| (Long Distance) Ramblings |
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I like to ride my bicycle - for long distances. I have earned the California Triple Crown and finished the Furnace Creek 508. My goals include qualifying for RAAM and ...(read the blog to find out). "The bicycle has a soul. If you are able to love it as it deserves, it will give you emotions you will never forget." "Nothing compares to the simple pleasure of a bike ride."
"The important decisions in my life I make while out riding my bike."
"Pain is temporary, quitting lasts forever.” Lance Armstrong
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Sunday, December 11, 2005
A new bicyle?I am looking to purchase a new bike. This will be a "rain" bike and could also be used for loaded touring. To understand where I am headed, perhaps some history will be helpful. In 1995, I purchased a Cannondale R600 that came with the 2.8 (pre-CAAD) frame. Is was stiff and much lighter than my steel bike. These factors helped me in climbing and sprinting. You step on the pedal and it goes! But, the ride was very harsh! In '02, the frame cracked and I received a CAAD3 as a warrenty replacement. I purchased one of Cannondales carbon fiber forkes and swaped out all of the parts. This was my "fast" bike until I purchased a '04 LeMond Victoire Classic (the all Ti frame). Now, the Cannondale is my rain bike. I got fenders on it, but it was a challenge. Comparing the ride between the two frames, well the LeMond glides over chipseal while the Cannondale rumbles! So, I have just begun looking for a frame to buildup. This would be my new "rain" bike and I would be putting many miles on it this seanson. (The Cannondale would become my "roller" bike.) My goals are... 1) Lightness is must. 2) Disk brakes are a must. 3) Being able to mount fenders is a must. 4) A non-harsh ride is a must (the LeMond has spoiled me). 5) Loading touring would be nice (I would swap the front fork). Based upon the above, I have narrowed my frame material choices down to Ti. Steel is heavy and it rusts. Al is light but my history with it makes me want to advoid it. I love the ride on my LeMond Victoire! As to frame style, I am looking at a cyclecross frame with disk brakes. While a bit heavier, I would be able to mount fenders and tour on it. The disk brakes would address rim damage/noise due to riding in the rain. Just this weekend, I made the rounds of the bike shops in Salem (where I live) and I am looking at a Redline (http://www.redlinebicycles.com/) or a Desalvo (http://www.desalvocycles.com/). However, I am open to others; I have not made a choice as of yet.
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