a B. I'm really only taking points off for the crappy color and the fact that it doesn't feel like riding a bike on pavement. Like I said, I haven't ridden other trainers (but I did stay at a Holiday Inn Express last night), but given the research that I did I am very happy with it.

Finally my review

This summer, my bike seemed to suffer more mechanical issues than ever before. The cranks stripped out...in the middle of a ride. I'm sure TruVativ makes good products, most likely it was carelessness on a tune-up. So after having to call my girlfriend to come and get me, I invested in the trusty Shimano Ultegra numbers. After a trip to the LBS to get them installed (I can be a neanderthal with tools sometimes), I'm happy to say that these are "tons" better than the TV "Rolleur" model that they replaced. They're a ton stiffer, a bit lighter (I'm too fat for that to matter as much as the stiffness), and a bunch sexier looking. I'm also much happier with the BB and how much more easily they spin. Again, the TV's BB was just not as nice, but still perfectly adequate for the 4000-5000 miles they saw. That, in conjunction with the ultegra wheel set, an upgrade from the Giant's stock Xero set, made a big difference in the quality of the ride. The hoops were a lot lighter, stiffer (again I'm a big guy so I like sturdy stuff), and smoother rolling than the Xero models they replaced. I love them. I'll ride all of this through the winter, at which time it will get donated to my girlfriend as a starter bike. I just got my new trainer (Kurt Kinetic), so I'll review that as soon as I get enough time in on it. In the meantime, my goal for the winter is to pedal enough of my a$$ off to make purchasing a new Giant Defy Advanced a legitimate purchase. If I'm ever that 300lb guy jammed into sausage casing (I mean spandex)riding a 5k+ bike, someone do me a favor and put me out of my misery.

Boy, I really need to get it together...

It's been quite a few weeks since I've posted anything. And I mean anything. I promised I'd review my wheels and cranks, but I got caught up drooling over the new Giant Defy. This is basically the new for 09 version of my beloved OCR composite that I've been beating on for three years. So now that I have a new two-wheeled object of lust in my life, what's next? Will I dump my still relatively sexy ride for a newer, younger model? Probably. Don't get upset, at least I'm honest. And the truth of the matter is this: My current sweetheart will probably stay in the family as a beginner bike for my girlfriend (that I'm desperately trying to get into riding). I know it's not a dignified fate for such a nice bike, but I can't just let her go. Besides, me and my girlfriend are both short enough to where the bike actually fits us both. As for the Defy, check my new mistress and the rest of the 09 line out here (she's only my mistress until I buy her, probably in the spring...she's not cheap you know).

Blah Blah Blah

I know it's not substatial, but here are some more reactions, these better than the others.

Lance, Lance, Lance

Oh the cycling world is abuzz.....Sort of. If you count the confusing and sometimes ambivalent statements made by the other riders as any type of indicator, LA's reception will be lukewarm at best. But I'd like to be fair and reserve judgment until things get rolling so to speak.Here's one article from Bicycling.com regarding his suspected motives. Personally I could care less about his motives, I think it'll be fun to watch. Either a once in a lifetime feel good story or a slow motion trainwreck. Both are entertaining in their own way, although I'm hoping for the former as a fan of his.

OK, OK

Yeah I know I'm late to talk about it...Lance is going to race again. I got this from the LAF:


Dear XXXXXXX,
We wanted you to be the first to know – it's true.
There are times in life when the game changes, when you look at the world differently and you know you must do what's right.
So, once again, Lance is changing the game. Today, it's still not about the bike. It's about people, their families and friends fighting the greatest fight of their lives – both in the U.S. and around the world. It's about straight and open talk about cancer, breaking the silence and eliminating the stigma and discrimination survivors experience. It's about a moral obligation to fight this disease no matter who or where it strikes with everything we've got.
The LIVESTRONG Army's commitment and dedication has started a movement to change cancer policy, research funding and access to care – a fight we must all commit to continue. We cannot stop now. We must increase our efforts and work to make cancer not only a national priority, but a global priority as well. Together, we can help inspire and empower the millions of people affected by cancer worldwide.
Now more than ever, we need you to join us. Whether you make a gift, join the LIVESTRONG Army or consider the presidential candidates' cancer plans before you vote, you will make an important impact on the future of cancer.
Read the official statement or watch a video message to the LIVESTRONG Army from Lance in his own words.
Thank you for all you do to support our efforts.
LIVESTRONG,

Doug Ulman
LAF President and CEO

Personally I'm excited. Can he do it? Who knows? But I'll bet it'll be fun to watch no matter what the outcome is. He has been keeping in good shape based on his performance at the Leadville 100 not too long ago, so I guess he can hop back into training for the TDF. I am being a tad forgetful, but I thought that I read that he was going to do several rides with Astana.

Ughhh...

I just wanted to get a post out there....I'm traveling for work and it really is a big box of Suck. I like the job. Honest! But the actual travel is, to be quite frank, miserable. I might consider poking my eyeballs out with a semi-soft object like a toothpick. It would be more fun that flying every week. Between that and the lack of riding, I'm starting to go crazy. Maybe it was watching the DNC for the past few nights in a dimly lit hotel that did it.I'm not really sure, but I can't wait for the fall rides. Honestly, this is my favorite time of year to ride. When I get home, I just bought a new Ultegra wheel-set and crank set that I will review.

Yeah, I know I'm late

But I got caught up in work related travel. Click here to read about LA's finish in the Leadville 100. What a brutal race. It's certainly not what road bikers are used to.

Bike Rage

Is there really such a thing? I certainly feel like it when a car cuts me off on a ride. To add insult to (near)injury, as they drive past, I can see someone who doesn't look old enough to drive. To say that they looked like a reject from MTV's "Super Sweet 16" is beink kind. As she was texting furiously to her pals, I felt like screaming. It's not like it would have helped. I doubt she would have picked up her head long enough to see who was yelling.
At first, I thought it was my chosen route, since I pass at least 4 schools. But then I noticed that adults are doing it too(isn't everyone doing it?). Nevermind that NY is a hands free state...What bizarre universe do we live in where adults drive around sending text messages like a bunch of teens hopped up on a sugar high? Apparently this is an issue in a lot of places, click here to see an article in the Christian Science Monitor about the increasing number of states considering a ban on driving and texting.

Lance to race again

I came in from my ride this morning and went through the typical routine of cleaning the bike, showering, and eating breakfast. While chowing down on my Raisin Bran Crunch (who doesn't love RBC?) and going through the news, I saw this article about LA racing again. It's interesting for a few reasons. Mainly that a) he's in a competitive setting again b) that Floyd got smacked around last year at this race and c) the comments. It sounds like a hell of a race. My big butt wouldn't make it, that's for sure.
There were some pretty funny comments. They highlighted some people's latent racism, lack of education (or inability to spell check, you decide), or people's desire to pull someone down to their level. Everyone has an opinion on whether or not Lance Armstrong doped or not. Each year at the TDF, as another lead rider or team drops out for failing a doping test or even allegations of doping, it's becoming harder and harder not to become cynical. "Everyone does it, so LA must have", you say? I find it harder to believe that one of the most tested athletes on the planet (as well as one of the most polarizing depending on your opinion) managed to cheat all of the tests. "What about Marion Jones?" I get that argument. She beat the tests using HGH or "The Clear", or whatever you want to call it. But for chronic HGH users (bodybuilders, Bonds, Jones, etc) you can SEE the change. The eyes spreading until they start to look like a fish, increasing shoe size, and a bigger head. Sustained HGH use would be a risky game for a pro cyclist. It would come with the potential for a constantly changing riding position due to your changing bone structure, in addition to added weight. These are all taboo for pro riders.
Anyway, until some magic test proves otherwise, LA admits it himself, or some other freak occurrence changes things, I'm assuming he's a clean athlete. If the cleats were on your feet, wouldn't you want the same? Anyway, I'm going to get off my soap box now and get some coffee. See you soon;-)

Day Two

Alrighty then. We're on day two of getting this thing up and rolling You would think it was a snap for me since I work in the IT industry, but apparently not. I should have known by this morning's ride that it was going to be a long day. I rolled out at 7:30 for a quick 20 mile blast and it was already creeping up on 80 and humid. When I say "quick" I should probably clarify: "Quick" for me is averaging 15-17 mph (including all required stops for traffic lights etc.). I know it's not that fast...please don't stop visiting my blog. Pretty Please? Truthfully, if I were that fast I'd most likely still be on my bike instead of blogging about it.
I'm starting to ramble and almost forgot the "bad" part of the ride. Why are people in cars so clueless on how to act around bicycles? Click here to read about the rise in incidents between drivers and riders. I can't tell you how many drivers I see texting and talking. Mind you, it's illegal here. I even saw a young girl texting and driving as she drove past a cop on my ride yesterday afternoon. He was directing traffic and she went right by....probably texting about the Jonas Brothers on the Teen Choice awards or some nonsense. Grrr