Let Go

I'm facing a delimma. I apparently can't spell "dilemma." No, that's not it.

I have choices to make, and there's nothing I despise more than making choices. Really it's a stupid choice, one based on mundane things, and the outcome of which is not life-altering. But I tend to get caught up on small things, based partly on my frugal ways and also my pride.

Here it is: Should I sell my new(ish) bike for close to what I paid to buy another good bike that is more expensive and different in many ways?

Currently I have two bikes: A '95 Fuji road bike (once converted to single-speed/fixed gear, and recently restored to multi-geared road bike) and a 2007 IRO Mark V fixed gear. I am reluctantly starting to admit to myself that a nice (i.e. expensive) fixed gear bike is not worth what it cost. I've enjoyed riding a fixed gear/single-speed bike, no doubt. It's fun to ride, it's a challenge, and you can do things on a fixed gear bike that you can't do on others. While it is practical in many ways (e.g. less maintenance, easy maintenance), it is a pain in the ass in other ways (e.g. no coasting, no shifting to lower gears). Ultimately, there's a "bad-ass" factor at work here. No doubt. I feel cool and sleek; part of... something cool and... unspeakable (::cough::).

Lately I've been filled with the desire to travel further than my 1.5 mile ride on a flat bike path to work. I signed my dad and me up for an organized 17-mile bike ride through Cincinnati--a ride with a notoriously long and steep ascent followed by an equally thrilling descent into Eden Park. I'm excited, but it has left me wondering: on what bike will I ride? It won't--It can't be my nice new fixed gear. Not possible. But the Fuji? It works, for sure. But every ride on that old steel steed is questionable. Should I upgrade the brakes? The gears and derailleurs? The wheels? No. Not worth it.

If I were to sell the IRO, should I buy another bike? That's what I don't know. I've had my eye on a couple bikes and have zeroed in on one in particular... It's dreamy for sure.

Maybe it's worth selling the IRO just to recoup my money, and seeing how far the Fuj' can take me. I really hate to let it go, though. It's so nice, so smooth. Nicer than any bike I've ever ridden...