I recently bought a new gravel bike after months of trying to decide which bike I wanted to purchase. I am as frugal as they come, and the process of me trying to pull the trigger on this bike was nearly as difficult as my cat trying to pass struvite crystals through his urethra. Do I need a new bike? No. Do I get a killer employee discount opening up the world of bikes I would normally never consider? Yes.
My KTM mountain bike served me well, and she will forever live with me even if her placement finds itself on my garage wall, but I wanted to treat myself to an upgrade. Little did I know that upgrade would come with additional purchases for added comfort. Gone are the days I can just pull a bike out of a box ready to roll.
I’m convinced no bike will fit quite like the glove that Frosty did. We had a special bond.
I have owned my new gravel bike for two months now, and have slogged through around five rides with her on a bike seat harder than cement. My lady bits and fanny mits have been put through the wringer, and for what? Because I am frugal. I thought to myself: “I already had to buy pedals for this bike, and add a stem riser, do I really need to invest in a new seat?“
Yes. Yes I did. After going for a test ride with Duncan’s already upgraded bike seat (because he was smart from the start), I felt the heavens open just for me. Suddenly I remembered what comfort was, and the air smelled sweeter. The breeze felt warmer, and my smile felt brighter. Admittedly I didn’t love riding this bike when I bought it (perhaps because my heart will always belong to Frosty), but this seat will be a game changer.
I can now call myself a biker again…because I will actually want to bike.
Truth be told, I haven’t wanted to bike much since moving back to Washington because there are so few bike paths here. I don’t enjoy traditional mountain biking, so I find myself left with lackluster roads filled with cars who don’t know how to share the space. My longest rides have been 20 milers, and even those feel like a chore. I am confident I will eventually find myself dwelling somewhere with better biking options, and when I do I will be ready.
With three bikes.
The decision to buy the bike seat will have my body and my fanny thanking me. My theme for this summer is to be kind to my body, so I made another purchase recently for the sake of my skin. Duncan and I like to go to the beach, but found ourselves scorched on many occasions last summer. Insert the umbrella/tent hybrid. I found the below masterpiece on Amazon a few days before our first beach day of the season.
It did not disappoint.
What a time to be alive, 5 star beach shelters and boujee bike seats. I am hopeful for some adventure this summer, Lord knows I need it. I’m trying my damndest not to rely on Duncan for my source of adventurous joy, because that’s not fair to him. We have different adventure needs (and current goals), and I am learning how to understand that he does not have to be my source for everything.
Is this what it means to be in an adult relationship?
With that said, I am currently accepting applications for summer travel buddies. I had high hopes of going to Scotland this summer with my dear friend and her family, but the Covid testing chaos stresses me out. Alas, there is much to see within the United States still. I just need to find my solo courage again, I think I lost it when America became a dumpster fire.
Q: Do you try to save money anywhere you can? Haters gonna hate, but I didn’t build this empire by spending all my money…
Blissfulbritt 
26 thoughts on “Your Body Will Thank You”
sligo101
Dear Brit,
Great story!
Thank you
Papa
Brittany
Love you!
Nine Cent Girl
Bike seats make or break a rider– good call!
Brittany
I’ve been spoiled with manageable bike seats on my other two bikes, but now I question why I never ungraded those!
Liz H
Sweet wheels!
Brittany
Thannnkk you. That’s my beloved from Germany. I don’t ride her much anymore, but she has a special place in my heart!
Rootchopper
Good purchase. It’s annoying that sellers put crap saddles in new bikes but they figure you’re going to replace it anyway.
I am burning through money on this bike trip. I’m too old and grumpy so I buy my way out of discomforts. I could have camped tonight but booked a room in an historic hotel instead.
Brittany
You know, the older I get the more willing I am to spend a little money. Sometimes comfort outweighs saving nickels.
Rootchopper
I’m going to need a new saddle soon. The one on The Mule took a beating from rain during the drive to MO and all day yesterday. It’s crepey.
Pam
Sometimes I challenge myself on just how much I can save……but most definitely couldn’t do it 24/7.
Will splurge on occasions, especially if it’s an imprint kind of thing ( long lasting memory ) or a super value for the money👏👏🙌
So go buy the upgrade saddle for Your bike, plan those not too far local trips and dream of the future and what it holds for You….
This ain’t no dress rehearsal……Enjoy the Journey ❤️
Brittany
You and I are similar in many ways, including the thrill of saving money. Alas a splurge here and there is necessary, even with travel accommodations. I bought the seat and didn’t think twice!
Amy
I was totally spoiled going to college at UCD… It’s the bike capitol of the US. There are more bikes than people (literally!), and there are even bike stoplights, where the bikes have their own special traffic light. It was so bike-friendly and safe, and… I doubt I’d have the courage to bike through any other town. It’s so true about cars not really knowing how to share the space! 😉
Your hybrid beach umbrella tent looks SO awesome!!! I broke down and bought a mini beach tent last year because my mom and I often go whenever she visits, but… It definitely requires two people to set up. I make a fair amount of solo trips, and since I don’t really feel like asking a stranger to help me set it up, I think I need to check out this cool hybrid you found. Is it easy for one person to set up and take down??? (I’ve got my fingers crossed! 😉 )
Brittany
Your college town sounds like a dream! I know there are paths around me I can go to, but they’re all over an hour away. Which isn’t as motivating for me as driving for a hike.
YES the umbrella is relatively easy for one person, Duncan mostly put it up alone. 😂 It works like a true umbrella and there are stakes for the corners, but we didn’t even stake the whole thing down. Only used a couple stakes and it was great.
Best part, it’s Amazon prime. So if you don’t like it you can return it! If you want I can text you the link of the one I got, but if you just look up beach umbrella it should come up after a wee scroll. 💃🏻
Amy
A very belated THANK YOU!!! I’ll give Amazon a quick search! I don’t know what I’d do without Prime some days… It makes my life so much easier! 😉
Brittany
I saw you got yourself a little tent, I love it! Don’t they just make beach days more fun!
Also Amazon Prime is the greatest thing since sliced bread. That’s what the kids say these days right? 😂
Amy
Yessss they do!! I need a second person to set that one up because it has poles… So I still think your beach umbrella is AMAZING! (And if the kids don’t say that anymore… Well, I guess that just means I get to eat all of their bread and carbs??? 😉 )
Pree
I love saving money! I’m more impressed by people who do vs. people who spend it on materialistic, frivolous things. I’ve also started putting money into the stock market and long term investments… Obviously a scary thing to think about but I remind myself I’m in it for the long run, and hopefully all the negative stuff balances out like it should
Brittany
Heck yea! Retirement accounts are my pride and joy.
Peg
When we moved to Washington state I treated myself to a new bike. I got what the salesman called a “comfort bike”. It had a seat designed for a woman’s butt, shock absorbers, regular handlebars (not the curled ones like my former bike), and a woman’s frame ( I used to ride on a man’s frame bike). It was definitely more comfortable. Now if the weather would just warm up so I can pump up my tires and hit the road!
Brittany
Comfort is certainly key! It sounds like you have the perfect fit for you. I am more than ready for some nicer weather!
Tomy P
I saved money on a cheaper sleeping bag… ended up clutching on every thread I had to beat the mountain cold.
Brittany
Oh man. That’s one I wouldn’t skimp on. Glad you didn’t turn into an icicle!
gpavants
Brittany,
Have some great adventures. Yes, sometimes you have to spend a little but don’t break the bank. I have be frugal now as we are trying to pay off my wife’s student loan.
Thanks, Gary
Brittany
I’ll only spend it if I have it. You guys will get there eventually with the loan payments. The cost of education is a sad one!
Allie Zottola
I would 100% be like you and let my butt suffer through a hard seat before spending money, LOL. And Jimmy is like Duncan who would just buy a nice, comfy bike seat from the get-go. So funny how we “torture” ourselves to save money, lol.
If you plan on traveling in the U.S. ….. come to Pittsburgh. We have nice bike trails here 😉
Brittany
Sometimes I think I might get a dopamine rush when I save money. It’s addicting. 😂
You know, I’ve only been to Pennsylvania once and I quite enjoyed it. I hope to explore more of the east coast soon! I’ll remember to bring my bike. 💃🏻