Bikes

past and present rides

I have a been fortunate enough to expereince many a bike over the years. These include touring bikes, 26" and 29" MTBs, commuter bikes, cargo bikes, a fat bike and a trike.

These are listed below in order of acquisition (most recent at top), from 2005.

Jones Plus (2017) I have been reseasrching options for a bikepacking bike for many years. I was interested in a Bombtrack Beyond or a Salsa Deadwood. After the latter sold out everywhere, i shifeted in thinkign from drop bars to Jones Loop bars. The Jones bike seemed the next logical step. I used the insurance money from the accident with the T2000 as a down payment for what is the msot comfortale, balanced and fun bike to ride that I have ever tried. It has taken me on many adventures to date. As close to an n=1 that I might ever get.

Catrike Trail (2011?) I had wanted a trike, having seen the odd Greenspeed around, and jumped at the chance when a negelected one was offreed up locally in early 2016. After fixing it up, it becme a daily commuter and overall it was quite fun to ride. Unfortunartely, i could not get the seat comfortable for me. I passed it on to someone whose doctor recommended one for their recovery, following a stroke (late 2016).

Surly Pugsley Special Ops (2012?) A pre-loved fat bike, the Pug Ops arived in August 2015. Seen many a beach ride, quite a few trails, an MS Sydney to Gong ride and a "Dirty 'Gong" equivalent the following year...

Yuba Mundo (v4) After quite a bit of research, I decided on a Mundo (disc brakes, dynamo hub and lights) as my all-round cargo bike. It arrived in February 2015. I use it at least once a week for grocery runs, and as a fall back commuter. I have taken it on 30km+ leisurely rides, and it rejuvenated an appreciation of the pleasures of slow riding.

Cannondale T2000 (2006) I was looking to a touring bike, and this one popped up for sale. Given my expereince with the 1983s (and have a soft-spot for Cannondale bikes), I picked this up in October 2013. It became my daily commuter, and overall was an enjoable bike to ride. The staright forks, however, vibrate under quick and heavy breaking. I have not managed to rectify this. Conituning my strong of bad luck with Cannondale, I had two accidents on this bike (both on my comute home). The first an off-leash dog took out the front wheel (and I went over the bars). The second, in April 2017, I was taken out by a car. The rear wheel, rack and Arkel Briefcase panner took most of the hit (both written off), and the frame came away unscathed. It's currently on loan to a friend.

GT Peace 9er Another second hand bike, picked up in January 2013. I was looking for a nondescript bike to take my board to adjacent breaks for a surf. Passed it on to someone else in 2015 (which I regret).

Kona Dr Fine (2012) This was my first 'new' bike in this list years, after struggling to find a commuter with the features I was seeking (i.e. internally gearing, disc brakes, subtle colors — the closest I could find at the time to black and sans glaring branding). I rode this bike everyday, and it worked very well as a commuter. [stolen 2014]

Cannondale 1983S I picked up a 1983S Cannondale touring bike (pictured above) in September 2010 in Hamilton, Ontario. The original owner had used it one Summer only, and it was in excellent original condition (with a new saddle). It was an enjoyable bike to ride, albeit I only had it for a short time. [destroyed by car 2011]

Cannondale F400 (2005) I picked up my pre-loved trusty F400 in 2006. It saw some kms, both road and trail, in Australia and Canada. These include rodes in the Golden Horsehoe and Niagara regions of Ontario, and the Finger Lakes of upstate New York. It also helped make some challenging climbs on my ride from Vancouver to Banff. On tours, it had initially a Yakima Big Tow Trailer, followed by a Bob Ibex. [stolen 2014]