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Its very tempting to trade up at this time of year, end of season
discounts, etc. What is much more important is that you get a bike
that fits you, even if it doesn't mean a move up in component or
frame quality. See other notes re fitkit etc.
Centuries are the game of September (it seems), just about every
recreational bike club does its century ride this month, so if you
havn't prepared for it I'd say its a bit late to go from 10 mile
spins around the neighborhood to a century this year. If you send
me your mail stop I'll send you a little booklet that I have on
getting ready (self and bike) for your first one.
Reg
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| I would not upgrade the FUJI unless there were some single component on it that
was a source of discontent. It never hurts to have a "second bike" in the
stable even though it may not get used too often. (I have 4 or 5 "second
bikes," don't get carried away though. One of them is now reserved for
non-rainy Sunday rides, another for December to March anytime anyplace.)
I know nothing about the particular models you cite, but a rule of thumb is
that for comparable quality, the Japanese performance bikes in the $400-600
range are better than the European, at $600 the Europeans start to become
competitive again -- but by using Japanese components -- until they become a
little more pricey ($800 or $900) and start using quality European parts.
So, to judge the difference, rotate the pedals, flex the brake arms, look
closely at the cranks and chainwheels, spin the wheels.
If the pedals feel like they have pebbles for bearings or are loose on their
axles, I downgrade them. If the brake arms -- the part with the pads attached,
not the levers -- seem to flex, I look at competitive machines.
Take them out for a test ride, most dealers will let you if you seem serious.
Then, you should consider the type of riding that you do for the appropriate
type of machine and gear ratio. You seem to do "Sport touring" / "fast riding"
so my guess is that you're looking at the right stuff.
Another consideration: October and March are the best times to buy, because
the bike shops don't have a lot of business. For what you are interested in,
I would look during the next 4 weeks. March is good for the lower end stuff
that is being sold off as last years inventory.
As for trying a century, if you haven't ridden anything in the range of 50
miles in a day yet, I would suggest that a hundred is out of the question
for this year, if you have, just gear it down about 1 mph and go for it.
There's an article in Bicycling about training for your first/fastest
Century but by the time you followed their recommendation, it would be a
frostbite ride.
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| With respect to the bike, have to wonder if you should do more riding
and longer rides to learn more about yourself, the sport and bikes
first hand before considering moving up. Most biking ability is
in the biker, not in the bike.
Charles River Wheelmen have rides every Sunday, often in your area.
Suggest you try some club riding. They have centuries too (including
this Sunday, and shorter rides also). But agree with Fred - sounds
like your just trying to move too fast all around.
I live in Lexington. Would be happy to talk to you. Can also give
you more info on CRW. Just let me know (Vaxmail).
Mike
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