Ruth, The Wife, has a 15 year old Terry woman's specific bike. A very nice steel bike that weights about 25lbs. In its day it was the cats pajamas. Now that I have been riding, training like a mad man and have a pretty fast machine Ruth has been to intimidated to ride with me. To solve, well not really solve but to begin to solve the problem, we started looking for a new steed that would make Ruth want to ride and would make riding fun.
Ruth had her criteria. The bike had to be fast, "a real rocket", and look cool. (Color was important.) I wanted a good groupo and decent wheels so Ruth would not be fighting the bike as well as the wind. We started with the Trek woman's specific bikes. The Treks were all nice, some fit better and some were prettier.
However, as we shopped for a bike it became apparent that we were looking for different bikes. I wanted something that would make our rides more about riding and less about our abilities. Ruth wanted the feeling of speed and color.
It took a while but I finally got it. I had to listen to Ruth. This was her bike. I had some say but it was still her bike. Once that concept sunk in the process went fast. What did Ruth want, did the store have it in color and size. I then got to put my 2 cents in for parts and bingo-bango Ruth bought a bike. She bought a red, looks more creamsicle to me, Cannondale Lady Synapse.
Moral of the story, listening is not as easy as it sounds. Ha, I bet every husband has learned that a dozen or more times.
Ruth and I will see you on the road.
