Well, hats off to
Evans Cycles in Leeds. I had a meeting in the city today and got in an hour early so I popped in for some bike porn and the guy was really interesting, and interested, and was happy to discuss a range of bikes while sticking to my brief, which made a refreshing change. And also opened my eyes to some novel (for me) sizing options. Booked in for some test rides in the afternoon, and all for a penny on the debit card!
Cue the end of the meeting and I was back in there on the dot of three o'clock. Saw the chap, the £1200 Pinnacle was ready to roll ten minutes later, took it out for quarter of an hour or so around the city centre, what a nice ride, very comfortable, almost too "soft" in urban conditions, very neutral feel in terms of geometry but could handle a turn of pace and the steering was really swift and precise. Shifters were in the wrong place on the bar for me but still, good stuff. After that I had a fifteen-minute cavort with a Norco Nitro which was £900. Really nice bike, light, somewhat harsher than the Pinnacle, and felt quicker and lower, although was a bit heavier up front. Perfect size for me. Never used SRAM shifters before so that felt a bit odd. On balance I would have the Norco as it looked nicer imho and is a bit better for my budget.
Also popped out for a similar test on an entry-level GT Karakoram as this was the only 29er in my size that was built up in-store. Nonetheless as it was first ever go on a 29er it was quite interesting to see how persistently they roll. Didn't gel for me though that might have been the awful suspension fork - this was a £500 hardtail. One of the guys did make the point that I might rather like a £1000 29er. I think I'm still on the 26s though. Better the devil and all that.
But, and it's a big but... After two hours riding and in the shop drooling and chatting, I hopped on my 32lb Bobcat and immediately its balance, enthusiasm and stretched top tube grabbed hold of me. I basically rode 4 bikes this afternoon around the same urban environment (yes, I know it's hardly trail!) and the bike I got the most thrill from was my own! So not really any closer to getting a new one.
[Also took the opportunity to drool over the carbon road bikes. My dream bike used to be the Cannondale Synapse Carbon 105, which I have now seen in the flesh, but I must say the SuperSix 105 is far sexier, and cheaper! Mmmmmmmm]
Pics: SuperSix 105, Synapse Carbon 105, GT Karakoram 29er, Norco Nitro 6.2, Pinnacle Iroko Two
