Ummmm yep... Sorry Pioneer...
Lovely bike by the way... here are the pictures as promised. I cycled home distance of 21 miles only bit that was uncomfortable was the botty - missing the Brooks already. Chas is sealing the damage with silicon to see if the saddle can be used. I hope it works!
The bike rides very different to the Sirrus. She rides very big. I was surprised at this, as the Sirrus I have has a 57cm frame, and I was talked into by Dave at cyclesense to get a smaller frame. Initially a 50cm one. But this I did find far too cramped. So I had a go on Daves bike - a 54cm frame and bingo thats the one I chose.
Cycling home this evening, the wheels seemed HUGE... why I dont know they are the same size as the sirrus ie 700 x 28c. They seem very chunky but are the same size and width. It took a bit of getting accustomed to the bars, but I do prefer them to straight bars.
Oddly when I was cycling home, I kept thinking... not as fast as Sirrus, until I looked at the computer that said I was in fact doing more than 4mph more than it felt like. I also found she really enjoys the downhill bits... I suppose with a 3 stone over weight tubby on board, and gravity this bit was easy so off she went, I got to 38mph.. about the limit of my nerves on a bendy bit of road and so used the brakes.
Hills : well she manages them well, she is geared to cope wiht hills, and has not only a granny gear, but a Zimmer gear as well! Again gearing took a bit of getting used to but Ill manage these properly in a day or so.
Anyway here she is... in all her newness and glory. To tease you, here is the front wheel. Fitted with a nice low riser for panniers. WOW, it even came automatically with a front prop stand too. I found the Sirrus really struggled with the bar bag without one of these, kept twisting round when parked.
Not anymore! Take notice - NICE mudguards, fitted and ready to rock and roll.
Went for butterfly bars too. (I like all the pic and mix you can get with a new bike). I suffer badly from numb hands. This is a big improvement as I can move all the time when the discomfort starts. (looks different too!)
A nice rear view of her, note the ace panniers supplied by Bike Packer. I am most impressed with these, and so glad I bought silver and black as by chance it matches the colour of the bike.
Fitting bar bag this weekend.
AND she can have her rear light on with all the bags ready to go. The carradice will also fit as well. No heel rubbing on the way home either.
She gave a very smooth ride infact. I was amazed on how quiet she ran.
Right side of wonder machine...
And cos there is a pannier on each side, to balance it.... the left side of her:
'
Finally the rear view.... again.
There you have it.... The very very very last cycle I shall ever buy for myself.
Pioneer - she was indeed an arm and a leg... in fact I could of bought a small second hand car for the price I paid. I sold my horses and all their equipment to fund this cycle. I didnt want the money raised to just trickle away on heating oil or food bills.... Instead Ive got a great piece of cycling kit and intend to get a lot of use out of her.
Its wonderful cycling out there on the roads, and by far less worrying than riding a pony on them thats for sure! I shall miss my horses, I ve had them for 14 years +. But, I simply have more fun and with less worry and hassle on 2 wheels than on 4 legs. I dont regret it for a moment.
My youngest is also getting my Sirrus to replace her bike that has had it to be honest, so in a way, we are getting two bikes not one.
I fancy doing Audax maybe next season or the one after if I am able to get away. Certainly our family have the cycle bug right now, and I intend to keep cycling for many years to come.
Mary
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