My New Commuter

[Big Jack Brass]

It's not at the cutting edge of anything in particular, except perhaps my paycheque, but after a long wait I'm delighted and relieved to have finally taken delivery of my new bicycle. Well, collected rather than delivered; and there's nothing like riding a new bike on an unfamiliar route through the middle of Manchester to keep you on your toes.

For a couple of months, since my Brompton finally gave out, I've been using a Barracuda Zombie mountain bike, a machine as unsuited for commuting as can be imagined. On the other hand it was very kind of my brother-in-law to let me borrow it, even if I have had to replace the back tyre and bottom bracket... Not so much a loan as a convenient repair system The change to the new machine was dramatic, like sledging down a hillside of velvet.

And there it is, a bike I tend to think of as "The Vicar," a Pashley Roadster Sovereign. The elderly (and cheap) pannier set does rather disgrace it, but it does the job. My aim was to find a solid, preferably British, bicycle that would encourage me to relax on my commute and be capable of venturing further afield, which The Vicar here seems ideal for. Hats off to Cycle Scheme!

 

[Velorum]

It's not at the cutting edge of anything in particular, except perhaps my paycheque, but after a long wait I'm delighted and relieved to have finally taken delivery of my new bicycle. Well, collected rather than delivered; and there's nothing like riding a new bike on an unfamiliar route through the middle of Manchester to keep you on your toes.

For a couple of months, since my Brompton finally gave out, I've been using a Barracuda Zombie mountain bike, a machine as unsuited for commuting as can be imagined. On the other hand it was very kind of my brother-in-law to let me borrow it, even if I have had to replace the back tyre and bottom bracket... Not so much a loan as a convenient repair system The change to the new machine was dramatic, like sledging down a hillside of velvet.

And there it is, a bike I tend to think of as "The Vicar," a Pashley Sovereign. The elderly (and cheap) pannier set does rather disgrace it, but it does the job. My aim was to find a solid, preferably British, bicycle that would encourage me to relax on my commute and be capable of venturing further afield, which The Vicar here seems ideal for. Hats off to Cycle Scheme!

Excellent!

Welcome to the Dutch bike users association

 

[longers]

Very stylish Big Jack

 

[longers]

And velorum too!

 

[Big Jack Brass]

Welcome to the Dutch bike users association

English bike, surely?

It was interesting to note the reactions I received on the way home. This style of bike (traditional, everyday sort of machine, albeit in a posh version) seems oddly rare around here and a few people gave approving smiles as I cruised by. I wonder if it's a reaction born of nostalgia, interest in a bicycle that looks designed for "normal" people or simple amusement at an overweight man pootling along on what appears to be an old Police bike...

 

[upsidedown]

Very nice Big Jack, very nice indeed.

 

[Velorum]

English bike, surely?

Sorry, meant 'Dutch Style'

 

[J4CKO]

Would love to see a ringer on one of those, Lance Armstrong or Will Hoy dressed as a Vicar picking of Sunday Lycra roadies, with a toothy cheery "good morning my child" as they go past.