Woke up this morning to -10C temp and it was cold. The Pinnie spent the night in the kitchen as I decided it was too cold to make the final adjustments to it for a ride sometime this weekend.10am and it was still cold but Pinnie was screaming in my ear to go out for a ride. Needn't be a long one- just down to the town and back to the Farmers Market- only 5 miles at the most. So time to dress up and it was going to be a 4 layer day. Thermal bace layer- long sleeve top- Roubaix overjacket and the windproof to stop cold air hitting the body. Found the Ski mask last month and I had the full gloves and I had those new Assos Winter socks to try out. And the Tights were in the drawer somewhere. 20 minutes later and I felt like the Michelin man and we were ready. Water bottle with water in it as it was not going to be a long ride.
Down the road and I noticed two things- The bars need to be angled up a bit and Where's the saddle? I could not feel it- just as I hoped it would be but unusual for a new one. Slight slope up to the town and it was cold -7C as I left home but it only going to be a short ride. Got to the market and only a few stalls so nothing worth looking at but I did not feel too cold--so extend the ride a bit. Down to the LBS to show them the bike.
The ride is beatiful. Other than the bars being angled wrong- there are no further adjustments to make, Cockpit is perfect- Gears are smoother than silk and ratios perfect. Kept my speed down though as wind chill was taking a big effect above 15mph. No road buzz and it rides smoothly. Maybe the wheels but the tyres have to go before long. They do not roll as good as my Michelin
PR's and I could feel that. Slight slope coming up and put in a bit of effort. Out of the saddle to build up momentum and it felt so good- I stayed standing all the way up. Rarely do that on this slope so balance must be good. Then up the next slope and sitting this time and climbed it a couple of gears higher than usual. Cadence may have been down a bit but no problem. Got to the LBS and this is the first Pinarello Uno they have sold. They had a good look at it and were pleased except for my taping of the bars - but this is the first time I have ever done that.
Onto Fusciardi's on the seafront for coffee and Pie.
Except the temp was still way down and the only pie was apple and it was in the chiller cabinet. Had a Sausage and bacon baguette instead and boy was it good.
Time for a hill and up the ZigZags. 1 mile at 8% and is easier than it sounds--Except this was easier than it should have been. Just eaten-Plenty of clothing to slow me down and COLD. The bike sailed up and still had a couple of gears left. Time for the downhill but I cheickened out. Took it steady as there was still some ice on the corners and that windchill factor was not good.
Time to head home and Eastbourne was empty. No cars- no shoppers and no problems. Too cold for any mortals out there but I felt as though I was a god this morning. It may be the cheapest Pinnie they make but if that is the case- I must take care never to ride a Dogma. I can't afford one. The bike rides exactly as I had hoped--Well better than i had hoped because I can see this is going to be the bike for the "Special" rides in future. One of the others will find it own place as the runaround bike because my new Pinarrelo Uno rides too well to be used for shopping trips. __Unless those shopping trips are going to be 50 miles or more as the bike just wants to do the milage with comfort and ease.
Just a point about the weather. Got home and it was still-7c and the water in my water bottle rattles. That was one cold ride- Or would have been if it hadn't been such fun.