It really is mind-boggling that I haven't mentioned it on the blog yet as I've been pining for a new ride for quite some time. I think I didn't say anything about for two reasons:
1) I'm a notoriously fickle shopper and, indeed, ended up changing my mind more than once about what I was getting even though I had been completely sold on whatever previous choice happened to just go out the window. The decision making process could've filled up blog of it's own, and I feel like I'm already yakking it up a ton on this one. I find the whole thing slightly embarassing.
2) My wife would never have read this thing (she still might not be, I'm not sure) if I had devoted any sizable amount of discussion to the new bike, because I talked about it so much in my pre-blog days that she flipped out on me. Justifiably so. Having Jessica read the blog is one of it's unofficial crusades these days, so my lips were zipped on the new addition to the stable.
Right now the stable consists of an over-20 year old, many times handed down Cannondale road bike complete with down-tube shifters and a disgraceful TLC, at least on my part. I can't speak to how my Dad, Uncle Steve, and former Uncle Bart treated her. She did serve well, though. In her honor, before we get to the hot new chick, here's a pic of something similar:
Notice the perfectly 1989 hot pink lettering on top tube. She's served well, and I think that I'd still enjoy the occasional spin on 'er, now and again.
Anyway, I really wanted something that I could not only commute enjoyably on, but also be able to ride on rail-trails and what-not. Something still fairly quick but totally versatile. I'm not sure how I first heard of cyclocross racing and cyclocross bikes, but they really seemed to fit the bill. A road bike that can fit fatter tires and handle even some light, light mountain biking duty? Sign me up. I want to be quick to work and home. I want to go (almost) anywhere. I want to try my hand at some 'cross racing.
I had my heart set on a Surly Cross Check (cool steel bike with a cool image). Moved on to a committed, deposit-down engagement with a closeout 2008 Rocky Mountain Solo CX (solid Canadian 'crosser with the thoughtful addition of disc break tabs). Both cool, solid bikes. But I while waiting on the Rocky I discovered a good deal on this:
and my mind was made up. Behold: the 2010 Kona Jake the Snake Cyclocross bike. Here's a sexier, British, nighttime pic:
Aluminum frame, Shimano 105 10-speed, carbon fork. This bike is demon of a zippy cycle. I'll give a full rundown of it tomorrow with some pics. Hurry up, tomorrow!
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