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05-30-06, 05:54 PM
I started a thread a few weeks ago asking for thoughts regarding this bike and the Specialized Sirrus Comp. I couldn't justify the extra money at this point, and recently took delivery on the Fusion. Today was my first ride/commute with that bike.
Between the time I checked out the demo bike and took delivery on the new bike, REI changed the lighting system slightly. The rear light is no longer connected to the generator. Instead, it is a flashing red LED with a reflector on the rear fender that is motion activiated - i.e. I cannot keep it off during the day. In addition, they simplified the system by removing the light sensor (at least that's what I think it was - it had an off/on/auto setting). The light (Shimano AutoLight) has a light sensor that will turn on the light at dusk. The bike also includes a manual on/off battery operated headlight so a standlight is unnecessary (but would be awfully nice). If I do any kind of dusk/night riding, I plan to add a generator operated taillight with standlight, and a multi-directional multi-LED taillight. If the front generator-operated light ever fails, I'll replace that with a new generator operated headlight with standlight.
I had an old Rhode Gear commuter pannier. Unfortunately I discovered in the morning that the included rack does not have a "hook" on the bottom (is this unusual?) so I had to rig up something with a couple of caribiners to attach it to the bike. The pannier had only a ring attached to the bungee. I wonder if I'll have the same problem with new panniers. I'm looking at the Arkel or Inertia commuter/utility bags. I tried the Ortlieb at the store, but we couldn't seem to get it on so it wouldn't either fall off, or just be a pain every time.
I think the bike is comfortable... not entirely upright, but not significantly hunched over. I like the position, but after my commute home I had a little bit of tingling in my hands. I think this is entirely my problem - i.e. I'm more sensitive than most. The adjustable stem seems to be in an upright position. I need to get a pair of gel gloves and salvage my handlebar ends from my old cannondale (hope they work) to add some alternate positions, and that should solve my problem. Any other suggestions?
My commute is 5.25 miles each way, uphill at the beginning, and downhill at the end. I've been relatively sedentary for at least a couple of years, so the commute was tough, but good. 95% bike path. I got passed - alot. I'm sure in a couple of weeks it will be a lot easier, but I was breathing pretty hard at times. Averaged about 10 MPH, spent a lot of time around 3 and 4 on the Nexus 8 (non-premium), and a little time in 1,2 and 5, 6, and a miniscule amount in 7, 8, but I expect that to change :D The shifting was smooth in all but an upshift into 5, which felt like a "derailer" inside the hub. There is a little bit of repetitive noise which is strange. Four clicks within about two seconds approximately every four revolutions. I can't imagine what this could be.
The rear drum is fine, and I can lock up the wheel easily enough if I want to. I left a nice skid mark when I tested the bike upon delivery (I forgot to check out the drum brake during the test ride on the demo... I actually thought it was a disc brake not having looked closely at the cooling scoop).
I haven't ridden at night yet, so I cannot comment on the quality of the headlights.
So far, so good. I think this bike was a serious bargain at the sale price of $635. I would have take a closer look at Breezer if it was at the full price of $749.
Between the time I checked out the demo bike and took delivery on the new bike, REI changed the lighting system slightly. The rear light is no longer connected to the generator. Instead, it is a flashing red LED with a reflector on the rear fender that is motion activiated - i.e. I cannot keep it off during the day. In addition, they simplified the system by removing the light sensor (at least that's what I think it was - it had an off/on/auto setting). The light (Shimano AutoLight) has a light sensor that will turn on the light at dusk. The bike also includes a manual on/off battery operated headlight so a standlight is unnecessary (but would be awfully nice). If I do any kind of dusk/night riding, I plan to add a generator operated taillight with standlight, and a multi-directional multi-LED taillight. If the front generator-operated light ever fails, I'll replace that with a new generator operated headlight with standlight.
I had an old Rhode Gear commuter pannier. Unfortunately I discovered in the morning that the included rack does not have a "hook" on the bottom (is this unusual?) so I had to rig up something with a couple of caribiners to attach it to the bike. The pannier had only a ring attached to the bungee. I wonder if I'll have the same problem with new panniers. I'm looking at the Arkel or Inertia commuter/utility bags. I tried the Ortlieb at the store, but we couldn't seem to get it on so it wouldn't either fall off, or just be a pain every time.
I think the bike is comfortable... not entirely upright, but not significantly hunched over. I like the position, but after my commute home I had a little bit of tingling in my hands. I think this is entirely my problem - i.e. I'm more sensitive than most. The adjustable stem seems to be in an upright position. I need to get a pair of gel gloves and salvage my handlebar ends from my old cannondale (hope they work) to add some alternate positions, and that should solve my problem. Any other suggestions?
My commute is 5.25 miles each way, uphill at the beginning, and downhill at the end. I've been relatively sedentary for at least a couple of years, so the commute was tough, but good. 95% bike path. I got passed - alot. I'm sure in a couple of weeks it will be a lot easier, but I was breathing pretty hard at times. Averaged about 10 MPH, spent a lot of time around 3 and 4 on the Nexus 8 (non-premium), and a little time in 1,2 and 5, 6, and a miniscule amount in 7, 8, but I expect that to change :D The shifting was smooth in all but an upshift into 5, which felt like a "derailer" inside the hub. There is a little bit of repetitive noise which is strange. Four clicks within about two seconds approximately every four revolutions. I can't imagine what this could be.
The rear drum is fine, and I can lock up the wheel easily enough if I want to. I left a nice skid mark when I tested the bike upon delivery (I forgot to check out the drum brake during the test ride on the demo... I actually thought it was a disc brake not having looked closely at the cooling scoop).
I haven't ridden at night yet, so I cannot comment on the quality of the headlights.
So far, so good. I think this bike was a serious bargain at the sale price of $635. I would have take a closer look at Breezer if it was at the full price of $749.