I love cycling, always have since my first Schwinn Stingray (gold) with a sparkling vinyl banana seat and a sissy bar in back. I progressed through a series of different bicycles over the years, and now…I’ve come full circle.
I have been lusting after a Rivendell for years, but only hard-core cyclists (or trust funders who think they are) can afford a Rivendell. They are works of art, and are worth every penny, and maybe someday when I retire I’ll get one and ride across the U.S. or something like that.
In the meantime, I must go budget. That said, you can get a lot of bike for not a lot of money if you’re willing to give up a few things…like dérailleurs and freewheels and stuff like that.
The Schwinn Madison is a sweet, sweet ride. I got her last week, still in the box, and built her up Saturday night. I went for not one but two rides on Sunday, one with Stephanie and one without. Even out of shape and carrying ten pounds of winter lard, I still managed a 19 mph average speed for a nice 10-mile sprint around the lake. It made me feel really good…powering up those long hills without the benefit of lower gears…I dunno, it feels pure somehow.
The best part about a fixie is the quiet nature of the drive mechanism. No dérailleurs to purr and clank, no freewheel buzzing, nothing. Just smooth, direct, quiet power from my quivering, lactic-acid drenched legs. I can’t recommend then enough. I somehow think my old Bridgestone crossbike is going to be gathering more dust this Spring.
P.S. One more reason to love Rivendell: The Tips for Happy Riding.
darren,
if you really need a rivendell call me. i have a connection with Grant.
kim jong ill
sales directer in bozeman
nice new bike by the way. i’m turning my cross bike into a single speed.
Need a Rivendell? I don’t need one. I just lust after one. I’ll wait until the shock of two bikes in three months wears off the wife, which might take a while, but then I’ll call you…thanks!