Ha, you are so right...they already give it second glances with the stem shifters and all the other junk I've added onto it. At this point it's pretty well loaded for long distance riding/commuting, with the bag, 2 drink holders, pump, u-lock, lights, and speedometer. Also carry a patch kit and some tools.

Which brings me to my next end-of-week update. 200 miles on the bike now, still no problems. Only thing I've done to it other than wipe it down to clean it is re-adjust the cable tension for the rear derailleur. Which is another thing I love about the friction shifters...even though the cables had stretched a decent bit, I could still run through the full range of gears with no stumbling or problems.

I don't know the average life span of bike tires, but these seem to be holding up pretty well, as have the tubes. Not a flat in sight (knock on wood). They hold pressure fairly well too, I have only topped off the tires twice since I bought the bike and they weren't especially low on air when I did so.

Not noticing any wear on other components, either.

Nothing really else to report. The bike is so trouble-free it's boring...well, that is if you find problems exciting. I'm really enjoying riding it and have no trouble tooling around for miles and miles on casual group rides, or by myself.

Which brings me to another observation, now that I've had a chance to compare myself on this bike with others on higher end bikes.

One huge observation I've noticed is that this bike coasts and coasts...forever. And quickly. When coasting downhill in group rides, even when I'm not drafting, I'm always passing everyone...and I do mean everyone. At first I thought it was the weight of the bike but I realized there were heavier people than me out there even if they are on lighter bikes. I find this really amazing considering I'm riding on basically hybrid tires...700x32c with lots of tread and only inflated to 75-80 psi while everyone else is riding on much lower resistance higher pressure 23 or 25 tires. The same is true whether I'm wearing baggy clothes or biking shorts, although I always wear a loose fitting t-shirt so I don't think it's aerodynamics. I don't know what the deal is there, but I find it curious that a bike that has so much going against it in terms of aerodynamics (me) and rolling resistance with the tires and less expensive components seems to be faster on the downhills. One thing is for sure...on group rides going downhill I am always riding the brakes or passing. It's happened enough times that it's more than just a coincidence. Also makes me wonder how much faster it could be with narrower slicks.

Also, I've come to learn with the riding that most people do, even when it comes to more serious cyclists in casual to moderate paced group rides, weight is an overstated concern. Unless you're flat out racing, it's all about the motor. Even with my heavy bike loaded down with water and accessories, and of course my overweight self (and only riding for three weeks no less), it's not uncommon for me to be catching up or passing other riders on the uphills, and be less out of breath afterwards. Plus as it turns out, I've lost more weight on my own that I would have from getting a lighter bike. Well, unless there's a 6 pound bike out there somewhere.

The miles seem to be coming on faster and faster now as I'm building strength and going on longer group rides. Tomorrow is another group ride, which should put me over 100 miles for the week. I may not reach CigTech mileage, but I'm getting closer.
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