cycling 22:00 [3] 7.0 mi (3:09 / mi)
Another test ride on the 5200 back up Ivy Hill. They dropped the bars and put on a stem with a smaller angle, and scooted the saddle back a little. It was definately a better position, but I still felt like I was constatly about to go over the bars. I was hoping the more stretched out position would take off some of the responsiveness but it didn't. Must be all geometry. Straight fork, steep head tube. I tried taking my hands off the bars on a nice smooth section but it was just too scary. Also noticed they had a 105 front deralieur instead of the Ultegra which should have been there. I pointed this out and they gave me some excuse about it being a "blemish" bike with mixed components. Yet they still called it a 5200 and neglected to point the 105 out to me. (and it still had the $2000 pricetag). Anyways, even if they put on the Ultegra front and changed the casette to a 12-27 (from 25) to give me a little more bottom end, its still just feels like to much bike with too much quickness for me. Need something more raked in front - more "cadilac" like. Afterwards they managed to dig up a Trek "1500" in a 52cm frame - the only other small frame they had in the shop (and still too big for me - I need a 50). I rode that and it certainly felt more comfortable. Its a 100% aluminum frame and is lighter than my moly, but not as light as I would want for the $1000 price tag they had on it. It han an Ultegra rear which was nice, but the front deralieur was unmarked. As in I couldn't even tell what the make was! And it was lousy. Too bad. The shop is really mixing and matching stuff - not even following the Trek specs, so the gist is no bike for me at the moment. I would really like to take a ride on the 2300, but the smallest they had was a 58! I have a feeling though that it will be too quick for me as well - it uses the same straight carbon fork. I have to say though that the carbon 5200 was a nice smooth ride, the Ultegra rear was mighty fine, and its absolutely the lightest mahine I've ever picked up with one finger and lifted over my head. Too bad I'm not good enough to handle it on the road.
