I did about 50 miles on the Quickbeam today up the San Diego coast - from near Downtown to Encinitas. I usually take it a little slower on my Protovelo, set up with Albatross bars, B66, etc. I rode the same ride last weekend with my brother and he took my (now sold) Kogswell P58, and really kicked some butt. He's very fast, and there are usually racing (or racing-dressed) riders on this ride. I got the idea to take the Quickbeam (set up with Noodles) and ride it pretty hard for the coast ride today. The Q usually serves as my "getter" with a Wald basket and has seen 30-35 mile fun rides, but mostly 10-20 mile errand/transportation trips.
It was wonderful the whole time. I've gotten better at spinning as well as coasting - and I was passed on some of the big downhills. But I passed the same riders on the uphills. I charged up Torrey Pines road without too much trouble. I was exhausted when I got home, but thrilled with the simplicity and fun of the day. Never went down to my smaller chainwheel, but if I went up into Torrey Pines State Park, that would have been the call. I just wanted to say how great the stock gearing is on the bike. When I first got it, I was frustrated about having to spin so much on flats and coast downhill. Now I really appreciate it, especially because 40x18 gets me up almost any hill, including those on this ride, and even up Potrero Hill in San Francisco. Actually, mid-grade ascents seem *easier* on the Quickbeam. I can't explain that. 40x18 also seems to be a great touring set-up. Its fun to learn to love things that you might initially shun. --~--~---------~--~----~------------~-------~--~----~ You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "RBW Owners Bunch" group. To post to this group, send email to rbw-owners-bunch@googlegroups.com To unsubscribe from this group, send email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/rbw-owners-bunch?hl=en -~----------~----~----~----~------~----~------~--~---
