Mouth Watering Purchase

I had good intentions of staying within my budget ... that is, until I rode this bike.
I had actually wheeled the Jamis Xenith to the cash register and the tech was about to attach my new pedals.

But then, I saw her looking longingly at me from across the room: a 49cm Orbea Onyx Dama. Full carbon like the Jamis, but with full Ultegra, carbon cranks, and a sweet wheel set. None of these features are required at my current skill level. 105 components would have served me just fine.

But as I said, she was calling to me and I thought ... maybe I should "just test her once" to make an informed decision. That was my downfall. She is not only beautiful, she fit me like a beloved old softball mitt. I was helpless. It really wasn't my fault. What could I do?

So now I sit, justifying an unjustifiable purchase. "Hey, this is probably the only road bike I will ever own - it might as well be the best." Yes, I think that is a sound excuse. But really, truthfully, it comes down to the fact that I really, really, wanted it. And hopefully - that will translate to really, really wanting to ride it - ALL the time.