My new ride

Fuji Finest 2.0 2008

I've been cycling for over 3 years now and after about 1 year of riding I wanted to upgrade my bike.  I really love my Fuji Finest 2.0 and although we have traveled all over the greater bay area together it is time for her to retire.  So as of next week I will be going from this...
to this...

Trek Mondone 5.2

Now the problem with cycling is bikes look pretty similar at first glance, but there should be a world of a difference between these two bikes.   Here is how they compare:


Components: Both bikes are Shimano, but the fuji is all Tiagra except for the rear derailer which is 105.  The trek is all Ultegra which is the second best level of components for Shimano (best being Durace).  I felt I needed a smoother ride and a shorter reach which the mondone offers.

Weight: The obvious way to drop weight is to diet, but an easier way to do it is get a lighter bike.  The weight of a bike really changes your times and makes hard climbs a bit less difficult.  Or at least this is the theory behind it.  With the Trek I am going from a 21.5 pounds to about 16.5 pounds.

The Cassette:  The fuji finest has 3 cassette rings in the front, otherwise known as a triple.  When I first started riding I was greatful for having this extra gear, but as the years have passed I rarely use this "granny" gear.  I decided that I'd like to have a compact double for the Trek Mondone.  Although one day I may regret going with one less gear, but for now this will help decrease the weight of my bike.

Everything else: I picked this bike for a few other reasons too.  Firstly, I can't do white bar tape again, I got so many flat tires that my white bar tape is no longer white.  Secondly, The cables are all wired within the frame which makes it look really clean and stylish.  Lastly, I just love the way it looks!  So if anyone wants to head out for a ride I'm so excited to test out my new wheels!