VeloFix to the rescue

Guenther at VeloFix, mobile bike shop

How many years have I complained about the gearing on my Trek Domane? Probably since I first got it in June 2013!

I always think about it in-season, especially as I'm trying to mash up the hills of Vermont in a too-high-gear, but I can never find a break during the summer to leave my bike for any length of time to take care of it. I discussed my issue (several times) with two of the mechanics at FitWerx who kinda/sorta understood what I was looking for, but also told me that I just needed to get stronger... (oh, good grief)... and gave me a rough estimate of $250 (!) to replace the cassette and derailleur.

After my mechanical in August at the Farm to Fork Fondo, I knew I had a bent derailleur hanger and the bike was riding really rough and sluggish. I'd met Guenther Anger from VeloFix Boston a few times this fall and decided to give him a call. VeloFix is a mobile bike shop -- he brings the shop to you! So perfect.

Guenther came to my house and repaired, cleaned, and tuned up the Domane perfectly. He replaced the chain, which was totally shot, and the bar tape that was starting to fray. (Zane replaced it two years ago. It was time.) He also ordered a new cassette for me ($75) and will replace it when it arrives.

When he was done, he went to work on the Kona. I just had it tuned in June so it wasn't in despicable shape, but he did cut down the handlebars for me!!! (Oh that bar is so much more comfortable now. It just reminds me of how much JRA Cycles kinda sucks.)

VeloFix took care of two of my major annoyances and I looovvveeee my bikes again!

Thank you, Guenther!

Searching for a New Ride, Part 4: Nothing is Perfect

And the final installment of Searching for a New Ride...

I've had my new Kona Kahuna for a little over a week now and have been able to get out for a handful of rides. The eventual arrival of my new bike unfortunately coincided with the holidays -- and I've been jammed for time -- but I've managed to get out for a few rides, including a terrific ride on Christmas Day.

The bike, so far, has been great -- although my high regard for JRA Cycles took a plummet upon final delivery. (Sigh. Nothing is perfect.)

Some interesting questions have come up this past week from several friends and teammates --

"Did the bike shop compensate you in any way for the several delays? Six weeks was a long time to wait on a stock bike that you were originally told would take a week -- and then three -- and then ultimately six. You lost a lot of training time." No

"Not even a water bottle? Socks?" Hahaha... no. (But kudos to Fitwerx for their branded water bottle, socks, and the sweet little wedge bag when I bought my Trek Domane -- which arrived without issue.)

"Did they check the fit, make sure you were comfortable on the bike? Adjust the seat height, position or angle? Make sure the stand over clearance was adequate and confirm they ordered the right size for you?" No 

"Show you how to make any adjustments? Explain how to adjust the suspension? Make sure the brake levers were in a comfortable position for you?" No 

"Did they make sure the handlebar height and position was ok? Width ok? (Especially since your road bike needed narrower drop bars because of your narrow shoulders?" Ummmm... No. 

"Have they followed up on the sale, reminded you of the break-in period with a new bike, and suggest you bring it in for complimentary adjustments after 100 miles or so?" No. And I know this is usually standard OP, but they never mentioned it.

"Did they at least suggest you take the bike out for a quick spin before leaving the shop?" Hahaha....

^^ Life with pro cycling friends.

OK, so, that's all something to consider before making JRA Cycles my go-to bike shop.

I love the bike... I loved the initial bike buying experience at JRA Cycles... and I definitely liked Adam and appreciated his time... but I'm really disappointed by the endgame. It feels like JRA Cycles was more interested in completing the sale rather than welcoming me as a new customer.

Fitwerx definitely scores higher marks for customer care and service. I may not love several aspects of my Domane -- it's unfortunate it's never been the right bike for me, though an overhaul of the gearing might help, and I'll talk to Geoff about it in March. When all is said and done, Fitwerx takes pretty good care of me and my road bike when I need them. Marty and Geoff have always been super.

The jury is now out on JRA Cycles.

Kind of a bummer.

Pre-PMC Preparations

Getting ready for PMC 2013

I'm wrapping up a few last minute details before PMC weekend. Today, Geoff over at Fitwerx was super fabulous and gave me my umpteenth lesson on how to change a flat tire, and I think I got it this time! Really! He was so patient with me, and went over every detail... and when it seemed like I was going off course, he'd stop me and show me again -- until I successfully changed yesterday's flat tire. (I'll now be hearing his voice in my head every time I need to fix a flat.) Geoff also fixed the click-click-clicking sound that my bike had been making and driving me nuts since day one. (Finally!) He made my day!

Also on tap for today... making signs for PMC weekend. One of the best parts about being part of a team is the camraderie we share. Donna Cohen is the MASTER at signage, and I can't begin to tell you how great a feeling it is when you're climbing a tough hill and look over and there's a sign on the side of the road just for you. (Thanks, Donna, for the many signs you've made for me over the years!) Donna and I have been busy making signs today. I made one for Shayne too... even though I hate him for yesterday's hill work. (Ha ha...)

TS Andrea Spoils the Party

Oooh, its a bad time to get rain!! I picked up my hot new Trek today and I'm dying to go for a long ride! (Thank you, Geoff and Marty at Fitwerx 2. I looooove it!) As I carried the bike into the house, passing my Allez, I had a flashback to a time when my Bianchi replaced the Motobecane I'd had for a while -- never to be ridden again. Awwwww. Poor Allez.

Tropical Storm Andrea descends on the Eastern Seaboard for the next few days, bringing buckets of rain. Looking at the forecast for the next few days has me a bit irritated. I just want to ride!

Patiently Waiting

I'm getting excited for the arrival and build of my new Trek Domane. (Pronounced doh-MAH-nee or doh-ma-NAY, depending on who you ask.) The frame and components were ordered last week, with Fit Werx 2 building the bike to the specifications from my fitting. I can't wait!

I can't help but think back to 2004 -- and a ride through Essex -- when (then) 16-year-old hotshot Jesse K. teased me by calling the Bianchi I was riding, "vintage".  Oh, that hurt! (I soon after upgraded to the Specialized Allez I've been riding since. Wow, nine years ago?!)

I'll make modifications to the Allez, which since Will's growth spurt, (he now stands eye-to-eye with me), fits him better than it does me. Or, I could hold off making the mods so he can ride the Allez this year, and we'll put the Trek Lexa on a trainer. Either way, I'll soon have three road bikes in the house -- literally in the house -- and Ashley Hill, the N+1 theory, and the benefits of owning multiple bikes suddenly comes to mind.

SpiderOne, Fit Werx, and Tabatas

My video analysis at Fitwerx2

The last few days have been busy! On Monday night, I skipped Christine's conditioning class to join Shayne and SpiderOne Racing for a few loops around Marblehead Neck. It was a terrific night for a ride and despite my weak state, (seriously, jelly-for-muscles), I still managed to keep up. (Unfortunately, I now face the wrath of Christine for skipping her class -- and brutal tabatas on Thursday when she subs for Keli.) Was it worth it? Hell Ya. I had a fun time with the spiders.

Today, I took advantage of my rest day from the bike and had a 3 hour bike fitting at Fit Werx 2 in Peabody. I learned a lot about my riding position and the changes I need to make to improve my ride -- (soften those arms!) -- and I now know why I experience pain in my shoulders and neck. (Thanks, Fit Werx!!) I've picked out a sexy new bike that fit the specifications that Geoff/Fit Werx prescribed and I'm quite excited about it. (Of course, I'll have to survive Christine's tabata class on Thursday if I ever hope to ride that new bike.)