Getting a Bike!!! (xp)

a guy on my team spearheaded an effort and raised over $600 for me to go buy the road bike I have been dreaming of! My current team, my old team, supervisors I work with now and in my old building and my personal trainer all contributed. I have not stopped grinning. My team came to the staff meeting of supervisors and told me they had heard I was "socking away" for a special purchase, and they "found my sock".... and it was a tube sock with a huge roll of cash. They said it speaks volumes of my "leadership" that so many people jumped at the chance to contribute. My heart is still racing, hands shaking and I am grinning like a mule eating thistle.... and they gave me the gift over an hour ago. Just speechless.

Sooooo this weekend I will be stalking the bike stores and google so that next week when I get paid between that and my gift I can pick up my new bike!!!

A guy at work recommended I look at a Trek, Giant or Specialized road bike? I dont' think I can justify a Tri bike at this time, but those are good ones huh?


edited - the bike I have been using for Tri training is a hybrid mountain bike with a warped front wheel and broken teeth on the smallest gear in the back. Yet another reason to be excited about a new bike!

Those are all great bikes! Congrats, that is an awesome story, Be sure to post pics of the new ride when you bring her home

that is really great, congrats to you!  as a leader myself, you bet that is a huge endorsement in your leadership skills to get that kind of unsolicited gift.  you can't go wrong with the bikes you mentioned.  my first road bike was a specialized, my current road bike is a giant.  best bet is to find a local bike shop that you like and trust, and go with some recommendations from them.

 Awesome sounds like you work with an amazing group of people!.  A roadie bike you won't go wrong with. Don't forget to give Felt bikes a look.  if you progress to longer distance races then you can put some aero bars on and be set.

well I ended up with none of the above... hope it is still a good bike!
Fuji Finest - just above entry level. Carbon fork, aluminum frame, Shimano gears? Not sure what "version" it is (1.0,3.0,etc), it is still at the bike shop. They gave me a computer, water bottle cage, water bottle and helped me with some discounted bike shoes. They are installing the repair bag and other stuff, as well as the pedals I bought that are clip on one side and flat on the other.

SUPER Excited.... but tomorrow I will be on my big fat tire bike again.

 It's  a Fuji Finest 3.0... like this but with pedals that have clip on one side, flat the other; repair kit w/ under saddle bag; computer; water bottle cage / bottle; and shoes.

Congrats! Great looking bike! Training is going to be so much more fun that with that hybrid!!! Good luck and don't forget to get a professional fit

 I know nothing but I think it looks like a beautiful bike!

This is MY bike... forgive the flash on the reflectors - it is dark and stormy outside so I still haven't really been for a ride, just on the trainer in the store!  Crazy being able to carry in groceries in one hand and a bike in the other though!
 And clipping in is going to take some major practice (I have mountain bike shoes with tread, so it is tricky)

 Sweet ride!

Just a note, Take off the reflectors .

Go to any group ride or look at the top of the line bikes and you won't see them.

Now go pedal like ya stole something!