Ah, perhaps that's it.  I always select the "Send Money" option.

Did you look into the IP-256SL?  The price difference is not much.  Personally, I like the looks of the 256 a bit more as well ( looks more svelte/light/quick to me). I would think it would raise you up much more than 100-200 dollars.  And since you said it's already going to be expensive.

Either way, I think pin striping will be awesome. I was going to do that, but the local guy who is incredible wanted between $500 & $1000 to put some paint on the frame and them pin it!  He's good, but this bike isn't worth that!

I do a few different types of riding:

Mountain Bike - Purely XC.  Mainly I do faster, non-technical trails. I do a lot of distance riding, generally 20-30 miles on a normal outing.  Sometimes 50+ miles.  My longest ride on the MTB has been 62 miles.  I'm out in AZ, so it's usually sunny, dusty, and dry trails.  I do a couple of group night rides every month as well which are super exciting.

I've done a few races over the past year and have a few more planned for the next 9 months including a 104 mile endurance race (Barn Burner in Flagstaff, AZ), a 12 hour team race (Dawn to Dusk in Phoenix, AZ), and a 24-hour team race (24 hours in Old Pueblo in Tucson, AZ).

Road Bike - Casual riding, but I have done some racing and charity rides.  I typically ride either shorter 10-15 mile rides with the wife, or 35-60 miles solo rides.  My longest ride has been 96 miles. 

I have a race/charity century this coming weekend!

Spinning/Stationary Bike - I do spin classes at the local gym 1-3 times a week.  They kick my butt, but have been the single best thing for my fitness and strength.  The gains in my climbing and endurance has been huge.  I highly recommend it.  I also have a set of rollers that I've used a few times, but not much since I started spinning.


Out of all this riding, the MTB is my favorite  And the road biking and spin classes have been all for the purpose of improving my MTB game.  Mostly for this 104 mile race coming up in September.  I didn't complete it last year (2 of 4 laps, 52 miles) for a variety of reasons.  I hope to do much better this year.  I'd be ecstatic to complete it so I'm working hard.    And building a capable bike! 

first time I've ever won anything on the internet, if you don't count those Nigerian lotteries. 

...I guess that means I need to build another bike

 

I like where your head's at.

Congrats!

Excellent showmanship with the banner, YouTube video and spinning wheel.  May I ask who the beautiful lady was and does she grace us with her prescence on this forum?    If it's your daughter, forget I said anything!


EDIT:  I just rewatched the video in HD.  I was so close to winning!

A friend linked me to these YouTube films.  Enjoy.

How To Be A Road Biker:


How To Be A Mountain Biker:

I received shipping notification for all of the components and one frame from Peter on Monday!  The other two frames are being painted this week and will then be shipped out.

We contacted Peter to ask about spare drop-out/hangar sets and the chain-suck guard.  We realized we overlooked these parts and will try to get them shipped out with the remaining two frames.

Next step is to start ordering the other parts.  I'm excited.  And nervous!

That is not something I had ever considered...

I wonder if I could test this; I still have the ties sitting in the garage.  And extra sealant on hand.