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Post 4 - The Bike


Equipment is getting some careful attention.  Some bikers (me among them) recommend carrying a chain, spokes, cables, an inner tube and other assorted replacement parts.  But let’s start with the most important piece of equipment of all – the bike.

With age comes practicality.  It is probably part “been there/done that” and part learning how to exist on a fraction of prior income.  Retirement the scary time when you shift from contributing to a 401k to spending it down.  It is the ultimate smack-in-the-forehead declaration that a lifetime is finite.

Practicality led me to Costco, the warehouse store, where nearly everything is boringly practical.  My clothes are Costco as is our food, eyeglasses, prescription meds and lawn fertilizer.  In our home, Kirkland does not refer to a warbler, but rather a Costco proprietary brand that is pasted on everything from milk to socks.  Our house is occupied by foodies and I married my own personal level 2 sommelier.  Much of our wine comes from Costco too, and my daily selection (not to be confused with weekly, monthly or special occasion wine) usually bears the Kirkland name.  Note that is my selection. My sommelier, who enjoys a far more refined palate than I, prefers something more distinctive and, selects a beverage preference without interference from my primitive perspective.  In return, she lets me sleep with her.

So why does the practicality of Costco matter in the scheme of things? But of course, they have very practical bikes, too!  I know that the semi-professional touring bikers are going to rip this choice.  I might shed some pounds with a carbon fiber frame, titanium crank and electronic shifter. Keeping in mind that I am going to be lugging 35 lbs. of provisions and gear, is it really practical to spend an additional $5,000 for the latest and greatest bike?  My selection is a 21-speed hybrid with decent indexed derailleurs and generic brakes.  The handlebars are upright because I find it more comfortable and easier on the hands with less weight resting directly on my palms.  21 speeds are really a misnomer because there is wide overlap.  There are actually 12 effective speeds beginning at 1:1 gear ratio in the lowest gear to 3.4:1 in high.

In any case, I think this sensible machine will do the job.  I have logged nearly 1,000 training miles so far without incident.

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