Sneak Preview
Sneak Preview….
Here she is - mostly put together and almost ready for a couple of test rides to get comfortable with the dimensions and get the perfect positioning of all those adjustable things - before they are firmly locked away….
From an aesthetic perspective, there’s nothing I would change. I’ve loved seeing her come together in the workshop and can’t wait until she’s all done. Absolutely thrilled with the Porsche Auratium Green - a leafy medium green with some grey overtones. Just perfect to ride through those ancient forests in the Land of the Long White Cloud. I’m led to believe the colour is named after a Lily native to Japan - maybe I hear Japan calling?
From a ‘fit’ perspective, there are few things I’m asked to work through. I start by getting my seat height right and then it’s front to back positioning. Who would have thought that would make such a difference - not the old non-rider me. The new me knows the slightest tweak can be the difference between an uber comfortable day on the road and a ride where I might prefer to be at the coffee shop already.
Next, my bike builder extraordinaire tells me there is a +/- 10mm to play with for the stem height, before he’ll lock it in and put the delicious Berthoud Natural Leather handlebar tape on. I love the handlebars - a Velo Orange flared bull horn style thing with a twist. The ‘flat bar’ section that usually you would find to be round is in fact a lovely oval section - just perfect for the palms of your hands to sit on and your fingers curl perfectly around and under. A bit like a fat golf club grip.
I’m also under strict instruction from the bike builder to take care on the test rides. I think he’s worried I’ll scratch the beautiful new paint job. I run her around the block a few times to check her gears are running up and down smoothly, brakes are doing their job and so forth. All the variables are locked in and a slight adjustment had to be done with the gearing. So - on with the handlebar tape and the seat post is marked for ease of pack and unpack.
I’m off for a full ride, choosing the nice flat, long run out to Shorncliffe for a spin through the wetlands, past a few golf clubs with a few early morning punters having a round, and as always a perfect coffee at The Wise Owl.
The VERDICT.
Very comfortable and smooth ride. Easy turning. Prefer down tube shifters, but will get used to these. Handlebar selection is superb. Really surprised at the ‘get up and go’ of this lovely little gravel beast. I was concerned it would feel slow and may be a bit hard to get going with those knobbly tyres and all. Not this little beauty! Now for the next step - packs and panniers.
