This morning I took my new bike out for a 21 mile ride. The ride was fairly uneventful, aside from the fact it was my first one on the new bike in which I did not get a flat tire. Now that the bike is all built up and I have ridden it a few times, I just wanted to share some initial impressions:
Fabulous! As you can see from the picture, the entire bike is one of three colors: black, red, or white (BTW, I am loving the new white saddle). I personally love the new color scheme, but it is definitely going to look a bit strange when I am riding in races next year -- my tri top and shorts are black, my helmet is white, and even my biking shoes are black and red. Thus, I will likely be the most color-coordinated triathlete at most races -- that, and the dorkiest looking one (which is saying a lot).
She Ain't Heavy, She's My Black Knight. The new bike is definitely heavier than my old one. I actually weighed her yesterday morning, and she is 22 pounds. I am not sure exactly how much my old bike weighed, but I definitely notice a difference when I lift up the new one. It probably will not make much of a difference overall, but given the fact that the terrain is so much hillier here than in the Midwest, it certainly cannot help.
Oh Yeah, How Is The Ride? I definitely feel different on the new bike -- way more streamlined and aerodynamic. I was actually worried that I bought too big of a frame (58 cm, the same size as my old road frame), but I honestly cannot imagine riding on a smaller one. It is probably too early to compare performance in terms of speed/power, but I already am feeling very comfortable in the aero position after just a couple of rides, which is a very good sign.
All in all, I am really happy with the new ride. Bring on next season -- I will be ready for it!
Fabulous! As you can see from the picture, the entire bike is one of three colors: black, red, or white (BTW, I am loving the new white saddle). I personally love the new color scheme, but it is definitely going to look a bit strange when I am riding in races next year -- my tri top and shorts are black, my helmet is white, and even my biking shoes are black and red. Thus, I will likely be the most color-coordinated triathlete at most races -- that, and the dorkiest looking one (which is saying a lot).
She Ain't Heavy, She's My Black Knight. The new bike is definitely heavier than my old one. I actually weighed her yesterday morning, and she is 22 pounds. I am not sure exactly how much my old bike weighed, but I definitely notice a difference when I lift up the new one. It probably will not make much of a difference overall, but given the fact that the terrain is so much hillier here than in the Midwest, it certainly cannot help.
Oh Yeah, How Is The Ride? I definitely feel different on the new bike -- way more streamlined and aerodynamic. I was actually worried that I bought too big of a frame (58 cm, the same size as my old road frame), but I honestly cannot imagine riding on a smaller one. It is probably too early to compare performance in terms of speed/power, but I already am feeling very comfortable in the aero position after just a couple of rides, which is a very good sign.
All in all, I am really happy with the new ride. Bring on next season -- I will be ready for it!
