new bike experiences

I chose the ghostgum bike shop because of a previous positive experience and because it was tiny and all about bikes. 

The owner, who I later learned was John or Maizy was a bike but, a Sydney refugee of some standing and who owned most bikes on the shop. An on-trend "shopping bike" was prominently displayed. Steel framed, Brooks, swept bars and front rack, mudguards and tan sidewall city tyres. What I call a shopping bike, one you often see European bike nerds zipping along congested city streets to visit their favorite cafe or catch up with a mate. It was all new components and John said "too good to ride".

Alpngaide, slightly lower on the stand, also with pedals removed for security reasons, was a Surly. It was a similar spec to the shopping bike though tougher looking. It could handle a trail, but only for a short run in dry conditions. Most components had been spec'ed up, Cube rear set, flashy rims and hot pink head bearing housings and swept bars. Again out of my budget and John said he was sick of " doing a bike to ride" and then having someone say it was just what they wanted. I suspect he may sell but not just yet. 

   I told John my story, I visited "two years ago and you suggested I get a Surly Bridge Club", but ended up with a Salsa Beargrease fat bike that I found too cumbersome. I didn't realise but John was rapidly processing everything: my cycling story, my bike fit and budget. He quickly got off the topic of re-wheeling the Salsa and recommended a Surly Krampus: " better components" and a thousand dollars extra. He quickly added that he didnt make any extra on the Krampus. I trusted him from before. 

   Over the next few days a Salsa buyer was found and I was back at Ghostgum. John was into it with my new bike, after considering an S size Karate Monkey frame that would be built with similar components the M sized copper Krampus was wheeled out. Over the next hour or so my Brooks and pedals were bolted on, seat height was dialled in and we discovered that it could fit. Some swept bars to reduce the reach and he pronounced it as good to go and the deal was sealed. I left with a possibly too large Krampus  on 29 inch wheels. 

   Fast forward just over a month and 2-300k's and Im getting more comfortable and confident with Rastus. Its mostly been paved, but we've ridden over sand, gravel, dual and single track with some hiker biking. An Old Man Mountain rack, Maxxis Hookworm tyres, large flat colour matched pedals, a Conos Dura computer as well as lights and vsrious bags have been fitted to make him more mine. And the verdict is that this bike is my best ever bike. Why?

Comfort: I had saddle soreness from my previous bike. I now have jock itch from hard use.

Looks: I love the way she looks, she's a standout anywhere and stands as a pedigree all terrain bike. 

Long Legs: the 29:wheels gobble up the miles and is super rolly on downhills. 

Workhorse: I like that I can cart full bikepacking kit or the weeks groceries without straining. 

Relationship: any cyclist no matter how amateurish like me, will have a favorite bike. One that felt part of you and made you want to ride far. Mine best memory was ,Giant Cypress. This bike felt like an extension of my body, never gave me pain and we commuted to TAFE from Warners Bay three and four times a week for two years. Twenty years and several pretty good bikes and lots of miles later, my Krampus is now my best. She is comfy but feels beasty hard on trails and the road. I find myself anticipating each ride and with the combination of bags, I can dial in the right gear to enjoy each outing whether it be a coffee by the road, a groceries run, a train ride to swim or touring trial. 

   A lot of this good feeling can be linked to my experience and all the bikes I've had over the years, the design and build of the Surly, but also to John's bike and rider knowledge.