WTB....

Just an option...

Bob got his 29er on Nashbar for a good price.  It's a perfectly nice bike.  Might fit more easily in the budget, since it's really a "for fun" bike.

THis is the one he has (although we bought it during a sale for better price, so watch out):

http://www.nashbar.com/bikes/Product_10053_10052_502354_-1___202616

But there are four options:

http://www.nashbar.com/bikes/SubCategory_10053_10052_202616_-1_202326_202341

Another alternative is a new bike from BikesDirect.com. They have some pretty good deals.

Thanks guys.. Bikes Direct was next on my list... I'll check Nashbar too..

P.S.  Megan, you started this..  I remember you commented somewhere about the Chequmagen race and that god gave us gears for a reason or something along those lines...

This means I'll ned help putting together a well worded essay to my wife on why I need a new mountain bike...

Just remember from the cycling rules:

"The minimum number of bikes one should own is three.  The correct number is n+1, where n is the number of bikes currently owned.  This equation may also be rewritten as s-1, where s is the number of bikes owned that would result in separation from your partner."

I like that, I'm also going to go with "It's better to ask for forgiveness than to ask for permission"...

Honestly, she wouldn't know what my bikes look like.  She's seen them, but isn't into bikes.  We bike together a few times with the kids in the summer, and I usually ride my cruiser, or SS mountain bike.  The problem is that she's  a VP for a big Bank, she see's all money coming and going...  Luckily when I had a drinking problem, I got good at doing freelance jobs and cashing the checks for cash..  (Yes I told on myself when I got sober)..  Looks like I'll have to employ that strategy again, then tell on myself again after I get a new ride....

Who needs some new head shots or action shots ???   (I'm a photographer) Cash accepted....

Or the 48hr Rule from Garage Logic

"The 48-Hour Rule or "You Had Your Chance"-This rule was established on March 5, 2002 and is as follows: As a reward for a fellow sneaking new and inexpensive cylinders into the Crisis Center and also escaping any female wrath that might accrue from said purchase, the fellow may make up any story he wishes after 48 hours regarding the acquisition. In other words, she gets 48 hours to notice the purchase and complain. If she misses her window, you are home free. "This old thing," you might say, when, after a week, she finally does notice, "that thing has been here since July.""

The rule was made for cars and such, but can work for bikes.  I've found she never noticed new golf clubs when hidden in plain sight-right in the golf bag.

Steve,

Do you know of any road bikes for sale in town? 

This is coming up next weekend. You might find some goodies...

http://www.twincitiesbikeswap.com/

I love my 29ner I picked it up late last summer on a clearance and was surprised in the difference.

Keep looking on CL, more and more pop up when the weather gets warm.

Also check out MORCMTB.org  sweet site, they have classifieds, also very good resource for letting you know where the trails are and if they are open (not to wet to ride in the spring.)

I also live in Minnetonka, your probably be looking at Theo Wirth as the closest trail, but do yourself a favor and hit up Elm Creek, I struggle to get on my road bike after riding up there last summer, its a total blast!

There is a series of races, called Minnesota Mountian bike series, might have some good races to get ready for your race!  I am doing a few of them.  There is also races at buck hill each week for good practice.