Got Bikes?

In the last 3 months Jared has bought 9 bikes. Yes. 9 bikes. Our garage looks like a bike shop. (Remember, we already owned 6 bikes before his buying spree started.) Why, you are probably asking yourself, did Jared buy 9 bikes? Well, let me tell you. It's all Craig's fault. He challenged Jared and several other friends to participate in a sprint triathlon. And if you know Jared, you know his mountain bike is not good enough for a road race. He needs a road bike. (This means I need a road bike too because apparently Jared is unable to train unless I train with him. :P) Anyway, Jared began scouring Craig's List for used road bikes. And here's what happened*:


He first came across a bike for me. Although it seemed just fine to me, Jared was convinced it was about 2 cm too small.




Then he found a bike for Madison. She really did need a bigger bike, and Jordan was able to start using Madison's old one.


Of course he couldn't pass up a great deal on this bike for Jackson. We were going to save it for his birthday until Jordan saw it and it wasn't a secret any more.

Then Jared found a bike for him. It was really too big for him, but it was a good price and he figured if he didn't end up using it maybe one of his friends would.

Next he found this bike. It's Jared's size. But it's a touring bike, not a road bike. (Apparently there is a difference. I'm not sure what. But you know Jared, he wants the "proper" equipment.)


Jared couldn't turn this bike down. It was such a good deal. It's actually a mountain bike with slick wheels. In fact, it's basically the same mountain bike he already owns ... and loves. He said he was going to sell it for a profit, but he may have changed his mind. A mountain bike and a road bike just isn't enough. Occasionally you might want a mountain bike with road bike wheels. Of course.
This bike he found at a thrift store. It's too big for him. But while he was looking at it, two different people told him they wanted it if he didn't buy it. So of course he bought it. After posting pictures of it on some bike forums, he has discovered that some of the parts are Italian and worth some money. He's going to sell it for a profit right after his friend is done borrowing it for the sprint triathlon.


Then he found a slightly bigger bike for me. It's a keeper. So he says.









And finally, the right size bike for him. It's also a keeper. So he says.





Jared has promised me he is done buying bikes. He says he even deleted all of his bookmarks that are bike related . . .

At least until he starts selling all of these extra bikes we have laying around.

Hopefully he makes enough profit on the ones he sells to pay for the majority of the ones he keeps.

And I must say, you really should have a road bike if you are going to participate in a road race. A mountain bike really will not do. It's amazing how much easier it is to ride a road bike. Jared was right. (Just don't let him know that. :)

*Jared has bought so many bikes neither he nor I can remember the exact order of the bike purchases.