And as I've only ever ridden a couple of steel beasts (which I did in fact love), jumping on this contraption was quite a contrast!
Love how smooth the Ultegra is. Can't say I notice how stiff it is, as my other bikes weren't really what you would class as 'flexible'. As for the "weight", well to me it feels about as light as lifting a single Malteaser to your mouth.
I'd also never ridden a compact crank set, and had no idea this had them until the day I picked up the bike. Combined with the much lighter weight, I feel like I fly up the hills.
Put 200km or so into it over the first weekend that I had it, and was amazed that despite having 6 weeks off riding any sort of bike I still felt really good come monday morning. I know for sure that if that were my other bikes I would have been left feeling very battered and "beaten up" the next morning.
In fact I've never actually known how people were able to ride 3 days in a row - due to how I would feel if I'd done some big km's 2 days in a row.
Also finally understand how people enjoy riding in the drops. In all honesty I could have cut them off my other bikes, I never used them. Just never felt comfortable. These however are fantastic! Not sure if it's because the frame is 2 cm larger? Actually don't care. Fact is I love LOVE the drops!
Hope you guys like. And sorry about the very beginner photos
I spent a few weeks there 23 years ago.. Hope to go back again someday.
