Effing crap! I knew there was a downside to my 'great' ride

[Kaiser]

Got my spoke fixed that broke over the weekend, but noticed that the radial trueness was off in one place. Had the store check it again, and they told me it wasn't a trueing problem, but a flat spot, that you develop when you hit a hard bump sometimes. It's rare in road bikes and more common in mtbs, but since I rode almost 30 miles on a wheel with a busted spoke and since this problem wasn't there before the ride, I did it to myself during the ride.

More money I can't afford to spend because, of course, I have to upgrade to nicer rims now!

Anyway, no purpose to this post; just wanted to rant.

[sarah]

it sux that you flatted your rim. I'm always kindof excited when I break stuff, though. It means I get new stuff (and quality time with my babies). What kind of wheels are you looking at?

[Kaiser]

I would be excited, but really didn't want to spend the cash until next year (like your sig line says 'Live cheap. Play hard.' but sometimes it costs money to play as hard as you want)....oh well.

I was considering everything under the sun, but it came down to the Cane Creek Aeroheads (which were at $250 + shipping from 3 internet sources) and a pair of Bontrager RaceLites at the local shop (which the owner, who always gives me incredible deals, offered at $290). I got the Bontragers since they had the aero spokes and the bike shop would also change out the cassette and mount the tire for me. I'm riding this evening, so I'll let you know if it makes any difference over my crappy stock Performance-brand rims.

[Kaiser]

For any who are iterested: I've ridden on the Bontragers twice...they seem to roll a little faster than my old rims, but not significantly. They don't seem to accelerate as quickly though. Overall, I have picked up my average speed a bit on these two rides, but since so many factors are involved, I can't say it is because of the lighter weight rims.

I do like the cool whisper-fan like whooshing noise that the aero spokes make!