Haven't been riding bikes (“properly” at least) for very long at all but here’s my input on this fun topic:
Being over 2metres tall has its downsides when trying to find a bike and I’ve more often than not found myself disappointed when I can’t get to my desired inseam while testing something new…
so in a desperate measure to get on the road I bought an old beat up 63cm(!!!) Cannondale R1000 off Facebook Marketplace for a measly 600rand, spent close to 10x that amount on getting it cleaned up and resprayed (flawlessly might I add) by Jared at BMC, found an old R7900 Dura groupo on the hub and managed to buy some ZIPPS off a friend who had recently upgraded to a disc bike.
What I ended up with (after some minor upgrades to stem/bars/etc over time) was still the best feeling bike I’ve personally ridden so far. NEVER gave me a single issue. Felt bulletproof yet light as a feather and “kept up” with the fast boys without a hiccup. It sparked the joy in cycling for me and remains high up in my happy cycling memories.
I still regret selling it in a time of financial need, and have since owned a handful of modern carbon fancy things that give me nothing but issues and anxiety over hairline cracks!
About a month ago I bought another big (only 61cm however…) cannondale frame off the hub (a Six13 this time with a beautiful almost untouched red Seaco paint job) and can’t wait to gather the parts to make something similar to that beloved other bike. The whole thing is making me froth for cycling as if I’m starting from scratch all over again.
