So, in composing my previous post I used the word “pedaling”. The Blogger spell-check software refused to acknowledge “pedaling” or “pedalling” (both perfectly acceptable spellings) and suggested that I was “peddling”… No, Blogger, I’m pretty sure I wasn’t selling anything, nor was I “paddling” my bicycle down the street, thank you very much.
This shines a light on one of my (many) pet peeves. People (particularly cyclists) who use peddling when they mean pedaling. The bike has pedals; not peddles! Stop it!
I’ve even seen clubs (yes, more than one!) on organised rides wearing jerseys stating they were “peddlers” of one sort or another. Either they’re in sales, and somewhat clever; or (my guess) they’re stupid. Seriously people, don’t implicitly trust the computer; use your brain, use a dictionary… put forth a little effort!
So, today around 2:30 I took a quick ride to the Post Office; the plan being that when I returned I would eat, change into “bike clothes” then go for a real ride.
The eating and changing clothes part of the plan went real well, then came a big booming clap of thunder, followed almost immediately by torrential rain. This cast the going for a ride part of my plan into doubt.
Undeterred, I checked the various online weather radars at my disposal and estimated that the rain would be over in plenty of time to still get my ride in. Sure enough, the rain didn’t last long and by 6:30 the wind was doing a fine job of drying the roads out.
So, off I went. I’m not sure if it was because of the earlier downpour, the still threatening looking skies, or what, but traffic was surprizingly sparse. Another welcome touch was that the rain had brought the temperature way down. Riding to the Post Office earlier it was in the upper 80’s, after the rain it was a cool 67!
As is often the case, the storm had gotten the wildlife stirred up. I encountered a bunny, and a group of six Goldfinches paralleled my path for about 40 yards or so. I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again; any ride with Goldfinches is a good ride.
I had intended on going for a nice, leisurely spin, but the ominous, low-hanging, dark gray, foreboding clouds surrounding me on 3 sides added impetus to my pedaling and I got in a good fast ride instead, rushing to get home before the clouds changed their minds.
That’s the sort of “Summer Shower” that I don’t mind, although my opinion changes dramatically when I’m caught out in one of these passing downpours.
So, since I decided that I am going to buy, and build up, a Bianchi Pista Concept frameset, I’ve been patrolling eBay for components.
First I got a good deal on a Selle Italia Flite Ti saddle, then I got a Ritchey WCS seatpost. Last night I went ahead and put the new saddle and seatpost on the Pista and was amazed that it actually felt appreciably lighter when I lifted it up. I knew that the original saddle/seatpost combo was heavy, but… wow! A quick bit of research, addition, and subtraction later and I found that the Pista is now another ~202 grams, or a bit over 7 ounces, lighter. Combined with the sweet new wheels, I’ve shaved off well over a pound, probably closer to 2.
Today when I took it out for a spin, I was stunned by the difference. The bike feels noticeably lighter, quicker and even more nimble, plus, the Flite suits my derriere so much better than the ‘WTB Rocket V Comp’ saddle the bike that came with.
Somebody should kick me in my (now much more comfortable) butt for not putting a Flite on sooner. My geared bike has a Flite on it, which I know I’m comfortable on for 8 hour+ rides. I don’t know what kept me from putting one on the Pista for so long. I guess I liked the look of a chrome bike with a shiny silver saddle, for one; and it wasn’t like it was ‘ass-hatchet’ uncomfortable. I didn’t realize just how heavy (and uncomfortable) it really was, so I stuck with it (it was shiny!).
The Pista’s new found sprightliness has me really excited about eventually hanging these parts on a Pista Concept’s much lighter frame. It’s going to rock!
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Mark of the Binary Beast, bitches!
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