The weather is finally here for Gerald and i to get acquainted. Spent the first two or three miles going through the gears, raising seat and bars even higher, getting used to the unfamiliar sounds of a newly built steed. Gerald was very patient, not complaining or giving any cause for concern. Tubes seemed thin after the girth of the Schils. A long reach to change gear, reminiscent of my old twenty five inch Coventry Eagle that carried me everywhere thirty odd years ago.
Trundled along until we got to Stanway where a short descent leads to tight S bends through a small hamlet. I usually have to brake through here as thebike can feel a little unstable. For some reason Gerald gave a totally different feel as we picked up a little speed, as if to say "It's all under control" I let the bike run and turned in with confidence. Gerald stuck to the turn making the run out to the second part of the S feel slow. I pushed, he smiled, we turned and he kicked me out of the other side grinning.
This bike seems to respond and sit well when being pedalled, a little like a well balanced car that needs 'drive' to settle. My strava BPM reflects this. Having ridden the ally schils yesterday the differences are easily apparent even to a relatively inexperienced road rider such as myself. Gerald flexes and bucks a little, giving feedback and asking for more, the Schils merely transmits without adding character or anything to the equation.
As we got further into the ride I gained confidence in the setup and sure-footedness of the new boy, Mr O'Donovan certainly knew how to design a frame. I cannot believe how under rated and under valued these bikes seem to be at present. Try one, buy one, build one. You won't be disappointed.
Another keeper