The new image of Miguel
This is what Karl gave me for my birthday.
Ok. Not really. I bought the bike in … 2002. Really? That long ago? That means I am not even exaggerating (that much) when I tell people it is like 10 years old.
I have loved that bike although it never really fit. I just saved my money, walked into the bike shop one day, saw this bike, and bought it. Not a good idea. Now I know better. Now I have a custom-built frame that actually fits! Big difference!
I have still been using Miguel quite a bit. (All my bikes are named Miguel, after the great Miguel Indurain. My childhood hero. (After googling Indurain and watching a tribute to him, I will have to say that he still is my hero. (Have I told you before that on family rides as a kid we would all be Tour de France riders and I was always Indurain? Well, now you know.))) Where was I? Anyway… I was getting tired of the bike set up and the really annoying huge aero bars and have been wanting to turn the bike into a road bike for a long time.
I have never owned a road bike. My first bike in 1996 was already a triathlon bike. There has just never been enough money to buy one of each. So, to make a long story (somewhat) short, Karl was going to turn the Giant TCR into a road bike! New handle bars, new stem, new brake levers, etc. He spent a lot of time finding great deals for all the parts and then did all the work himself!
I think it turned out perfect! I really like it! Thank you, Karl! What a great present!
I had ridden it on the trainer a few times, and today I took it out for its first official ride: 43 degrees Fahrenheit. Wet and cloudy. 65 miles. 20 miles average speed. Feeling good. It passed the test. I think I am going to be riding it quite a bit this off-season.
Now I am just missing a nice mountain bike and a cyclocross bike… Oh, and a cruiser would be fun, too.
SBJ Adventures 
You're welcome. And just so everyone knows, we are accepting donations of additional bikes, accompanied by a stable to put them in.
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Yeah!!! That looks so great! I'm thrilled for you. So fun to have one of each. Can't wait to ride with you. Even if we just rode on our trainers to a movie for a ride that would be great too.
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That is an awesome looking bike. You deserve it.
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Accompanied by a stable….LOL!! It's true though :)Nice work Karl, and NICE riding Sarah! 20mph avg over 60+ miles – sweet!
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