And today I did......

[clockworkgazz]

.... came to the conclusion that if I ride an older bike it has to be big and high at the front.

I've been out over the last few night for a short run on the 29'er and tonight I decided to go out on the wicked. My back hurts like buggery now and apart from taking me back to the racy feel I had back in the day on the clockie, I think I will have to admit defeat on these arse-in-the-air, head-down bikes.

The wicked is a thing of beauty and is a great handling bike but I could not do any distance on it and the bigger low pressure tires and more comfy position of the GT is so much more suited to my aging body.

 

[kaiser]

Initial impressions of the 29er favourable then?

 

[Tazio]

I discovered that my digital luggage scales might be a bit off in terms of accuracy.

I'm pretty sure an 18 inch ally frame with the bottom bracket fitted doesn't weigh 4.5Kg.

 

[mikee]

glad you enjoy the GT gazz
even if its a bit forced

i know what you mean tho big seat post straight drop bars look the dogs
and for 20 mins they are

that old dale would be the perfect shape for you , but it is the perfect shape for me ,so its mine

 

[clockworkgazz]

Initial impressions of the 29er favourable then?

pretty good I've been impressed, soaks up the small bumps- does roll well and I have run the tires at a pretty low pressure so feels smooth but I think the carbon fork helps also.

Bit sluggish on the steering front, so might be a bit less agile on the tighter singletrack (I've not ventured offroad yet so cannot say for sure) as I need to get the strength back in the shoulder but overall think I like them. I would like to have a go on a bike with wheels inbetween 26 and 29 that might bridge the gap and offers the best of both worlds, mibee.

 

[clockworkgazz]

cheers Mikee loving the GT........did I just say that? :?

 

[velomaniac]

As regards all your stuff going missing, read this classic extract from 'The Hitch hikers Guide to the Galaxy'
http://www.earthstar.co.uk/biros.htm

 

[Buzz1024]

think i'll get one of these name a star things from that old persons catalogue that comes with the sunday papers and call mine tape measure

 

[zigzag]

Initial impressions of the 29er favourable then?

... Bit sluggish on the steering front, so might be a bit less agile on the tighter singletrack...

Aye, this is how I feel... I'd rather be 26'ing at Drumlanrig or Craufurdland, although I wonder if it wouldn't be quite so bad with a lighter wheelset? Possibly something to try this year...

 

[mikee]

the wheels i gave gaz with the 29er were quite light ,i think they were
cx wheels ,they did make a big2 differance to its feel ,but they
do feel long compared to a 26 " wheeled bike
i tried a 26 rear weel on it and it felt sharper but looked a bit odd