My NEW Bike

[Crankin]

Well, I don't usually name my bikes, but since my husband and I both got Kuotas, but different models, we have started calling them Kredo (mine) and Khan (his). I rode it yesterday on my first AMC trip, leading, this season. It does feel really light, but there are a few things I am not sure about. It's actually a 51 cm frame, size small, with 700 wheels. The sloping top tube is probably about 44 cm, so the whole geometry is just really different than my Trek. When I got fitted, I found out that although I am short, I have long arms and my hands are average. He also put 170 cranks on instead of 165, because he felt it would help me climb. I think it was a little bit of BS, because he said he felt that I had all of this latent power and would turn into this "animal" with bigger cranks. But, I never stand on hills, I always spin up. We shall see. I climb OK, but I was still dying on the big climb yesterday. He told me to ride 4-5 times and he would change the cranks if I want. I do have to say that we have had perfect service. It's a new branch of a shop that has been around in Cambridge for a long time. The owner lives in town and decided it was time Concord had a bike shop. They do seem to cater to more elite riders, but they have a fairly big selection of cruisers and hybrids and are participating in "Bike Town" for Bicycling Mag. Yesterday, after our ride, we stopped in, because we had left some stuff at the shop. The owner told us that when he went to get coffee, someone told him that we had been "spotted," i.e., that there was a couple riding around with these particular bikes! Small town, New England, I guess.

[Brina]

she is a beauty.

[DeniseGoldberg]

He also put 170 cranks on instead of 165, because he felt it would help me climb.

Wow - that really surprises me. But probably only because I've been running 165 cranks on my bikes (and I think we're close to the same height, or am I a little taller? Doesn't matter though since leg length is probably more important for this)... Did the 170s feel OK to you on your ride yesterday? Guess that's proof that we're all different, and our needs may not be the same.
--- Denise

[Crankin]

The cranks felt Ok, but when I was on the most challenging climb, it felt a little weird. I think I am leaning toward changing them, but I will ride this week and then make a decision. I think you're a little taller than me, Denise.

I think the test will be riding up my driveway!

[KSH]

WOW! HOT STUFF!

Very nice!

OH, and I have those handlebars too! I bought them and put them on my Trek 1000. One day, I hope to have a bike as nice as the handlebars!