Steel is Real. Took the Bontrager out last night to Seven Oaks. What a difference. Usually when people say "what a difference" it is a cliche' referring to a more positive difference over some negative reference. But this one is just a simple difference. The Bontrager and Kona bikes that I ride, are world's apart. And as far as my interests in biking go, that is great news. The thing that I love best about the sport of biking, is the differences in every ride. And to go on the same trail (7 oaks in this case) and experience such different rides on my 29er scandium bike, vs. my 26er steel bike, I'm quite happy. Both bikes have their unique spots in my lineup. It's great to be able to experience both. The Bontrager just crawls contently at any speed up any hill. I dropped the stem a few spacers mid-ride last night. That improved it's descending turns capability. But still the Kona is just a little quicker and more confident in that area. But for a tad bit of harshness (only noticeable after the 2nd hour of riding) I love the stiff/stout response from the beefy chainstays of the Kona. As you would guess, I can go on and on boring you with all kinds of other riding characteristics that I notice.
In other news, I've had a good number of rides lately. Last mid-week I took my Bianchi out for a good ~35 mile ride. Then soon after I took my Surly out for a unique ride. I took it out on the pavement toward ada hayden, then out on the gravel roads, through Petersen (with 32s on!) then more gravel, and a pavement return home. Then Saturday it was a 7am 3 lap Kona 7oaks ride. Then a way too short and quick lap through 7 oaks yesterday on the Bontrager.
2 comments:
Hey Alex! I was out at 7 Oaks in the afternoon Sunday for a few laps myself. The trail was just about to get to that magical point after muddy, then hard baked, then broken crust where your tires really bite in. Now it rained again and re-set the whole process. Oh well. Are you interested in racing? I think I am going to ride with Paul Varnum to Iowa City this Sunday. If it doesn't rain that is. It is a super-fun course for racing. You should think about it! Then do it! Later!
Hey Greg. I think you are right, it hadn't rained when we were there, it did just have that nice bite to it.
Thanks for the offer on racing. Unfortunately I have other committments this sunday, otherwise I'd be all over it. I'd like to get this Kona to a race. I think it'd be a good machine for it.
I'll most likely be at 7oaks this week. I'll have to get out there when it's got that nice grip to it. I'll post here when I'm going, I hope to catch you out there one of these time:)
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