Creative Quilt Girl

New Toys

Aug 13, 2008 Life

There has been a bit of new toy purchasing in our household. First Ross’ new toy: a 15″ Mac Book Pro.

While he didn’t “need” a new laptop, it was a good time to purchase. He was able to get a price break when the law school bought several machines. Now he’s converted to OpenOffice want to know why anybody would shell out money to Microsoft when they get get OpenOffice for free.

My new toy is a bike. Behold my new Trek 7.2 FX:

This purchase has generated a lot of drama in my life. I’m vertically challenged. On a good day I measure 4′10″. Realistically, I’m about closer to 4′9.5″. OK, that might even be pushing my height, and yes that half inch can make the world of difference in life. I needed a small small bike. After doing a ton of research on the web, I decided that a Trek bike would be my best bet. I wanted a decent fitness/hybrid bike. Trek’s website advertises a couple 13″ models.

After visiting a couple of local bike shops, I selected the bike I wanted. Then asked if it could be ordered in a 13″. (I tried the 15″ and the stand over height was just too tall for me.) Sadly the bike couldn’t be ordered. All of the 2008 13″ Trek bikes were sold out and Trek isn’t making a 2009 13″ bike. Oh sadness set in.

Now I had one possible option, a 15″ bike with a step-thru frame. It wasn’t my first choice. I thought it might look a little wimpy. After talking to Ross last night, I realized that I was going to have to make a compromise. I could get the step-thru bike or a mountain bike with slick tires. The 15″ step-thru bike seemed like the logical choice. At least I could still get 700c wheels. Ugh. I hate making compromises.

Today during lunch, I went to Salt Lake Bicycle Co. and test rode the 15″ step-thru bike. I rode around the block a couple of times. I liked it. So I bought it. Yep, just like that. Yea! A new toy.

Now it’s time to accessorize the bike. To start out, I purchased a rear bike rack, fenders, a water bottle cage, a pannier, and a helmet. Right now I only have one of these items, my helmet. Everything is on order. (sigh) This is OK, my bike shop is great. They ordered the bike rack, the fenders, and the water bottle cage. I’m being really picky. I want silver accessories to match my bike. It’s really important that the bike and look good together. The pannier is coming via REI. Now I just have to be patient. I hate being patient. In a week or so my bike will be looking pretty sweet.

Oh, and I making a list of even more accessories that I need. Bikes are meant to be accessorized. I’m definitely converting my gas money into bike accessory money.

One more thing, this bike is the 2009 model. I feels indulgent to own a 2009 model when it’s still 2008. I’d never do this with a car. So I’ll savory this moment.