OwnRules

By the way, took my longest so far ride in my Citizen 2 today: a bit over 50km in a about 3:30 hours. Certainly tired by the end with perhaps the biggest issue that I was aware of beyond the physical exertion, the very uncomfortable saddle -- though it is quite padded, by thirty Ks I couldn't find, for the life, of me a comfortable position.

OwnRules

After what seemed an eternity my Jamis dealer contacted me yesterday to tell me that my bike would be out of customs today, roughly about 2:00 P.M. Had a busy schedule myself as well, but hey! who's going to let work interfere with a new bike? Certainly not moi. So I made it to the dealer about threeish with all the gunk I wanted them to put on my new '09 Allegro3X.

This whole day being sort of a rush, I took these quick snaps of my new bike prior to taking it out for a spin -- you know, I just had to. So apologies for the crappy pics:







Again, apologies for the pictures as I literally took them on the run and they (honestly) do the Allegro3X no justice. But I really wanted to go for a ride and that I did.

First impressions: I'm in love with an inanimate object! Simply awesome ride.

Will post again when I've come to my senses. And yes, will certainly do better with the pics.

Wanderer

Nice bike!

OwnRules

Thanks Wanderer -- ultimately I went with your advice both on the bike model and nixing the suspension seatpost. The combination of the Ergons and the Selle Royal Respiro saddle plus the bike geometry itself make for a great ride -- can't imagine how it could get any better.

Couple more pics taken in less of a rush:





About the only thing missing for the time being is the Royal clip-on saddle bag which is on the way. Bought some Look Sprint clipless pedals and Sidis but I've got to work on my riding skills for some time before I make that move; going with the CB 5050 pedals for now...plenty of grip.

Off for a ride!

Wanderer

I like that a lot! That is a really nice looking bike ---- butttttt, keep it out of the pool!

OwnRules

Dang! There goes my next project. Attaching a 3HP outboard motor to it along with some pontoons.

You killjoy, you.

lhwj

Lol, is that pool part of your mansion?

OwnRules

Nope. Wading pool, small jacuzzi included -- which is what is is, technically speaking -- is part of the house.

Wouldn't want a mansion if they gave me one -- perfectly fine being a quasi capitalist with strong social democracy leanings. Though I suppose that's s gist for 'nother thread, bikes not-withstanding.

Which is not what I am here for. So if it's OK by you,bikes it is..

waynesworld

That is a beautiful bike!

What kind of bar ends are those? And grips? It looks almost like a trekking bar, and really, really cool.

OwnRules

Hey thanks, waynesworld, much appreciated!

Bike was actually the end-result of this thread and the advice given in it...plus some added research & luck of my own. The grips/barends are Ergon's GC3, new for '09 which were talked about/suggested by some -- in fact, there are a couple of threads about them right in this forum. Can't tell you how much I like them as they add a number of hand-grips as well as a wide, soft wrist pad for simply biking along.

The bike itself is a '09 Allegro 3X as pictured at the beginning of the thread. Chose it over the '10 Quick Ultra for a number of reasons, cost/return on investment included. Waited for the Allegro '10 model to come out before putting in my order -- but the new candy apple red and white just didn't do it for me so I stuck with the '09 scheme. As for the rest, all stock 'cept the saddle, Selle Royal Respiro and the pedals,Crank Brothers 5050 XX. Guess I got rather lucky with my research as I am very happy with all three components as well as with the bike itself -- not to mention grateful for the good advice I got right here.

All in all I came in well within my budget and a bike that feels as if it rides well beyond it.

Cheers!