My new bike is a Norco Tango. Yes, I know. Norco isn't one of the "look
cool" names. I don't care. Mountain bike, 24 speeds. 0.8mm CroMo frame
(double butted) with LX fronts, XT rears, and a weight of just over 26Lbs.
I threw on bar ends (of course) clipless pedals, and a good set of shoes.
Weighs like a feather compared to my 38 pound boat anchor I retired
Thursday.
I just _can't_ get over the stopping power of the brakes. Man, those
cantilevers are _strong_ mothers.
I was kinda dissapointed for a moment last night. After I put all the
doodads where I wanted 'em - like my crappy old computer and so on, I took
the think out for a brief little spin around the blocks. I was toddling
along a hill, and thinking to myself "Gads, I'm putting out about as much
as I would on the Iron Maiden...." and then I looked down at the
speedometer as I passed a light. I was going 27Km/h - and I usually do that
stretch at about 10Km/h (7.5 miles for you in the Excited States) less.
I've got to scrape together for toys now. Weather protection comes next - a
good cycling jacket, waterproof tights (when I lose some mass) and the
purchase of today - thermal booties. Hovering at just above freezing, in
our wet ocean weather, I just about froze my toes off.
That's one thing I do note - I'm going to have to learn how to cycle all
over again - the clipless pedals/shoes allow for sooo much more power, but
one has to relearn how to pedal the bike!
--- Maximus/2 3.01
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