Hi RBW folks, I put down a deposit on a new AHH (63cm) and I'm looking for advice on how to build it up. I'm relocating to Seattle after years of living in various places where the biggest hills are highway overpasses. I'm looking to build a commuter that can also handle weekend trips, overnights, "light" touring, centuries... that sort of thing. I see there are a few Seattle-area people on this list so I'm hoping to elicit some insider advice.
The AHH will not be my only bike. I already have a Bilenky porteur (650B) that I will use for grocery runs and heavy loads. I have a beater for locking up outside late at night. I want the AHH to be zippier, more suited to a faster pace and longer rides. I have a set of Acorn bags (large saddlebag and boxy rando bag) that I plan to use as part of the build, and I'm hopeful that those bags will be enough for daily use, perhaps augmented with a backpack on days when I need extra capacity. I'm also considering a rear rack with panniers. I have a set of orange Ortliebs which are great at keeping things dry and for visibility, but lose points in the attractiveness category, I think. I have been using albatross-style bars almost exclusively for the past five or six years. But I'm thinking it makes sense to go with drops on the AHH for the increased riding positions. I'm 6'3", 175lbs, in case that matters. Questions I have: - What about the rain? Obviously fenders are a must, but I'm interested in other suggestions from people living in rainy climates. Are there certain components you'd recommend or not recommend? I'm also very interested in tire suggestions -- my current favorite tires are Hetres but it's been awhile since I've bought a quality 700c tire and I'm not sure what people like for rainy, hilly areas. - Hills. I know this might sound silly, but I haven't had to think much about gearing, living on flat ground. I always have enough gears and I can usually get by with just one if need be. How do I know if I want a compact double or a triple? - Saddles: I've been riding mostly Brooks for years, and I carry a rainproof saddle cover with me. Should I consider some non-leather alternatives, though? Thanks. This will be my first Riv! -- Matthew Snyder Ann Arbor, MI -- 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 rbw-owners-bunch+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/rbw-owners-bunch?hl=en.
