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the all-rounder
The All-Rounder is up and running as of yesterday.
(For previous report, see http://bikelovejones.livejournal.com/53
Lots of thoughts come to mind as I've been riding this bike. I'll try and toss the important ones out in no particular order:
1. Riding on 26" x 1.25 tires is a revelation. Every pedal stroke feels like it has instant impact, instant feedback; and the bike just MOVES. I especially like the feel and grab of these particular tires, Panaracer Paselas.
2. Riding with drops is also a revelation, particularly on this frame. The combination of 26" x 1.25 tires, drop bars and the A-R's overall geometry make this a really nimble ride, with quicker response and a slightly squirrelier feel than my Rivvy LongLow.
3. Although a fromt rack with boxy handlebar bag would take away the squirrely feeling up front, I fear it would slow down the steering too much. I'm using a hobo-style bag up front and a small seat pouch in the rear for the brevet this weekend. And yes, I've decided to ride the A-R at the brevet instead of the Rivvy LongLow. Although the LongLow handles well with drops, it does not handle nimbly. Riding the Longow with drops feels rangy, lanky, sort of like watching a 13-year-old boy run the fifty yard dash. Riding the A-R feels like watching a college senior run the same distance. I can't explain it any other way. The A-R, when mostly unencumbered, feels -- hevean forbid! -- RACIER than the LongLow. It's crazy but there it is.
For the first six years that I had the LongLow, I ran it as a city bike with upright handlebars, fenders, rack and lights. I towed a trailer, hauled bike buckets filled with wet laundry and in short rode it to death. And it came back for more. So it's highly likely that I will once again "citify" the LongLow between now and next spring.
Meanwhile, I am going to overhaul the Peugeot ATB this winter. I will either keep it as a guest bike, or more likely find a good home for it among my extended family.
(For previous report, see http://bikelovejones.livejournal.com/53
Lots of thoughts come to mind as I've been riding this bike. I'll try and toss the important ones out in no particular order:
1. Riding on 26" x 1.25 tires is a revelation. Every pedal stroke feels like it has instant impact, instant feedback; and the bike just MOVES. I especially like the feel and grab of these particular tires, Panaracer Paselas.
2. Riding with drops is also a revelation, particularly on this frame. The combination of 26" x 1.25 tires, drop bars and the A-R's overall geometry make this a really nimble ride, with quicker response and a slightly squirrelier feel than my Rivvy LongLow.
3. Although a fromt rack with boxy handlebar bag would take away the squirrely feeling up front, I fear it would slow down the steering too much. I'm using a hobo-style bag up front and a small seat pouch in the rear for the brevet this weekend. And yes, I've decided to ride the A-R at the brevet instead of the Rivvy LongLow. Although the LongLow handles well with drops, it does not handle nimbly. Riding the Longow with drops feels rangy, lanky, sort of like watching a 13-year-old boy run the fifty yard dash. Riding the A-R feels like watching a college senior run the same distance. I can't explain it any other way. The A-R, when mostly unencumbered, feels -- hevean forbid! -- RACIER than the LongLow. It's crazy but there it is.
For the first six years that I had the LongLow, I ran it as a city bike with upright handlebars, fenders, rack and lights. I towed a trailer, hauled bike buckets filled with wet laundry and in short rode it to death. And it came back for more. So it's highly likely that I will once again "citify" the LongLow between now and next spring.
Meanwhile, I am going to overhaul the Peugeot ATB this winter. I will either keep it as a guest bike, or more likely find a good home for it among my extended family.
(Anonymous)
=-)
Vik
שבת שלום
(Anonymous)
All Rounder
Yr Pal DrCodfish