Handwriting 𝒜 𝔅 ℂ
I’m not one who should talk about handwriting. My penmanship has never been anything to boast about.
But I’ve got to face it: the handwriting is on the wall. My road bike’s days are numbered. This was bound to come eventually; but it seems so soon!
Unfortunately, it’s become difficult or impossible to get parts for my bike. I ordered a replacement large ring for it months ago; and the bike shop hasn’t been able to find one. That gear will inevitably become so worn that it’s useless — and then what?
Despite what the handwriting says, I hope my bike will hold out long enough for me to choose a new one. I’ve begun searching, so I won’t wind up grabbing whatever bicycle is there.
Searching 🔎
Searching for a new bicycle involves many considerations. As my bike shop says, there’s the question of availability. What all is out there?
What frame material do I want? I thought, carbon fiber or aluminum. The bike shop recommends the former. They say that aluminum frames don’t absorb bumps as well; and rough surfaces abound in my area.
I don’t think that steel is a wise choice for a humid, salt-hazy climate; and titanium is expensive, which puts it out of the running. I don’t need to see that in handwriting!
Will I be able to find a bicycle in the frame size I need? That can be a problem for smaller-than-average people; but it’s the most important factor in bike choice. If the bike doesn’t fit you, you could be in for a lot of problems.
Colorway, as they call a bike’s color scheme, is secondary. It would be great to have a bike that’s sky-blue; but other factors matter much more.
Other Factors ⛭
Other factors in bike choice are bicycle weight; and gearing. I must be searching for those things, too.
The bike shop says, I’m not likely to find a recreational-style road bike that weighs much less than the bike I have. That’s somewhat dismaying; after RAGBRAI, I thought it would be nice to have a road bike that weighs around 15-17 pounds; not 22 pounds.
But if I can’t get a lighter bike, can I get one with lower gearing? That would help with hills; sometimes RAGBRAI presents riders with 15% grades! I thought I might get a bike with a triple crankset; but the shop says they don’t make road bikes with a triple any more.
Also, I want to transfer the saddle and pedals from the old bike to the new one. When I got my current road bike, it came with a flat, very hard saddle; and it did not feel good at all!
I’ve got to go do some more research; including, of course, prices. 🤑
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ABOUT ME
I began this website primarily as a way to present the story of how I accomplished a century ride on an adult tricycle. Other riders of adult trikes might want to know whether it’s possible. It sure is! You can read all about it in My Story.
I live in New Orleans; and retired in January 2023. More time for cycling!
Website designed by Cecile Levert
© This website is the property of its author.
DISCLAIMER
I am not a cycling coach; nor a health professional. This site is based on my own experiences, opinions, etc. If you need help, please consult the appropriate professional.
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