Category: Cycling

So I have gone from 18+ minutes to 13:01 on my way to GU in the morning.  Wanted to give an update on my commute and joy of bike riding…

My Cateye computer has a setting to count stats only when moving…so here are some from recent trips home from World Market.  While it is mostly a down hill ride, there is a bit of uphill on Wisconsin before the descent on Mass Ave 🙂

Friday June 6, 2008

Max 30.2 MPH, Avg 17.9 MPH, 5.27 Miles, 17 Minutes and 42 Seconds.

Tonight

Max 33.3 MPH (I pushed a bit :)), Avg 17.8 MPH, 5.22 Miles, 17 Minutes and 36 Seconds.

City Bikes was my second stop last Tuesday (4/8) after the Bike Rack did not have the Swobo in stock.  I test rode a Jamis Commuter 4.0  I unfortunately was there just before closing time and did not have any time to really look around. I went back on Wednesday (4/9) and after test riding a Jamis Coda Elite, and not liking the riding position, I opted for the upright Commuter 4.0.  My decision was based on the internal 8 speed hub and disk brakes.  I did not like the color, not the fact that it had a de-railer on the front.  While it gave it 16 gears, I had many a derailment as a kid.  While I felt like a old man on a cruiser, I enjoyed the seating position and purchased the bike.  City Bikes has a 30 day return policy and since I had derailment this past week and did not like the color or the style of riding, may be returning the bike for a Coda Elite or the Giant FCR 1.  If I don’t like the riding style of the others, I may switch to the 8 speed Jamis Commuter 3.0 as it is $300 less.  While it does not have disk brakes, it is a more neutral color and since it does not have a de-railer, should not drop the chain at all!  While I considered riding to work all the time, I decided not to when it rained and therefore the fenders were no longer a requirement.  While I like the look and the benefits such as braking power, ability to stop in rain, and use when wheels are out of alignment, I dropped my disk brake requirement.  Now I am looking for a lightweight bike.  The Commuter 4.0 is 30.5 pounds.  What would be great is that the bike have the option for disk brakes, but that is something that must be part of the bike frame and those that don’t come with them have not had the mounts necessary to attach the Avid Juicy’s I like.  Perhaps if I become an avid biker, I can pick up a true mountain bike with shocks and disk brakes where they really are useful.  

While I was looking around the Bike Rack for a few hours on Tuesday, I asked Wayne in his opinion, for my needs, commuting and occasional joy rides, which bike under $1000 was the best.  He told me the Giant OCR 2.  They did not have one in my size to test ride at that time and I got into a discussion with another gentleman at the store.  I believe he was the owner, but not sure.  Since I disliked the “Ram Horn” style of handlebars he suggested the FCR 1.  Weighing in at 21 pounds with an Aluminum frame and Composite fork and seat post, I seriously am considering it.  I came back tonight and they had a OCR 3 for me to test ride in my size.  It was very light and moved very well.  I had a very difficult time with the shifting however.  I had never ridden a road bike before and I found myself holding the handlebars between the 2 positions.  The shifting was really cool, but hard for me to figure out.  Pushing the brake handle increased the gear and a small lever decreased the gears.  I am sure it is very convenient and intuitive for a road bike rider, but for a mountain bike rider, it was very difficult.  I think the worst part was that it was in high gear to begin with.  They have an FCR 1 in a box and are going to build it up tomorrow for me to test ride, and likely buy on Saturday.  I am hoping it is still there 🙂