... a rolling compromise....
I’m thinking about getting a new bicycle.
Nothing against my current bike – it’s pretty good at everything, but not really specialized at any of the standard cycling disciplines.
It’s a rolling compromise, a hybrid with a husky frame, suspension and 40mm tires that were ideal for the mixed streets, steps, grass and gravel of my college campus.
But it’s too much of a mountain bike – slow, heavy, fat tires - for long roads.
And it’s too much of a road bike – tires aren’t quite fat enough, frame and suspension aren’t quite ideal – to be a true mountain bike.
Now I’m looking to do some long rides. Really long rides. Ultimately I’d like to tour across the country.
This country, specifically. Liechtenstein was no challenge. Already done it.
I’ve taken my current bike on some long rides, did that 100-miler to all the towns in Cleveland County, some 90-odd milers fully loaded for touring… with old fashioned, inefficient flat pedals.
That hurt. Really, really hurt.
When I ask folks if I need a new bike, and I tell them these rides I did with the current one, I’ve gotten the range of "well, that was dumb" and "yeah, skinnier tires and lighter wheels would proffer lower rolling resistance" to "D…, YOU’RE A BEAST."
(I really like that last one).
So I’m going through the bike-buying process.
I'm looking for a one that is more efficient, has curved handlebars so I can have more riding positions, where I can attach a rack or even just a little seatpost setup for 20 pounds of sleeping bag, snacks, tent….
I'm willing to suffer the extra ounce for a little extra reliability. I'm not particular about getting the absolute latest model, color.... I'm all about value.
I'm willing to pay for quality, but don't need to spend the unnecessary hundreds for the that last bell or whistle, the final .0001 mph, the kangaroo-skin wrapped, titanium, Teflon, platinum handlebars....
I sent out the last three paragraphs in an email to the outfit I got my current bike from in Carrboro. They sent me back a link to bike just about like the one I’ve got.
Big help.
So I’ve started posting on BikeForums.net. I sent out my form letter to just about every bike shop in Charlotte and have started getting some good advice. I’m checking out Consumer Reports. I went by a local bike shop today and talked and listened and rode one.
I’ve compiled my information onto an Excel spreadsheet so I can objectively, easily compare the pros and cons of each model.
German? Yeah.
Nothing against my current bike – it’s pretty good at everything, but not really specialized at any of the standard cycling disciplines.
It’s a rolling compromise, a hybrid with a husky frame, suspension and 40mm tires that were ideal for the mixed streets, steps, grass and gravel of my college campus.
But it’s too much of a mountain bike – slow, heavy, fat tires - for long roads.
And it’s too much of a road bike – tires aren’t quite fat enough, frame and suspension aren’t quite ideal – to be a true mountain bike.
Now I’m looking to do some long rides. Really long rides. Ultimately I’d like to tour across the country.
This country, specifically. Liechtenstein was no challenge. Already done it.
I’ve taken my current bike on some long rides, did that 100-miler to all the towns in Cleveland County, some 90-odd milers fully loaded for touring… with old fashioned, inefficient flat pedals.
That hurt. Really, really hurt.
When I ask folks if I need a new bike, and I tell them these rides I did with the current one, I’ve gotten the range of "well, that was dumb" and "yeah, skinnier tires and lighter wheels would proffer lower rolling resistance" to "D…, YOU’RE A BEAST."
(I really like that last one).
So I’m going through the bike-buying process.
I'm looking for a one that is more efficient, has curved handlebars so I can have more riding positions, where I can attach a rack or even just a little seatpost setup for 20 pounds of sleeping bag, snacks, tent….
I'm willing to suffer the extra ounce for a little extra reliability. I'm not particular about getting the absolute latest model, color.... I'm all about value.
I'm willing to pay for quality, but don't need to spend the unnecessary hundreds for the that last bell or whistle, the final .0001 mph, the kangaroo-skin wrapped, titanium, Teflon, platinum handlebars....
I sent out the last three paragraphs in an email to the outfit I got my current bike from in Carrboro. They sent me back a link to bike just about like the one I’ve got.
Big help.
So I’ve started posting on BikeForums.net. I sent out my form letter to just about every bike shop in Charlotte and have started getting some good advice. I’m checking out Consumer Reports. I went by a local bike shop today and talked and listened and rode one.
I’ve compiled my information onto an Excel spreadsheet so I can objectively, easily compare the pros and cons of each model.
German? Yeah.
posted by John Derrick | 11:20 PM
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