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Despite watching hundreds of episodes of Grand Designs, our house renovation went over time, over budget and short of a mid-project pregnancy pretty much scored full house in Kevin Bingo.
And so I recently and reluctantly ended up selling half of the collection. No more 'a horse for every course'. And it turns out that the oldest bike in the bunch is the most versatile and nicest to ride, so I thought I would treat the old girl to some new shoes and a few trinkets. A bit of a Trigger's Broom, but this bike is essentially 8 years old now and still looks and rides like new.
I was running this as a dedicated winter bike with 38mm tyres and a robust build, but switched to 32mm and some carbon mudguards and swapped the SPDs for SPD-SL pedals which dropped almost half a kilo in total. And having run Trickstuff on the mountain bike, I can verify that they really are significantly better than anything else out there. I have been amazed what a difference they have made vs stock Red callipers. Stronger, more modulation, and of course lighter to boot.
And finally I transferred all of the ENVE kit from my Santa Cruz before I split her up including the flare gravel bars which are frankly a revelation on the road. OK, not aero, but nor am I! The ENVE version keeps the levers in a relatively normal position but gives you a wider more open chest position.
Always said that my Sevens were keepers. Turns out they are!
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Have the sausages left those bald patches on the lawn?
Very nice looking bike.
Always a great build in the Evergreen, love the carbon guards
Has your Sola sold? Always a lovely bike
Nah, the Sola is still here. Just the Evergreen and Sola left. The Sola is looking a little dusty, but a good hardtail never goes out of fashion (unless it's got 26 inch wheels and a 1 inch 150mm quill stem of course!) and I'm sure it will come into its own this winter.
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I only ever have one bike at a time and that is how I like it. Going out for a ride, get on bike and ride with no decision to make. Also makes maintenance easier and pretty much non existent due to the type of bike my only bike is.
(unless it’s got 26 inch wheels and a 1 inch 150mm quill stem of course!)
I can assure you my 26 inch 1992 Orange Clockwork with 1 inch, 150mm quill stem in classic orange/white fade creates far more interest then any of my modern bikes!
Nice bike btw.
I am quite liking the Carbon Guards.
Who/What/how much is those then?
https://www.veloduo.co.uk/collections/mudguards/products/carbon-fibre-mudguards-700c-x-35-40-50mm
Actual carbon fibre rather than looky-likey. Stiffer and lighter than aluminium or plastic. So far so good. The only downside is that they are noisy in terms of stones hitting the underneath compared to SKS Thermoplastics, but I think that's much the same as aluminium. No rattles though.
Quite time consuming to fit (they come totally undrilled), but once done the end result is worth it.
Two absolute beauties.
I really must get down to two bikes.