I like to ride my bicycle - for long distances. I have earned the California Triple Crown and finished the Furnace Creek 508. My goals include qualifying for RAAM and ...(read the blog to find out).
"The bicycle has a soul. If you are able to love it as it deserves, it will give you emotions you will never forget."
Mario Cipolini
"Nothing compares to the simple pleasure of a bike ride."
John F. Kennedy
"The important decisions in my life I make while out riding my bike."
Former Italian Prime Minister Romano Prodi
"Pain is temporary, quitting lasts forever.” Lance Armstrong
Saturday, December 24, 2005
A New Rain Bike
I have purchased a new bicycle - a Redline Conquest Ti.
You will note that this is a cyclecross frame and it is compatible with disk brakes. The purpose of this bike is to become my rain bike, the bicycle I ride in the rain, which it does a lot of here in Oregon.
Components
Wheels: Velomax Sagitta
Shifters: Shimano Ultrega
Crank: Shimano Duraace Triple
Cassette: Shimano Ultrega 12x27
Front Derailleur: Shimano 105
Rear Derailleur: Shimano Ultrega
Brakes: Avid Ball Bearing Road
Saddle: Stella Italia Flight
Handlebar: Bontrager Race
Seatpost: Bontrager Race
Tires: continental 4-Season
I took it out for it's first ride today, and as per my history, I headed toward one of the toughest hills around - Gibson Rd. I needed to know how it climbed and descended. So, Gibson Rd here we come.
On the flats the bike felt very good. It is 3 3/4 lbs heavier (21 pounds even) than my LeMond Victoire, so it is somewhat more slugglish which is to be expected. I was afraid that it would be a slug on the hills, but my fears turned out to be unfounded. Climbing on the Redline was fun! The extra weight did not seem to slow me down. The Redline replaces my Cannondale CAAD3 R600 as my rain bike and the Cannondale is much heavier. The only issue I found was as I got up out of the saddle to stand, the front end is a bit more twichy than the LeMond.
Descending was fast and stable. The wheels felt stable on the curves and fast on the straight descents. I was up to my normal descending speed without worries.
Overall, the Redline performed well. I am very pleased with my first impressions.