Commodus

Had a bit of a spill two weeks back and hurt my thumb pretty good. So good, in fact, that I didn't feel safe on my bike - just couldn't grip the handlebar very securely.

I went for a little spin today, first time since. Feels amazing, I feel like a rocket. I took the opportunity to do a little wrenching, pulled off some accessories, replaced the handlebars (bent my old ones) and spooned on some cross tires.

The bike just feels so fast without the rack, handlebar bag, fenders, lights, etc. Worked on my dismounts/remounts, sprinting, running with the bike, etc. It's like I suddenly opened a window or something, everything just looks a little brighter - the trees, the dirt, the puddles, even the zombie-peds look beautiful from my new/old perch.

Just haven't felt the same since the spill. Appetite tanked almost immediately, and changed too. I'm not only eating less, but I can't stomach anything sugary or fatty. I mean I can't even finish a hamburger! When I'm riding I can eat anything and everything.

Anyways, sorry for my rambling. Just wanted to share.

Here's a shot of my girl in 'cross-mode, just as I was finishing up the cockpit.

531phile 

Look Out! There's a turtle on your fork.

electrik

Gear853

Hey nice bike, what bike is it?

And glad to know you can ride again!

Sammyboy

Interesting bars, and bar angle. Are those the bent ones?

nelson249

Nice machine.... it has inspired to ride the Cross Check into work today rather than the old Mongoose...

electrik

Pretty sure OP's ride is an older Kona Sutra.

Sirrus Rider

+1 What bars are those?

rumrunn6

wild bars! never saw a curve like that

Commodus

Yeah, it's an '08 Sutra. My favourite year, for the colour and the nicer cranks and wheels.

The bar is nothing exotic, just an FSA Omega Compact. 42 I think. Just pulled a bunch down off the shelf and tried 'em all out. This one felt the best.

Here's another shot of it, cockpit dialed in.



And, since I'm showing off in a purely gratuitous post, here's another in 'daytrip' mode.



Those are the previous bars, another set of FSA Omegas, but in an ergo bend.

rumrunn6

nice! how do you like the front bag? I've experimented with front racks and small bags but always thought they added too much wind resistance. from the looks of your back rack you've got room for what's in your front bag, no?

Commodus

I like the front bag if I'm not carrying much, just for the weight. The weight of the stuff I generally bring on these "short" weekend day trips is generally less than the rear pannier itself! I would like to figure it out so I could remove the rear rack all together, but it is just too handy.

I never really thought about wind resistance, but surely there would be no impact since I am the widest part of the bike?

rumrunn6

haha I see, well, guess I'm just a rear rack kinda guy

ptle

That's a pretty nice commuter. Almost exactly what I wanted, a steel frame, disc brake cyclocross bike. I prefer "brifters" but could see myself using bar end shifters.

I can't wait to get back on the bike. I got pneumonia last weekend, and have been feeling tired. The doctor told me to rest and stay off the bike, which is probably good advice. I did do a 25 mile ride the other day and I could tell my heart rate was much higher than it normally would be. Hopefully, I'll get back on the bike Monday and see how it is.

I'm suppose to go mountain biking with the staff members at work. Unfortunately, I decided I'm still too tired to go. The good things is that means I'll have more time to work in the bike shop instead of going on the ride.

gerv 

I'm going to write you a prescription to take even more time off. Watch Oprah. Watch the leaves fall off trees. Take naps. Relax.

ptle

Yeah I'm feeling it today... especially since I stayed up late doing a paper. I took the bus today, which is nice for a change.

Commodus

It's actually a touring bike, I just stuck on some cross tires because before my spill I was going to take in some of the BC Cup races. But yeah, I really like it. It's the kind of bike you can do anything on, you get on and just feel like you can pedal across the country.

Brifters are better, it's true. The bar-ends are just cheaper and lighter...when some Tiagra shifters show up on CL for a good price I'll probably snag 'em.

Rest up, feel better.

As for me, I've decided my thumb has had enough of a break. Especially since next week is "bike to work week" here locally, I can't miss that.