I was an office team of one today - everyone else had an excuse or didn't care. That's okay, I had a great ride in, so great I rode home for lunch and back again. I am tired now, and have a lot of thoughts in my head. Some encouragement about the Dutch-style bike - if I can ride the Cannondale with the rack and pannier's on it surely I can ride a Dutch-style bike. Some discouragement about the Dutch-style bike - I can hardly get this tank up the hill and I am starting to sweat and it is only in the 60 degree range - how the heck do I think I am going to ride a Dutch bike in the heat of summer up this hill? Then... going slow is nice, it is so nice to be part of the environment, not driving through it in a bubble. Then... this is not practical, it takes too long and the sweating factor is only going to get worse. A Dutch-style bike is completely impractical for me and so is riding in street clothes. Quiet mind! Overall I had two great rides and I look forward to doing it again. Goals start small - 1 day a week for now and take it as it comes with the weather heating up. Going Dutch? Well, that little voice says throw caution to the wind - what's the worst that can happen?
5 comments:
How much does the Cannondale weigh? How many gears?
Funny you should ask, we actually did weigh it all out at the end of the day. Also interesting because I was reading your conversation with Alex regarding carrying Dutch-style bikes up stairs, etc. I told Hubby and he said - that's why I'm not sure this is going to work for you, I wouldn't stop you, but...
Anyhow, I'll have to do a weight post this weekend and lay it all out. Basically, I am not a big person and pushing half my weight up a big hill is a challenge. I also have a rule I never walk a bike up a hill... more coming soon.
The Velorbis that I chose is about 10-15 pounds lighter than the Azor (I believe....) so that should make all the difference.
There are also plenty of Dutch bikes that don't weigh a ton - If you're going to be in Stockholm, you should seriously consider buying your bike there and bringing it back in lieu of 1 piece of luggage on the plane, you'll find a much better selection than anywhere here - and you could get a more modern Batavus or another brand that has all the dutch features (riding position, chain case, etc.) but without the 50+ pounds.
If I could fly to Denmark this weekend, I would buy a Raleigh. The one's they only make for the Scandinavian market. I'll post a link to them on my blog for you.
This is really helpful. Thanks Michael! It is my intent to do some looking while I am there if we can squeeze it in. You are so right. I'll check your blog when I get a second - thanks so much.
The Hub had a great quote this morning when I told him your comment about the Xtracycle:
"Life is too short [in reference to making long drawn-out decisions], the only thing holding me back is money". That is the absolute truth with me and the bike. Besides the fact I need to do some more research.
lol - that's so true.... that's the reason I take so long, because it's SO much money for me! At least a month of paychecks... so I want to make sure it's the right choice...
But, if money was no issue, I would probably just get both of them or fly somewhere to test ride them.
Although I hate to think I would be crazy with money if I had it - I would certainly spend it to send my Mom on trips around the world and get things for my friends that i know they want.
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