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Out on the road bike today, although it was the 2nd ride if you count
the "delivery trip" from the LBS on Friday. Only 14 miles and I took 90
minutes over it as it included a non-negotiable leisurely tea stop. I
even dug out my lycra shorts and cycling jersey.
First observation; how do roadies carry all their goods and chattels? I
generally don't set out with less than a rack pack and bar bag just
throw stuff in. A quick audit this morning shows that I usually take:
tool kit, 2 spare inners, puncture kit, pump, mobile phone,
walkman/radio, wallet, house keys, lock & keys, waterproof trousers and
jacket, overshoes, map, book (for reading in cafes), snacks, fags &
lighter. Try getting all that into a jersey pocket. I whittled this list
down to some cash and a phone with mp3. The big question is, how the
hell do you carry a pump? I really don't want to lash it to that lovely
lustrous frame. Today I chanced it.
Second observation; comfort. The bike's not uncomfortable but the whole
posture is very different. I can only use the brakes if I'm crouched
down and I don't yet feel totally at ease like that. It's going to take
a while for me to get used to all aspects of the drop bars. I'm not all
that convinced that there really that many more hand positions with
drops than with flat bars and bar ends. It seems truer to say that drops
give you more *body* positions to choose from. Finally, the saddle.
Well, I won't swap it yet but my bum tells me that it is as minimalist
and svelte as it looks (the saddle, that is).
Third observation; riding the thing. I really am sure it's faster. I'm
going to get a GPS or computer for it to check this but, then again,
maybe I don't really want to discover that I'm doing the same speed but
with less suspension. I realise that I'm a bit low on confidence still
but it's been a long time since I was scared of speed on a bike. I was
coming down Portsdown Hill on Friday on the brakes all the way Maybe a
triple wasn't strictly necessary - can't see myself needing the big
chainring!
That'll do for now as I'm being summoned for lunch.
the "delivery trip" from the LBS on Friday. Only 14 miles and I took 90
minutes over it as it included a non-negotiable leisurely tea stop. I
even dug out my lycra shorts and cycling jersey.
First observation; how do roadies carry all their goods and chattels? I
generally don't set out with less than a rack pack and bar bag just
throw stuff in. A quick audit this morning shows that I usually take:
tool kit, 2 spare inners, puncture kit, pump, mobile phone,
walkman/radio, wallet, house keys, lock & keys, waterproof trousers and
jacket, overshoes, map, book (for reading in cafes), snacks, fags &
lighter. Try getting all that into a jersey pocket. I whittled this list
down to some cash and a phone with mp3. The big question is, how the
hell do you carry a pump? I really don't want to lash it to that lovely
lustrous frame. Today I chanced it.
Second observation; comfort. The bike's not uncomfortable but the whole
posture is very different. I can only use the brakes if I'm crouched
down and I don't yet feel totally at ease like that. It's going to take
a while for me to get used to all aspects of the drop bars. I'm not all
that convinced that there really that many more hand positions with
drops than with flat bars and bar ends. It seems truer to say that drops
give you more *body* positions to choose from. Finally, the saddle.
Well, I won't swap it yet but my bum tells me that it is as minimalist
and svelte as it looks (the saddle, that is).
Third observation; riding the thing. I really am sure it's faster. I'm
going to get a GPS or computer for it to check this but, then again,
maybe I don't really want to discover that I'm doing the same speed but
with less suspension. I realise that I'm a bit low on confidence still
but it's been a long time since I was scared of speed on a bike. I was
coming down Portsdown Hill on Friday on the brakes all the way Maybe a
triple wasn't strictly necessary - can't see myself needing the big
chainring!
That'll do for now as I'm being summoned for lunch.