My Bike, New and Improved!

My "new" bike!

So the last time I checked in on here, my bike was in the shop with a cracked frame (due to years of hitting Boston potholes!). I cracked my bike frame midway through a ride from my team captain's house just about two months ago. Getting it replaced took longer than I would have liked, but I got the call about a month ago that my bike, with its new frame, was ready. Specialized, the manufacturer of the bike, warranties the frame, but I had to pay for my local bike shop to disassemble and reassemble it (though I did negotiate a hefty discount because I had JUST had the same shop tune it up - and they probably should have caught the hairline crack that led to the frame being totaled!). 

When I saw the clerk bring my bike up from downstairs, I first noticed the color - matte red with glossy red lettering and glossy black stripes on the top tube (see the photo above). Huge difference from my black and white frame! Then I looked closer - it's a Specialized Roubaix SL4 Pro (2014 model year I think). That's quite an upgrade from my 2007 Roubaix Comp frame (which was my second frame, as I cracked my first in 2008!)! The shop accidentally left the price of the frame on the receipt - $2,950. I paid about half of that 8 years ago for my first frame!

So it's quite an upgrade. A damn sexy upgrade if you ask me! Only problem is, now I feel like I need to upgrade the cages (already purchased!), seat, etc.... I'm becoming one of THOSE cyclists that treats his bike like a brand new BMW - but I'm not complaining!

I rode the bike recently, and it was pretty amazing. It's so light an nimble - just what I need to get up the hills along the PMC route! My bike turned a few heads too - I didn't mind the attention! :)

The bike is only half the battle, though. In order to earn the privilege of riding this beautiful bike across the state, I must raise money to fund cancer research. Research that continues to advance the science that is putting an end to cancer. The science that is saving lives, including the life of my team captain, Dave. Please join the fight! The ride is in just over two weeks - make your donation today!