Yep, I got a new bike. It's a Devinci Destination; I'm calling it Nelly.

We took it out for a short ride yesterday to try everything out. I'm still getting used to the low handlebars and different riding position; but I really like being able to move my arms around a bit. Apparently I can now really giv'er on the flat parts... Matt said I was going over 30 km/h at some points yesterday. I suppose the extra gears really helped that. I'm still getting used to the STI shifters; I can never remember which one makes it harder and which one makes it easier. This is especially bad when you wait until the last minute to shift right before a small but rather steep hill. In fact, it can cause you to fall off your bike (especially if the seat is high enough you can't reach the ground). So yeah, I need lots of practice. It's a damn good thing that I didn't try the clipless pedals on the same day (no shoes yet).

So, despite the need to re-learn how to ride a bike (when did my balance get so terrible?) I love my new bike. Nelly is SO light. I can carry her up to the apartment. But not, as I discovered yesterday, on my shoulder. This would be the ideal way to carry a bike, as it affords you more clearance on the stairs, but Devinci frames have an inverted teardrop shape on the upper bar that makes it rather pointy and painful for your shoulder. Still, I can go further, faster, and be less tired than before. Yay!