New Bike!

[biking_fox]

My New trusty commuting stead! Maintenance free! Yes, it's a flat bar, twist shift, hub gear, with drop bar ends. It's a little odd but it works very well.

It's taken me about 200 miles to get used to the difference between this and the STI 700c roadbike I was on before. It isn't as fast, and it certainly doesn't accelerate as quickly. But it's much more comfortable to ride, isn't as fussy, and will get a decent turn of pace when the traffic allows.

If you see me out and about round S. Manchester give me a wave - I doubt there are many similar bikes around.

 

[jonny jeez]

Lush!!

I'm not familiar with drop bars as the last "racer" I rode was to do my paper round!! (happy days).

So how does all that work then, can you brake whilst your hands are on the flats and can you change gear while you are gripping the drop's?

I'm intrigued.

I like the grip shift myself (Chitty has a set of her own) as they change really fast from one extreme to the opposite (especially good for my old MTB days) and as a plus, they remind me of the grifter that I used to ride (when I sold the paper round bike!).

Happy trails

Jonny

 

[Keith Oates]

I've never seen bar end drops before but it looks OK, being a Thorn that will be comfortable and long lasting, enjoy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[HonestMan1910]

Looks cool, might try this with my Merida Speeder and see how it goes.

 

[biking_fox]

can you brake whilst your hands are on the flats and can you change gear while you are gripping the drop's

Short answer - no

Long answer - changing gear is not as easy as STI, you have to move one hand. But you can stay in a dropped position quite comfortably.

Braking - is the same as riding on drops: you can brake from dropped or/hoods but not sitting up on the flats. Because it's Vbraked you've plenty of brake power just on the rear brake if you need ot brake and change gear at the same time.

 

[fossyant]

I hope you've sorted that saddle out - should be level.

Unusual bike - looks good, and crikey, you are tall

 

[jonny jeez]

Short answer - no

Long answer - changing gear is not as easy as STI, you have to move one hand. But you can stay in a dropped position quite comfortably.

Braking - is the same as riding on drops: you can brake from dropped or/hoods but not sitting up on the flats. Because it's Vbraked you've plenty of brake power just on the rear brake if you need ot brake and change gear at the same time.

Wow, so you'll be a dab hand at scratching your head while rubbing your tummy then?

In truth, it sounds a lot like my own experience trying to choose between riding on the bar ends or to actually keeping some kind of control over the bike by putting my hands at least someplace near the gears and brakes.

Jonny

 

[Theseus]

Since it is a Rholoff twist shift that pulls cable in both directions, you will be free from the pain that is other twist systems.

The front brakes look a bit strange being at the rear of the forks, but no reason why that should make any difference.

 

[BentMikey]

It's a nice bike, much to admire!

Touche, it's not that unusual. My brakes are also behind the forks, though for aerodynamic reasons:

 

[threshold]

Does anyone know where to get those 'clip on' drop units, looks like a good stop gap for my dog rough winter hack, which i a mongrel mtb? Thanks for any info