This is him:
The Specialized Sirrus Expert that Frecklehead is eyeing.
And this is me:
The Raleigh Retroglide that I'm salivating over. Pretty, no?
Surprised?
If you know us, you probably are.
I'm the one who can't sit still. I'm the one who will sprint 10 miles on a whim. I'm the one who's high strung, who's an anxiety sponge, who was nearly booted out of kindergarten for kicking the elementary school principal in the shins when I didn't get to go outside when I demanded. I'm sort of like speed on wheels. Eighteen wheeler wheels. On the freeway. Being driven by that Earnhardt kid.
Not Andrew.
He's cool. Calm. Serious. Mellow. He makes plans for things and then goes about accomplishing them. In order. He's orderly like that. He's a cardioglider. A golfer. A softball with friends kind of guy. In our 'fridge, his beers sit crammed onto the shelf next to my perfectly lined up and facing forward EAS shakes.
He should be the beach cruiser. He should.
But he's not.
He wants to take 20 or 30 mile treks up the coast on one of those toothpick topper seats that I fear will rob him of his manhood. He wants to get those helmets that channel the people of Avatar.
Ride or die, dude.
Pray for me that he doesn't start wearing spandex.
Me?
I want a basket so cute that it makes you vomit. I want to cruise up and down the beach and around the town square slowly enough that my bikini stays in place. I want to hold a coffee in my hand, an Ipod in my pocket, and a peanut on my lap while still steering like a champ. The only piece of gear that I think should grace my noggin is a pair of exceptionally stylish shades.
The problem is, a good chunk of the time that we'll be riding these bad boys, we'll be riding them together. And if he's zipping around in a Maserati, I've got to be able to keep up.
What to do?
Knowing that we couldn't resolve these differences on our own, we did what any married couple does when they're at a breaking point. We sought professional help.
Kailee, the pint-size girl at the bike shop, listened to us argue for about 15 minutes. It was probably the most unexciting 15 minutes of her life. While fights with my former lovers used to include airborne objects and dramatic exits, Andrew and I use such civilized lines as, "Well, I disagree, I think..." and "How about we try this..." Reading the encyclopedia is probably more interesting than our arguments.
Anyway, like a good psychologist, I mean bicycle sales girl, Kailee took stock of all of our needs and wants. Then she recommended this beauty to me:
It's a Raleigh Hybrid model called Coasting. And I fell for her. Hard. Besides being insanely attractive, she has gears and gadgets designed for me to keep up with my very own Mr. Freckled Armstrong. Keep up enough, anyway. Not a bad compromise, eh?
The brown leather seat is just screaming to meet my tushy.
So what do you think? And what kind of wheels are you?
Posts
8 comments:
I think Kailee suggested a bike that's a good fit for you!
I'm this kinda bike:
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51cmw7aSrJL.jpg
I don't care about going fast. I just want to be sturdy. Dual suspension so I can fly off curbs or over bumps. And I think it looks tough. :)
haha, that's so funny! I love the bike recommended for you. I'm a beach cruiser kind of girl and I also want a "basket that is so cute it makes you want to vomit". My husband are both the laid back type but he would definately be on your husbands speed with bikes. He's very competitive (me, not so much) and would need something fast. I really hope your husband also doesn't give in to spandex (really no body should ever be caught wearing it!).
The bike types carry into home decisions. Lee wants to invest in a brand new water heater and things like that while I prefer to use the boring stuff while it's still perfectly functioal, wait until they NEED to replaced and invest instead in the fun stuff. I'd much rather use that money for a backsplash or new countertops. Lee's all function and I'm all aesthetic. I like your bike style!
Flip a coin, Meg. Or arm wrestle. And then when you lose, just say, "But I'm The Wife."
So far I'm on a winning streak using these methods.
I am with you!!! I love that bike! I rode one around like when I was down in Key West and it was great. Meanwhile, the hubby is over there "where do you change gears". Sigh ...
i like the bikes you picked. I remember growing up when my parents replaced my three speed (whichlooked like a beach cruiser) with a ten speed I never liked riding as much. The other one was just so much more comfortable and fun. They still have them both in their garage and I keep thinking about getting them back, but can't see myself riding anytime soon. Have fun!
I want a new bike sooo badly. I like the first one...
I can totally relate to the bike thing! My husband rides 11 miles to work 2-3 days a week (and back). I like going for a cruise now and then on bike trails where I don't have to fight the traffic (scares me to death). He's a bit embarrassed when we ride together but still he does; his is a toothpick topper seat, which he has 2. Mine is comfy girls bike... Love it! Can't remember what kind they are but you get the idea. We are absolute opposites and so it is with bikes! Get the bike you want and enjoy the ride!
Post a Comment