Nibbs XXXVI (Page 23)

The company I work for has issues.  My first december paycheck never showed...don't know why.  I contacted them and they put a stop payment on it and will have it reissued.  Okay, that works.

Until...they decide to put a stop payment on the second half of December as well and then pay them both with one check.

WTH?  I have a message to call them this morning and the 'good news' is that I get to void the check that arrived this afternoon (the first paycheck in more than a month) and wait more than a week for them to reprocess the payments.

Um...what am I suppose to live on in the mean time???

Fortunately I remembered to check in admin at school to see if there was any money left over from my grants.  There is, and it will be paying my rent, insurance, medical bills, gas, and food.  I guess that I am a lucky duck.

That really sucks! Ugh! I'd be furious. Isn't there something illegal about that?

Glad your grant extra worked out! Phew!

Well I know mroe about SOME brands than others... and i have my own personal preferences of course... whats up?

Night Beth!

Well, over and over you hear "fit and comfort." For those and other reasons, I'm purchasing a road bike instead of a tri bike. I've tried several road bikes and I've been happiest with the feel, handling and comfort of the Cannondale CAAD9. I've also talked to several competitive cyclists who put a lot of miles in on their CAADs ('08 and '09) and have been really happy with them. I've read many good things about them on reviews and cycling forums.

This is weighed against Rick's (Daremo) advice, who I also trust a great deal and have become close to on the forums/inspires (and has longstanding experience in the cycling industry). He thinks Cannondales are POS and crumple if you breathe on them wrong.

So, I'm torn. Have any thoughts?

You sure you don't live in Utah? Salt Lake has been under the same thick blanket of yuck. Minus the humidity. The kids aren't even allowed to go outside for recess until a storm can blow its way in and clear out the air for us. Blech! 

Ok here is what I know/understand....

1 - Cannondale have had some trouble in the past but I believe in the last couple of years in particular they have really lifted their game and have been getting favourable reviews all around

2 - Fit/comfort is the MOST important thing. If you like the bike, and it is the most comfortable for YOU then that should be your primary priority...

3 - I consider Rick an amazing resource for cycling information - especially related to training - if he posts something in Tri Talk I will read it... in fact if I had the chance to befriend him/get him as a coach I would jump at it but has he owned or ridden regularly a 08/09 cannondale?

4 - Find out what the warranty is on the bike if you purchase it: Most brands offer something like 12-24 months on components and 24+++ on the frames... if you have a good warranty you are covered

5 - Take the advice of people who have actually owned and ridden the bike over someone who has not. Ask them if there is anything they would change about the bike (any minor upgrades you can negotiate at the initial purchase usually much cheaper than after the fact) and whether they would still have bought that bike if they were purchasing now at the same price point

6 - Do you love the bike? Will you want to ride it? Does it make you happy?

Does this help?  

Hiya!!!!

Hi Amy! How wonderful to see you!

Yes, Kitty Cat, those are wonderful bits of advice and things to think and ask about! Thank you so much!

The bike I'm thinking about has a limited lifetime warranty on the frame (comparable to the same limits that other manufacturers place when their warranty is only ~2 years) ... I will go back to the riders I've talked to and ask what they would change or what they might do differently if buying a bike NOW in the same range.

Brilliant Yanti - sounds like you are 100% on the right track in making your purchase... I cannot wait to go bike shopping around the middle of the year!!!! I will have to remember my own good advice then!!!

I don't, as a matter of fact. As far as I'm aware he hasn't set up a formal coaching business (yet) ... just gathering the accreditations.

hmmm I would SO use him if I decided to go the cycling angle.. if he would have me of course... not that I know him well enough to ask... but I think he is an accredited cycle coach...

Id use him without the accredation... I just think he would be an excellent resource...

Hmmm.... definne *use*.....

Hey, the system decided that I am here after all.

Rick has the hottest calves on BT.

He'd probably take you on. He has both USAC and USATF coaching certifications.

I love the Buck quote in your siggie.