Thursday, February 27, 2014

I think this is enough

People like to joke that you can never have enough bikes. I am starting to disagree. At what point is it just excessive? I think I've reached that point. I feel as if I added one more bike that it would just be a waste. There's just no reason for it. In the past year I have gotten 3 new bikes. Two of these were replacements, but none the less I think I am at my limit.

However, I am very happy with the 3 bikes that I bought this year and I think that they will serve me well for years to come with maybe a small upgrade here or there.

The two bikes that I could be replaced are the Monocog and the Pugsley. I don't really see an immediate need though. The Pugsley is old and heavy and there are a lot of better option out there at this point, but the truth about it is that despite all that I have only had time to get out on it 5 times this year. Does that justify selling it and getting a new one? Hardly. I think that I'll get myself a new one when I can manage to get out at least twice a week for a winter.

I like the Monocog, but I just feel that I could be riding something much lighter. The bike has served me well and is great for family rides so even if I got a new SS MTB I dont think that I would sell it because it's actual worth to me is more than the $250-$300 that I could probably get for it.

The other issue with so many bikes is maintenance. I wish that I was better at it. I feel that I can get things 98% of the way there, but it never comes out perfect. I always end up erring on the side of caution and bringing it into the shop for a once over $$$.

The Pikey
Pictured above is the latest and greatest. Full carbon frame and fork. Rival everything. BB7 mechanicals.
Holding the frame without the wheels the bike is very light. I was surprised how light it felt. Once I added the wheels it was "heavier." That's OK though. I am sure they will be just fine. I'll upgrade them next year.
I have a Thomson X2 stem and a Masterpiece seat post on the way and I will be moving the seat over that is currently on the Pugs. I need to swap out the tires as well as the ones it came with are too aggressive for gravel/asphalt use. The stem will be 20mm shorter that what is currently on there and has a 10 degree rise to give it more of a gravel bike feel over a short cyclocross race feel. 

If I had to pick one thing that I am not thrilled about it is that the frame says EASTWAY all over it. The one in blue looks cool, but I could do without the white and black ones. Maybe there's something that can be done. 
I'm going to have to put my St. Croix Troy frame bag on this and see if it will work. My initial thought is that it will fit great.

                                       

*Quick Edit*

The frame bag fits perfectly. I held it up to the frame and I thought "No problem" Then I had a moment of doubt when I looked at the headtube. I didn't know if the straps would be long enough since the bike it was originally designed to go on had a much smaller diameter headtube. Once I started velcroing it on I saw that it wasn't going to be an issue. It looks great and fits nice and snug.