Soma Redo or Clem?

[mark hammer]

OK, I know I'm posting this on the RBW site, but hear me out... I'm an avid rider. Less so a mechanic. I have a 20-year old Soma Double Cross that has suited me well over the years. It's outfitted with drop bars and for a Soma is in a more racing position. We now live in Germany, where I need a bike for the city -- and for hill climbing and a bit of off-road riding and trekking. My choice is either to revamp my Soma or purchase a Clem L -- one of which is available to me. The more I look at the cost of revamping my Soma, the more attractive a Clem looks. Of course, I'd love to have a Clem... OK, the real question: how do I convince my wife the Clem is a better choice...!?!?!?

[David Ross]

Tell her that the toe overlap is a potential risk to your life. 

On Tue, Oct 1, 2024 at 12:11 PM mark hammer <mrkm...@gmail.com> wrote:

OK, I know I'm posting this on the RBW site, but hear me out... I'm an avid rider. Less so a mechanic. I have a 20-year old Soma Double Cross that has suited me well over the years. It's outfitted with drop bars and for a Soma is in a more racing position. We now live in Germany, where I need a bike for the city -- and for hill climbing and a bit of off-road riding and trekking. My choice is either to revamp my Soma or purchase a Clem L -- one of which is available to me. The more I look at the cost of revamping my Soma, the more attractive a Clem looks. Of course, I'd love to have a Clem... OK, the real question: how do I convince my wife the Clem is a better choice...!?!?!?

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[Chris Halasz]

Mark,

My wife talked me out of the fiduciary utilitarian rationale of fixing up my other bike and into building a Clem. 

It wouldn't surprise me to hear the same from you. 

So. Much. More. Enjoyable. 

[Ian A]

If I understand your writing, you want a Clem more than you want to invest in the Soma? The Soma is not precious to you?

It is ALWAYS cheaper to invest in the the thing you want. Whether it is a bicycle, a guitar, a house or a pair of trousers. Stop making sense and get the one you want.

IanA (who is still trying to learn this in Kitimat BC).

[Garth]

You can no more turn the Soma into a Clem than vice versa, no matter how much time or money you spent. They're vastly different designs to begin with. The ride, the handling, the fit, everything will be completely different. Get a Clem if you want a Clem, otherwise keep the Soma a drop bar bike. that way you can have both types of rides available.

Bicycles that you like are long term investments that "pay off in joy" every time you ride them. Try that with a "vacation", or a dinner.

[mark hammer]

Sorry... Didn't mean I was going to turn my Soma into a Clem. Just that I was making it more upright. It looks like we're going to make an investment in joy... Stay tuned.

[mark hammer]

Great point. I'm getting close...!

[mark hammer]

OK... Toe overlap is gaining traction...! Anyone else? Biggest issue for me is I am 6 foot 3 and I love the feel of the Clem...

[Joe Bernard]

You want the Clem. There's no convincing your wife, you simply tell her you want it and ask her if she's ok with the idea. Good luck!