The Contessa, Finally!

The Contessa is mine! I'm so excited about my new purchase. I still can't believe i actually went through with it. The guys at NYC Velo were awesome. Or as the helpful Ish said, Awesomer. They helped me with everything and didn't try to talk me into things I didn't need. I hadn't thought about how much stuff you have to buy to just go for a ride. I held off on the shoes and the clipless pedals. Andrew, the owner, explained that its best to get used to the bike, the position of my body, shifting gears, the breaks and everything else before i throw the shoes and pedals into the mix. so andrew fit me for the bike with just my sneakers and i rode home. i must have been at the store for a few hours trying everything on and deciding what to get what i can wait on and what i just don't really need. another customer there did the Tri last year with TNT. He's done two since. it was fun to talk to him and get his opinion on everything. i'm so glad R introduced me to this store. at some of the shops i went to, i felt like the guys wouldn't take me seriously because i'm such a cycling virgin and really don't know what i'm talking about. Andrew and Ish were so patient with me. and now i love MY contessa. its small (49 cm) and pretty but not too girlie. i'm still trying to figure out the best place to keep it in my apartment. i wish i could ride it to work, right up the path on the Westside. But i would never lock it up in the garage and i don't think M would ever let us bring bikes into our pristine offices. so i'll ride her on the weekends and maybe even before work if i can get myself out of bed.