ever since taking a 50-mile ride on my (aluminum) commuter bike, I’ve been thinking about adding a road bike to the stable – both for speed and comfort. with my 40th coming up in three weeks, it seemed natural to make that this year’s birthday present.

so in the last few weeks, I’ve been to seven LBSes and had basically narrowed my choices down to a Trek Pilot or a Specialized Secteur (aluminum cousin of the carbon-frame Roubaix). I didn’t want to spend much more than $1000-1200 and was looking for “relaxed” geometry since I am not yet very flexible and also a triple chainring for more low gears as I am heavy and thus slow on the hills. couldn’t really make up my mind between the Pilot and Secteur.

luckily, I didn’t have to. earlier this week I found a CL posting for an ’07 Roubaix, in both my size and my price range. seemed too good to be true, so I went to see it this morning and took cash just in case…you never know with used bikes. seller claimed it was his brother-in-law’s bike, which I could believe b/c it was not a good fit for him. what sealed the deal was a five-mile test ride up and down hills, over rocky pavement, and so on. sailed like a dream, so I got it.

the only downside of the Roubaix is that there’s nowhere to mount a traditional rear rack, so I can’t commute on it unless I return to wearing a backpack. but for distance riding that’s not essential anyway, so I’m pretty psyched!

I told my wife this is the last bike I’ll ever need, given that I have a dedicated commuter. might actually be true…