Well... I did it...

[maillotpois]

I have always wanted to do a bike trip in NZ. I don't think I could handle a flight that long, mentally, though. Going to Europe is hard enough.

So really a compact? Hmm... I wouldn't like losing on the top end. Either end, really! Well, it will be lighter with a compact, I suppose. Is that why you're doing it?

[Veronica]

I almost never use the 48 that I have now, only on big descents. I can spin fast enough in the 36 - 11 to do 25 mph, on a slight downhill I use the middle for long flat sections.

I'm more worried about losing the low end because of my knees. I climb most of Diablo in the second or third lowest gear. And that's just about the same gear ratio as I'll have with a 33 - 34. I've tried climbing in my middle ring. And I can do it. But the joint pain after isn't worth it. It's a genetic biomechanical thing - my sisters have it too. I figure if it doesn't cause me joint pain, it's worth the weight savings and the added speed I should pick up, just from being in a bigger gear.

If it doesn't work out - I'll have a compact double for sale.

V.

[maillotpois]

So you going to take the new bike in for a professional fit? Might help - that knee thing needs everything you can throw at it to minimize injury. Especially when you start doing the 400 - 600ks.....

[Veronica]

Just shut up about 400 and 600! LALALALALALALA. I'm NOT listening. Well maybe a teent tiny bit...

I'm still thinking about the professional fit and getting tested again. I'm curious to see if my power output has improved a lot, or if it's my imagination and wishful thinking.

You know the first time I had the testing done, it was a birthday present. Do you think you're entitled to two way cool presents when you turn 40?

V.

[SadieKate]

Hey, V! I heard Testa is packing up shop and heading to Colorado. Not sure if Heiden is going with him.

[Veronica]

That's a bummer. Do you suppose someone else will continue with the clinic?

V.

[SadieKate]

Dunno. You could check the web site or use it as an excuse to go bicyling in Colorado. Andy Pruitt is in Boulder, isn't he?

[Veronica]

I've actually been wanting to ride in Colorado, but the elevation has put me off a little bit. It's on the list.

V.

[SadieKate]

Bubba and I both did it. We survived. You just gear back your expectations. Slower and another gear lower -- and a ton of water.

[Trekhawk]

Dunno. You could check the web site or use it as an excuse to go bicyling in Colorado. Andy Pruitt is in Boulder, isn't he?

Yep he is. Oh go on V I would like him to autograph my copy of his book while you are there seeing Im such a big fan.

[maillotpois]

Well, if you can't get Testa to fit you, I do recommend PK Racing in Fairfax. I think a pro fit would be well worth it.

[Veronica]

I got the new bike today.

V.

[snapdragen]

I got the new bike today.

V.

Pictures?!?!?!?!?!?!

[DebW]

I got the new bike today.

V.

Woohoo! Ride report?

[Veronica]

Pictures... maybe today.

I rode just under nine miles around my neighborhood last night after dark. It started to rain and I didn't want to go home. I did two more hills in the rain.

The shifting is smooth. Mark at Rivendell really worked on the front chain rings to make it that way. I REALLY wanted a 46 - 33 compact double... bad knees, long steep mountains that I enjoy climbing. Anyway, he filed by hand the spider between the rings to make the shifting smooth as silk.

I was a little worried about how the shifting would be after reading about troubles some other people have had with their compact doubles. I swear it's less effort than the triple on Fluffy.

I also wondered if it would feel really different on descents. I don't have any really long hills in my neighborhood, nothing more than 1/2 a mile, but I went up and down several to get a feel for the bike. It's like riding Fluffy's svelte twin brother.

Thom says I can't take it out again and get it dirty until we take pictures.



V.