Joined
·
598 Posts
I went to Milwaukee a few weeks back to visit a buddy and had to go to Bens Cycle and check out the Orange One. Well, I bought a frame on the spot and had them ship it to me. I had to have one.
Yesterday, after a crappy depressing day of going to my grandmother's funeral, I had a little shot of joy when I got home to discover the frame had arrived. Needless to say, I wasted no time getting it built up into a somewhat rideable condition.
Got it out for a decent ride today, even with a non-functioning front brake. I've come to several conclusions about riding in general (for me):
1. Steel rocks. I've got a great steel MTB, but haven't ridden a steel road bike since my original Panasonic DX1000 back in the 80's. I'll admit...I've partaken of the Kool-aid, and will most likely have my next serious road bike made of steel. I've always been an aluminum/Cannondale kind of guy because I didn't want to lose power tranfer (you know, because I'm SUCH a pro-rider and all), and I'll admit, the CAAD5 is pretty decent, but the ride on this frame is nicer, even with skinnier tires.
2. I've always bought frames that are too small. My primary concern was always standover height vs. top tube length. This bike is much more laid-out than the CAAD5, feels great on the body. It's got a much roomier cockpit. I'm not going to be so concerned with how much seatpost is showng any more. This is a much better way to go.
I'm very impressed with the quality of the bike, and the way I was treated by the guys at Ben's. The owner Vince showed me around their whole operation, and I was blown away. Seems like a top-notch place.
At five bills for the frame, it's not as cheap as an entry level complete ride, but it totally blows away the Langster I logged lots of miles on over the last few years. What a great bike.
Here are a few pics...
Brooks K.
Yesterday, after a crappy depressing day of going to my grandmother's funeral, I had a little shot of joy when I got home to discover the frame had arrived. Needless to say, I wasted no time getting it built up into a somewhat rideable condition.
Got it out for a decent ride today, even with a non-functioning front brake. I've come to several conclusions about riding in general (for me):
1. Steel rocks. I've got a great steel MTB, but haven't ridden a steel road bike since my original Panasonic DX1000 back in the 80's. I'll admit...I've partaken of the Kool-aid, and will most likely have my next serious road bike made of steel. I've always been an aluminum/Cannondale kind of guy because I didn't want to lose power tranfer (you know, because I'm SUCH a pro-rider and all), and I'll admit, the CAAD5 is pretty decent, but the ride on this frame is nicer, even with skinnier tires.
2. I've always bought frames that are too small. My primary concern was always standover height vs. top tube length. This bike is much more laid-out than the CAAD5, feels great on the body. It's got a much roomier cockpit. I'm not going to be so concerned with how much seatpost is showng any more. This is a much better way to go.
I'm very impressed with the quality of the bike, and the way I was treated by the guys at Ben's. The owner Vince showed me around their whole operation, and I was blown away. Seems like a top-notch place.
At five bills for the frame, it's not as cheap as an entry level complete ride, but it totally blows away the Langster I logged lots of miles on over the last few years. What a great bike.
Here are a few pics...
Brooks K.