I've had a couple emails and comments lately asking about what I ride, which is a pretty good question. I'm a big dude who rides hard over lots of miles - finding a bike that stands up to the abuse that a Clydesdale can shell out is a rarity. My Surly Long Haul Trucker, well, it's been my steady companion now going into it's third year of daily service. As of now, it's my only bike... and you know, I'm good with that.
It's a Long Haul Trucker "complete" with a couple minor changes. Schwalbe Marathon Cross tires, Brooks B-17 saddle, Nitto Noodle handlebar, Cinelli Gel tape, a cheap rack and some Nashbar Waterproof panniers. It's pretty simple, it works good, it's fast enough - but best of all - it's stupid comfortable. And durable. I've got over 10,000 miles on it now, and it rides as good as the day I got it.
That's really what it's about, finding what works for you. I just realized that this is my fourth year commuting by bike, and I'm good with that. Someone asked me the other day what I was training for, and I said nothing. Then someone asked me if I was commuting to save money, or to save the planet. My answer? Neither. Maybe both.
It's taken me four years to realize I ride because I ride. I'm good with that.
6 comments:
Cool. Thanks.
Would you give me your opinion of the Scott Sportster with 29" wheels? It is my first "serious" bike, supposedly built for a big guy like me. I like it, but have nothing to compare it to. Do I have a good brand and model? I am soliciting opinions as I think about an upgrade someday.
Right on, brother! Or is it "ride"?
I like how the bento bag looks like it's trying to climb your steerer tube.
Big Clyde - My opinion? Looks like a nice ride! But more importantly - ride what you like to ride. That's what I've learned the hard way over the past couple years. I'd try out a "cool" bike that everyone dug but just couldn't get into it myself. Even bought a couple of them. Finally I rode the LHT and it was instantly perfect on the test ride, I knew it's what I wanted.
My personal thought is to ride what you like to ride, the bike that makes you want to get on it every day, and damn what everyone else says.
But, to answer your question, looks like a dang nice rig :).
Team Buddah - Either one works for me! :)
Spencer - Hah, yeah, it's kind of hard to mount it with the size of the steerer tube. That has presented annoying but real problems. Gotta love it!
My answer to that is always the same- I commute by bike because I'd rather be on the bike than in a car, anytime, and I have to get to work somehow. :) I'm all for saving the planet, as well as saving some cash, but I'm mostly about saving my health and my sanity, which go hand in had with biking. :)
Joe
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