Thanks to all in the forum for your help with the new bike. Your input helped me make an informed decision on buying my new bike: SLC-SL. I did experience the seat post dropping which has been fixed per the forum's suggestion. I am currently experiencing the chain dropping just like a recent posts (FSA crank set) and will address with LBS. Here is my new bike story: I have been riding recreationally 2 years on a used Trek 2200 (translation: 39 year old fat guy needs to get in shape). Last season I discovered the fun of group rides and got exposed to fast riders: Kona IM veterans, local CAT racers etc. At the end of last season I told my "coach" and mentor (2 time Kona IM finisher, world qualifier, fast cyclist) that I wanted a new bike and that I had saved the money. Here is his all-time comment, "Anyone can buy a bike, you need to earn it." He is hard core and his nickname is Big Willie as given by Troy Jacobson (Spinervals). My nickname is Big Barge as given by Big Willie. Regardless, he said, "if you want to ride with me, set a performance goal to earn the bike." So, last November I said the 2 of us would ride a 55 mile, rolling hill loop at 20mph average. This is fast for me. I am a bigger guy. Started at 220, now weighing in at 205. 16 year Rugby veteran. Rugby to cycling is not an ideal transition. So, I gave about $3000 to the LBS (Schlegel Bikes) to reserve my SLC-SL last January. I worked hard from January through March. In March Big Willie and Big Barge (me) went out on the 55 mile loop. We hit 28 miles at 20.2 average, took a 5 minute break at the "turn" and took off again. My legs were gone, done, finished. Big willie encouraged me, berated me, finally mooned me. I cursed him and limped in at a 18 mph average. No new bike for Barge. I didn't earn it. Big Willie called the bike shop and said, "Big Barge didn't do it." I went into the bike shop and touched my new bike with affection and said, "next time". After the first failure, I became a community project, kinda like "Rudy". The fast guys were pulling for me but wouldn't give me anything. Translation: they dropped me mercilessly, but always circled back to get me in, and give me a few pointers. Fast Forward: after 6 weeks of focused effort (Have Mercy Spinerval video, 1 legged drills, high cadence etc.) Big Willie lead Big Barge out for the second attempt at Barge's Bike Run. Another friend and newby that Big Willie and I recruited to cycle met us at the turn (in his SUV). He gave me a shot of coffee and wished me well as we pedaled off to finish the next 27 miles. His nickname is Muffin because he almost puked Egg McMuffin pedaling up Mt. Scott in May. He puked I think but I think he didn't spit it out for fear of never living it down. We finished up the course at just over a 21 mph average. My goal was 20. Big Willie called the LBS and said, "you can give him the bike." The guys at the LBS (great guys) cheered me when I came in a few hours later and had the SLC-SL all set up on the trainer for final fitting. I gave them another $6000 so they really cheered. Big Willie (54 year old super-fast cyclist) hugged me and said, "good job." That is how I earned my new bike. I have a credit at the bike shop (slush fund...my wife doesn't keep track of) for new wheels that I will earn as well. I'm bragging only because I worked hard and accomplished a goal with a lot of guys help i.e. Big Willie and the rest of the Willie's mojo. Please don't perceive it as arrogant. That is not my intent. I'm just proud of my effort, Muffin's support and Big Willies relentless committment to me. And all the other guys pulling for me in the background. There are a lot of guys that are faster but I'm getting there. Translation: watch out next year ;) The new bike rocks. I'm still getting used to it. It is my first real race-caliber bike. I have a credit at the bike shop for new wheels but am setting goals (ideas welcome) to earn those next spring. Redcorn has given me some good input as have all the rest. I'm thinking of Zipp 404s but will look at the Rolfs due to the forum's perspective. The new bike is soooo much better. I think I will try to get faster to race. I like the team thing and the strategy and I like my new bike. Thanks again to the forum. I spent and will spend a lot of money and the Cervelo is the best bike for the money. I looked at all of them. Great job Cervelo. Love the bike. Thanks forum.

congrats mate, thats really good for you. I too want to get an SLC SL, but only once I finish uni, can afford it, and am good enough to justify it!

Now post a pic in the other thread!
 

Thanks Mate. Good goal and reward...finish uni, new bike! Great reward. Bike is basic SLC-SL build up...Dura-Ace, FSA stock stuff. I will post a pic once I move past the stock build out. New wheels, ceramic, etc. It's hard to improve on perfection. It is juiced to go...what a ride. So fast.

This is what I love about cycling. It's so egalitarian. And the camaraderie is unlike any other sport. 

 Lots of great life lessons in there too... Congrats and many happy and safe excursions!
 

Congrats on your achievement and your new ride!

Great job, i have just purchased a Soloist Carbon and like you am starting at about 220lbs. How have you been able to drop 15lbs., is it just from cycling or are you dieting at the same time, if so what diet are you on.

Thanks to all. Even in cyberspace there is community and support. Everyone who has ridden appreciates the effort...as I read somewhere else, it never gets easier, you just get faster. Weight loss is due to cycling and eating right, not necessarily less. I don't diet but I do try to eat properly. That is the big thing. I can't get faster, build strength on a reduced calorie diet. It just doesn't work for me. In season, I have concentrated on eating right: lean meat, veggies, complex carbs. I grill everything in the summer lean beef, marinated chicken, pork tenderloin, salmon, tilapia. Spinach, broccoli, Hummus, olives all that. And beer and red wine...I'm not getting paid to ride, I just can't seem to get away from the beer and red wine. in about 6 weeks, I will start cutting calories. My goal is 180lbs by this time next year. I will cut calories using Fitday in the fall, winter and start eating normally as training intensity picks up in the spring.