I put 5 miles on my new Schwinn World 24 Commuter yesterday. During much of the ride I was into the teeth of a fairly stiff headwind from the South. No problem. A range of 24 gear selections makes any headwind just a breeze (pun intended). I may think about a wider and softer seat, but only after a couple more rides on the one the bike was born with. It hits my "sit bones" a little differently than I am used to - and it's a little firmer than the other seats I like to ride, so we shall see.
Be an S.O.B. - a Saver of Old Bikes.
Ndinombethe.
Saturday, November 26, 2011
Saturday, November 19, 2011
It's here.
My new bicycle is in the house - in the garage, actually. I will post a review once I actually have a chance to spend some time in the saddle. Let me tell you, though, first impressions are really, REALLY good.
I haven't decided on a 'name' for the bike, yet. 'Captain Comfy' and 'Roscoe', my two single speed keepers, are going to find themselves ridden less, I think. And, of course, 'Geronimo', my Huffy 10 speed All Terrain, will always be there for "off-roading", but this bike - the new bike is going to be King of the Stable.
S.O.B. - Save Old Bikes.
Ndinombethe.
I haven't decided on a 'name' for the bike, yet. 'Captain Comfy' and 'Roscoe', my two single speed keepers, are going to find themselves ridden less, I think. And, of course, 'Geronimo', my Huffy 10 speed All Terrain, will always be there for "off-roading", but this bike - the new bike is going to be King of the Stable.
S.O.B. - Save Old Bikes.
Ndinombethe.
Monday, November 7, 2011
Test Drives - Schwinn Voyageur as Proxy for the World 24
In preparation for the purchase of a new bike, I did some test riding over this past weekend at Perfomance Bike in Naperville. Yes, this is a plug, I guess. No, I am not being compensated by anyone for this post.
Okay. That said, I have had my eye on a particular bike for a while. I like upright seating - and the most comfortable saddle possible. I DON'T like a bike that feels too "crowded", and I like multiple speeds. I have become particularly attracted to "Dutch" style bikes - transportation, not toys. And the bike I have in mind is close to a true Dutch - the Schwinn World 24 Commuter.
I went to Performance Bike, hoping to test ride the World 24, but they did not have one in stock. What they DID have was the Schwinn Voyageur - same frame, same front end and same suspension seat - so it was close enough to substitute for the World 24.
I rode it and knew - just KNEW - I was on the right track and the World 24 is the bike for me. Smooth, comfortable, easy to ride into a stiff headwind (because of the wide range of gears) - easily a bike I could ride for 20 miles or more at a time. To start.
This is a link to the bike on Performance bike's web site.
This is going to be my 'paved' trail bike. This is going to be the bike that most people who ride with me (IF that ever happens) will see most often. This is the bike that is MINE - and will not be sold. Any other bike in my possession is eligible to go to a good home. Like puppies. Sometimes sold. Sometimes given away. But not the World 24. That's going to be my "Life Bike" - the bike I ride for health and fitness.
Ndinombethe.
Okay. That said, I have had my eye on a particular bike for a while. I like upright seating - and the most comfortable saddle possible. I DON'T like a bike that feels too "crowded", and I like multiple speeds. I have become particularly attracted to "Dutch" style bikes - transportation, not toys. And the bike I have in mind is close to a true Dutch - the Schwinn World 24 Commuter.
I went to Performance Bike, hoping to test ride the World 24, but they did not have one in stock. What they DID have was the Schwinn Voyageur - same frame, same front end and same suspension seat - so it was close enough to substitute for the World 24.
I rode it and knew - just KNEW - I was on the right track and the World 24 is the bike for me. Smooth, comfortable, easy to ride into a stiff headwind (because of the wide range of gears) - easily a bike I could ride for 20 miles or more at a time. To start.
This is a link to the bike on Performance bike's web site.
This is going to be my 'paved' trail bike. This is going to be the bike that most people who ride with me (IF that ever happens) will see most often. This is the bike that is MINE - and will not be sold. Any other bike in my possession is eligible to go to a good home. Like puppies. Sometimes sold. Sometimes given away. But not the World 24. That's going to be my "Life Bike" - the bike I ride for health and fitness.
Ndinombethe.
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
Not only that ...
There's a group on Facebook called "Biking the 'Burbs" which ought to hold some interest for bike people, as well.
The casual cyclist, as well as the serious competitor, ought to find, as time goes on, those of kindred spirit habituating the Facebook group. And here, too.
At least I hope so.
As an S.O.B. (Saver of Old Bikes), I plan to list the bikes I have restored to serviceability with the objective of finding them a good home. Sometimes for sale. Sometimes to give or donate. But always with an eye to putting old and previously disused and/or abused bicycles back on the street/road/trail.
Are you thinking about trying out Road Biking? That can be an expensive undertaking - and if you haven't ridden enough to know, absolutely, that you're going to do it, perhaps picking up a bike from me or someone else who is an S.O.B. might be a less expensive way to experiment.
Need a second bike? If you have a cruiser or commuter type bike and look with envy at those who veer off the beaten path, picking up a mountain bike from an S.O.B., like me, might be a way to get off the trail cheaply. Or maybe you're a Roadie and would like a "Dutchie" to tool around on, just for fun. If I don't have one handy, I can build one in short order.
S.O.B.'s like me? We serve a purpose.
Ndinombethe.
The casual cyclist, as well as the serious competitor, ought to find, as time goes on, those of kindred spirit habituating the Facebook group. And here, too.
At least I hope so.
As an S.O.B. (Saver of Old Bikes), I plan to list the bikes I have restored to serviceability with the objective of finding them a good home. Sometimes for sale. Sometimes to give or donate. But always with an eye to putting old and previously disused and/or abused bicycles back on the street/road/trail.
Are you thinking about trying out Road Biking? That can be an expensive undertaking - and if you haven't ridden enough to know, absolutely, that you're going to do it, perhaps picking up a bike from me or someone else who is an S.O.B. might be a less expensive way to experiment.
Need a second bike? If you have a cruiser or commuter type bike and look with envy at those who veer off the beaten path, picking up a mountain bike from an S.O.B., like me, might be a way to get off the trail cheaply. Or maybe you're a Roadie and would like a "Dutchie" to tool around on, just for fun. If I don't have one handy, I can build one in short order.
S.O.B.'s like me? We serve a purpose.
Ndinombethe.
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