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Written by Zach Magoon
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Monday, 10 September 2007 |
It was crappy out and my commuter SS had a flat and I just didn't have time to change it, so I cruised in this morning on my wife's hybrid. It's an older Gary Fisher Wahoo I bought for her birthday on hopes that she would go on some of my biking excursions. Well 9 years and maybe 50 miles later, I've decided to use (commandeer) it for more than a space-taker in the garage.
I've hooked up a nice Chariot trailer to it to haul around my 18 mo. old and groceries from time to time and (for at least today) am using it as a foul-weather commuter--maybe. This thing rides like a couch. The seat is super squishy and plush. My wife loves the thing, but I find it's harder to pedal with this energy sucking barker-lounger pillow between my legs. Another thing I find a bit hard to get use to is the pedals--they're just standard flat pedals. Holy crap that's hard. After so many years of having clipless pedals, it's hard to get use to my feet flapping all over the place.
I did appreciate the upright riding position. This bike has some riser bars and a super tall stem that poises me almost straight up. Not great for windy days, but awesome for spotting traffic and road hazards. I also love this set-up for track-standing at stoplights. I can brake or just put tension on the pedals for seemingly endless balancing.
In all, this bike would make for a decent sort-distance commuter with some minor upgrades. The plush seat would have to go and some clipless pedals installed. I also can't stress enough the comfort and support of real bike shoes. The stiff soles transfer weight and energy evenly, providing a more efficient and comfortable ride.
Soon, I'd like to tell you about my new commuter ride--a combination, Commuter/Cyclocross bike created out of my old Lemond frame. Keep it on the down-low casue my wife is starting to get suspicious of our garage full of bikes.
Ride safe, ride anything.
Zm |
