Tuesday, September 30, 2008

Why do I care??

The novelty of my crash has now worn off and it's time to seriously determine what to do about the damage to my bike. I did a 50+mi ride this weekend and noticed quite a bit of wobbling in the front tire/bars/fork area. Undoubtedly, this is b/c I was riding on a bent fork.

To fork or not to fork? That is the question...

Here are my options:

1) TSD has an AWESOME used fork that is way more than I'd ever buy new and is willing to let it go for a good deal.

2) Ride my bike as is and hope I don't wreck as a result of the wobbling

3) Buy a new fork.


Here are the problems w/ each option:

1) TSD's fork won't look very good on my bike as it's red and black. TSD suggested having DH apply some vinyl of some sort that matches my bike. DH says he probably wouldn't be able to match the "pistacio pearl" and that it'd eventually just come off and need to be redone all over again.

2) Do I really need to explain the problem w/ this one???

3) I can replace the one I have for about $220.00. It has a reputation for being a good stiff fork and while it wouldn't match either - it'd be closer (it's solid black/carbon) than the one TSD is offering - but not nearly as good quality. There are others that I've looked into - the Reynolds Ouzo Pro Carbon looks nice but it runs upwards what the new version of TSD's fork would cost...


So what is the biggest issue - asthetics or finances? Dh would definitely say finances but I lean towards asthetics... I love my bike, I love to ride and I can see keeping it around for a long time. This being said - I don't want to skimp on something so important. I'd rather spend what I want to get what I want and be happy with the purchase I make. Nothing is going to be as pleasing to the eye as the current fork as it's painted to match the frame.
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But I'm not worried about how it looks THAT much....
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(If you thought I was serious...you don't know me well...)


Soooooo.....I stumbled across this.....you know, b/c I was worried about asthetics. Is this amazing or what? Look at the finished product....I wonder if dh could re-paint my whole bike???

Where do you find men who paint bikes for their wives?


Thoughts? Comments? Fork suggestions? Leave a comment...

5 comments:

  1. I would call Jamis and see what they say. Or have the bike shop where bought the bike at call them. If they have a good relationship with Jamis, it could save you some money.

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  2. You could get the used one from TSD and paint it solid black. You can always find Jamis stickers on e-bay for cheap.

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  3. I found another option too...rider in my club has a nice fork that he's willing to let go of to get it out of his garage...

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  4. hey tell me about that bike you mentioned last night...

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  5. Well? Don't stay too long off the bike. You were doing really well.

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