My Favorite Bike Ever
I recently liveblogged the building of my new Gary Fisher Superfly Singlespeed (or, as I like to call it, “The SingleFly.” It’s a beauty of a bike, and I’m glad I got it.
Several of you have asked for me to provide details of how this bike rides — and your requests have gone unanswered. Unacknowledged.
I’m sure you’ve wondered why, and the truth is I feel a little bit awkward about the way I’ve been avoiding addressing this. But enough’s enough. The fact is, I haven’t ridden the SingleFly yet.
And you know what? I haven’t even been tempted to take it riding. Why not? Well, because I’ve been digging on another bike I recently acquired. The RANS Ti-Rex:
Just look at that beauty. The elegant drivetrain. The clean frame lines. The mesh-and-gel hammock. The practical-yet-swoopy handlebars. The sweet component spec. I went a little nuts and built mine up so it weighs only 23 pounds! That’s practically as light as any other raceworthy roadbike out there.
If I weren’t so busy out riding it all the time, I swear I’d be happy to just watch it.
And it’s easy to take out to the local bike path (a nice, level trail, since I’ve lately come to find climbs somewhat distasteful — though don’t you worry, when I shift into the granny gear, I can climb just about any road you throw at me!). I just need to give myself an extra few minutes to disassemble it for transport. And then a few more to reassemble it for riding. And then a few more to re-disassemble it to take it home.
But I’m getting faster at it all the time!
Lifestyle Changes
This bike has opened so many doors for me. For example, I no longer feel the need to wear those ridiculous padded shorts — I don’t need them since my saddle’s soft and comfortable. And it is so nice to be able to rest my back against that mesh backrest. Whereas I used to hate having any kind of stomach at all because my knees would push into it on my “wedgie,” now I can lean way back and let gravity flatten my stomach. Or at least displace my lungs.
I have noticed, however, that being in the upright position presents my face to the wind rather directly. I have two choices: a fairing, or a beard. I’m happy to report that I’ve elected to get both! Well, get one and grow the other.
I’ve also observed that people point at me on my new bike. On one hand, I find this flattering; I enjoy the attention. On the other hand, I seem to have found a new sense of outrage at the way other cyclists roll their eyes at me.
I suspect they are just jealous. And closed-minded.
PS: You can find a short video of me on my new bike here.
PPS: I am also pleased to announce that I have accepted a position teaching not-for-credit evening courses on blogging at the local community college.
PPPS: Maybe tomorrow I’ll get around to riding my SingleFly. But for now, on April 1st, I’m all about the RANS.