After time away from riding, I'm getting back slowly. I bought a trainer after Christmas, and use it 3 or 4 times a week.

I figured if I was serious about sticking with it, I'd get myself something newer than the heavy old Raleigh. I looked at 3 sorta-local shops. One I like, one kind of turned me off with his answer about changing bars and stuff on a new bike, and one really turned me off when he told me they just don't make steel frames anymore.

Then a 2002 Lemond Alpe showed up on Ebay, and I got an ok deal on it. I'll still spend some bucks with local shop #1, because I'm going to need stuff.

Since today was 40 toasty degrees when I got home at 4:45 pm, I took it out on the road for the first time since I got it - it's been chilly here in PA.

Pretty nifty. I must say I wasn't sure I'd like the STI shifters (It's been that long since I've been gone), but after the first minute or so, I found them to be A-OK. I got some nicer wheels than the stock ones, but I need to get the cassettes changed. Just as well, since the roads are still filthy here.

Anyhow, thanks for the advice in the original thread, especially the advice that since I know what fits, I should try Ebay.

LOL. I would avoid any shop that says they don't make steel frames. What morons.

Congrats on your new Lemond. You will enjoy it.

What does this thread need? Bike porn!

Yes a picture is a must....:)

OK, but I'm no photographer.

The phone book is my cheapo way to get the bike level on the trainer. The little magnet guy keeps me company on the trainer. After about 20 minutes I get so bored that he talks to me.

Your nice photos brought back two memories: Back in the days when I was still motivated enough to train indoors, I'd also level my bike with a phone book. Always meant to make or buy something fancier, but never did.

And about a year ago, I treated myself to an expensive carbon fiber bike. On one of the first rides with my hot new bike, a kid on a green Alpe d'Huez exactly like yours dropped me like a rock on my favorite climb.

Another plus of a steel bike: little magnet guys to keep you company. They'd fall right off a carbon or aluminum top tube . . . :D :D

That's a nice looking bike.