Ok, the post title is a little misleading. It's really about some Crank Brothers Acid 2 pedals going on the bike. More carbon fiber goodness. These are basically Egg Beaters with a carbon fiber and magnesium platform. They are about 325 grams. Not super light but not too heavy. I feel these pedals are a good balance between lightweight and strength. The platform helps to distribute some pressure and that helps quite a bit on longer rides and hills.
I took the bike over to the shop Thursday, it's first "public" viewing in person. One of the mechanics looked it over and really liked it. The bike really is an eye catcher. The carefully crafted blend of recumbent, mountain and road bike is just right in my opinion. Kristin said it catches her off guard at first when looking at but as she looks at, it all makes sense.
Later in the evening I decided to go for a short spin. My original plan was to only ride about 5 miles, just down the street to the BWI trail and down the hill past the horse farm. Once underway I was really enjoying myself and when I got to my planned turn around point I decided to go another mile to the 195 bridge. Well, that plan faltered, when I got to the bridge I decided to just push on and ride the entire 12 mile loop. I didn't push the bike or myself and after 45 minutes the entire trip was over. I didn't even have a water bottle packed. It was a cool dry evening so I never felt the need to drink.
Here are my observations so far;
This bike really begs to ride. Not a fast ride but very efficient, my Strada begs to go fast, the 700X begs to just go and go.
I LOVE disk brakes. I feel very confident and sure footed about braking.
Flat footed standing stops are easy on this bike.
Climbing while standing took a litle time to learn but works very well on steep hills. It's also nice to take a stand on pedals while coasting. More for a change of position than anything else.
I am very happy with the SRAM drive train.
There is more but lot's of liitle things.
One thing I do notice is that the bike catches everyone off guard. They are not expecting that road bike feel in something this comfortable.
Hopefully the dynamo hub and brevet rear will be ready for the October 200K. The fenders will be in next week with the carbon crank.