Hey Matthew, Congrats on the AHH! I live in Seattle, and ride a Saluki I bought just over a year ago--the 650b sister of the AHH.
What gearing you'll need around here is of course really dependent on how strong you are. I'm old, fat and weak, so I want *very* low gears! :) My TA Cyclotouriste<http://www.flickr.com/photos/robharrison/5337957276/in/set-72157624011191725>is a 26-36-46 triple, and I have a Harris Cyclery custom 13-34 cassette on the back. I find that suits me quite well, for everything from riding the STP to the daily commute carrying a laptop and more. I rarely use the big ring. I'd say 80% of my riding is in the middle ring, but I really appreciate the granny at times. I have a 300 foot climb back to my house at the end of the day. Winter days are short, and nights are long and dark--you'll want lights commuting both to and from work, so consider investing in a dynamo hub. I'm very happy with my Schmidt SON20--the small one--and eDelux<http://www.flickr.com/photos/robharrison/5337958802/in/set-72157624011191725>light. Not having to think about batteries is sweet, and the light from the eDelux is actually useful to see by! (Not just for conspicuity.) I use Ortliebs that don't match my Saluki<http://www.flickr.com/photos/robharrison/5121695999/in/set-72157624011191725/>... Can't wait 'till I can afford something else, but man, they are SO functional! Waterproof gear is a necessity. It does rain here--not the torrential rains of the Midwest, but more of a constant drizzle. I like my Rainy Pass jacket, and Rain Legs. Lightweight wool works really well. It doesn't get as cold here as it does in Ann Arbor, so you don't need the heavy stuff. There are a host of really nice Riv folks here. We've had a couple<http://www.flickr.com/photos/robharrison/sets/72157625013177219/> Riv Rides<http://www.flickr.com/photos/robharrison/sets/72157625349805359/> over the last year. Be sure and let the list know when you arrive--we'll get something organized to welcome you! Rob in Seattle -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "RBW Owners Bunch" group. To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msg/rbw-owners-bunch/-/5eIqgjgRu6cJ. 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.
