Adrian's Photoblog

Quite extraordinary I know, but I've lashed out on a new bike on the 'cycle to work' scheme. I haven't bought a bike since my Raleigh Pioneer in abou 1996, but trying to keep up with some of my Romsey chums made me think it was time for an upgrade.

Unfortunately a flash bike and SPD shoes are no substitute for cyclists thighs and so I need to get some training in and am waiting for some lighter nights to get some more practice in.

As for the bike...well the drops gave me lower back pain at first, but that seems to be over now, and with a bit of saddle and handlebar tweeking it now seems comfortable and moreover it has a smooth and nicely balanced ride (much less jarring than the old workhorse). As it's a cross bike, I can do some off road stuff too - though I'll need some knobblier tyres to deal with mud. Had a really enjoyable time in the new forest trying it out a few weeks ago - must do more.