Stuff

Here’s the placeholder to describe what’s between the cyclist and land (no, we’re not flying yet).

The thing itself is Specialized Sequoia 2017 model. It was not too hard choice between equals as I had some thought in my head what the bike should be fit for:

• urban areas mainly covered in tarmac
• gravel roads
• quiet lanes with mixed features – low speeds, large potholes, (mostly) slow moving traffic
• touring

So instead of buying two bikes – one for the road and another one for off-road (stump-jumper is too much for me) – I decided to go for what Erik Nohlin describes as go-anywhere, do-anything bike. His choice was Sequoia Expert. But then he was the one behind it.

I contemplated Expert for a very brief moment and then decided that extra £1000 could be spent much better elsewhere. Like getting bikes for my wife and son. I also thought of SRAM 42 tooth chainring as not having enough for me flying down the hill. I may have missed the simplicity element there…

Much of the two bikes are same and come in Cro-Mo frame and carbon fork.

The 42mm Sawtooth tyres have excellent grip on road and didn’t seem to slow down the speed where it was expected. Hover bars have been sneered in recent past though I seem to quite like them. The height is right and they seem comfortable enough for short rides. We’ll have to see what the future holds.

I decided to add touring pedals and chose Shimano T-780 that Evans was selling at £50 (OEM model, better value). This was an excellent choice as I don’t have my SPD shoes yet! RT82 from Shimano are most probably choice, tried also RT4/5 and may still change my mind. The thing is, these shoes are extremely uncomfortable when off the bike.

Lights are from Knog. The front light may need replacing as it currently hangs on wires rather than handlebars. Rear light is good as gold and lasts well over six hours of ride. And then there’s backup torch Nitecore MH20 which at 1000 lumens is good for many uses including riding in the dark. Just to note that the handlebar mount is rubbish.

Helmet is Razor Nirvana. CRC had some old stock they marked down and I grabbed one. So far it’d been very good.

Protection for my eyes… I have worn Oakley shades for almost a decade now and can’t approve them enough. Cycling shields at £160 though seem excessive. Especially as they are $160 in the US! To provide good protection in different conditions I decided to buy British army stock Revision Sawfly. These are selling on eBay as new for around £30. Out this morning in rain and without mudguards the clear lens were excellent.