I attached the X pedals to my new bike, an S-Works Tarmac 56. With a few days inclement weather forecast but none of it due over until about 7pm this evening, I thought it would be rude not to take her for a spin and see what she’s made of. It was nearly 4:45pm when I set off so I decided to keep it reasonably short to beat the darkness. Clipped a couple of flashy blinkers to it and set off.
First impression – it has the same WHOOSH factor as the Cannondale in that it takes minimal effort to push it forward but it’s also very very smooth and refined with it – I don’t know whether it’s the carbon rims, the carbon seat post (has a bit of backward flex in it) or the carbon bars but it made ordinary roads feel like nicely surfaced tarmac. Really a revelation.
I didn’t adjust it before setting off as the frame is the same size as the X and the saddle is in the same position. The bars were lower than I’d normally have them and although I wasn’t as comfortable as I’d be in a slightly more upright position I wasn’t uncomfortable either. At most I’ll flip the stem, it doesn’t need a new one. I might even leave them and see if I get used to them.
All the gears changing very nicely and very slick. The only bummer is that the right brake lever has more travel in it than is normal or proper, but that should be an easy adjustment.
I went round a short Twycross route like I was on rails. 18.04 miles of smiles. A bit dark by the time I got back but not as bad as yesterday. I could see the road well enough.
Wasn’t quite sure about doing a ride the next day after doing more than twenty but the knees felt surprisingly ok-ish today so I risked it. And I think they’ve held up pretty well. A little bit sore now but really not that bad. I don’t like being optimistic about them because I’ve been proved wrong in the past, but I do think they are improving gradually. Maybe.
I will stick to my physio’s prescribed regimen of adding 2 miles per week.
62 this month now.