I've ridden many bicycles, but only ever bought one other bicycle new. I felt so comfortable on the first one that after 13 years of riding it, I thought I'd never ride a better bike. Others that rode my original bike also commented on how good it was. My new Mercian KOM however is somehow much smoother, faster and more comfortable. It's magic!
It's currently set up to commute to work, but will also do some touring when I get my self organised. These photos are some quick snaps on my way into work this morning in Newcastle, East Coast Australia. Although the bars and seat look like they're pointing up, they're actually parallel to the ground.
Bits and pieces include:Nitto RB010AA Bullhorn HandlebarsUnknown old headsetDia Compe Guidonnet levers (reversed)Paul Racer Medium BrakesPhil Woods Hi-Flange Track Front hubBrooks Ti FinesseNo Name Chinese Ti seat postPaul Word Rear HubWellgo M142 pedalsSKM Bottom BracketVO 170mm CranksVO Chain ring48x16 gearingMavic A719 RimsGran Bois Cypres Extra Leger Tyres
One quick story… I was at a cycling event recently when a man rode up along side and started chatting to me with an English accent about my Mercian and how he'd owned one as a lad and always wondered if they were as good as he'd remembered. After speaking with me he was talking about buying a frame. I later found out he was the head of the peak cycling body in New South Wales. Cycling is a great leveller.
Happy trails, Aaron Thanks Aaron for the emails with the pictures and equipment discription.