SWEETPEA, THE BICYCLE

Compared to most people I own very little.  This is mostly do to not owning a house, which by its very existence creates a vacuum that needs to be filled.  Don’t get me wrong, I am not a minimalist by nature, but out of necessity.  Years working, and living aboard ships, and years bicycle touring have been a contributing factor.

Of all the things I do own though, this bicycle is my prized possession.  Not so much because of the parts, and upgrades over the years, but more the feeling of freedom that I get just looking at it, and riding her is my favorite form of therapy.

The Surly Ogre right off the shelf ia a fantastic touring bicycle,  and much though went into its design.  Lugs galore for mounting just about anything you want, and for me the geometry makes for a comfortable ride when spending months in the saddle.

On the subject of saddles one could go on for ever.  each person should consider all the options, as a poor choice will turn what should be a glorious experience into a nightmare.  My first tours where on stock saddles.  OK for a short ride, but after several hours the need for something better became obvious.  I was certainly aware of the Brooks saddles.  They have a great reputation, and for good reason.  They are not cheap, but for me the difference in how my ride was improved was well worth it.

I purchased my first Brooks saddle, the classic B17, just days before heading out on a six month cross country adventure.  I had heard that the break in period could be long, and brutal, but I was fortunate that from day one it was the most comfortable saddle I had owned, and it only improved as the miles added up.  When the bicycle that I used on that trip was stolen it was the saddle that I missed the most.

The next upgrade was to tubeless tires, and the new rims that were required.  Dealing with flats, especially in goat thorn country, can put a damper on an otherwise perfect day.  I had heard about the various tubeless set ups, all pretty much the same idea, and decided to give it a go.  Have been running with them for the past four years, and only now do I need to pump up mt front tire each morning.  Time to top off the sealant.

The two biggest upgrades came this year.  I hemmed, and hawed for years, but finally broke down and purchased a Rohloff speed hub.  Of German design, it is a marvelous bit of engineering. Worth its weight in gold. and about the same price.  A necessity? No, but I wanted one, and that’s all there is to that.  Big upgrade #2 was going with a carbon belt drive system.  For this I went with Veer cycles design.  It is a split belt that allowed me to install it with out cutting into my frame.  It has been on the bike for a few weeks now.  Too soon for a full review, but so far, so good.

My next big project, and one that is rather daunting, is to sell, give away, donate, or just toss everything else.  If it is not going on the road with me, it goes.

I also have another bicycle project soon.  I need another ride for the City, as Sweetpea is like parking a beautiful spots car.  I would be in a shop, or restaurant and be worried about it the whole time.

Its a beautiful day out.  Hope you can get out for a ride,