Sitting on the fence...do I or don't I

My last post, looking back was the 5th of October 2018, this is due to the fact my immune system has been under attack yet again and I have been feeling quite unwell. More anti-biotics, this time for a terrible chest infection that has had me out of action for going on 6 weeks.

Anyhoo not hear to bore you with my tales of woe. Nope I am here to let you know about why I have been sitting on the fence, with regards getting a new bike.

Specialized Turbo Levo Carbon Comp XL 2019

Now as most of you will know I own quite a few bikes already and I have been fortunate enough have been an ambassador by a number of biking companies, including Sandman Bikes, Silverback Bikes and Coast Cycles. Of course I love all these bikes and they remain in my possesion and I will continue to ride them (just need to get my mojo back and some sembalance of fitness).
  

Sandman Hoggar Ti

Silverback Synergy Fat

Coast Cycles Buzzraw

The last bike I got was the Coast Cycles Buzzraw and this was my introduction to the world of electric bikes. The Buzzraw is a slightly different version of bike to what I am used to, not only because it is a 250 watt Banfang powered bike, but because it is more about, out and out fun. For me nothing better than just cruising around on the bike. I am just over 6 feet tall, lets say 6 feet and half an inch and the Buzzraw although I can ride it feels a tad cramped. Obviously using the Buzzraw I got the feeling of what it is like to ride a pedal assisted bike.

Now I know there are still a lot of people out there who have a negative disposition to the whole electric bike thing. Over the last few months I have been avidly reading on the subject and watching Youtube Video's on the "Yays and Nays" of eBikes. I also have a couple of buddies who are both fellow above knee amputees and they have really helped sway me in the direction of getting an eBike specifically for mountain biking, so a big thank you to both Glyn and Jude.  E-bike technology is advancing so quickly and the way the drive and power offered to the rider is very clever, the use of apps to control power delivery etc. Of course wanting pedal assistance is a personal choice. Like I say a lot of negative comments about eBikes, things like "well it is cheating".

Ok so lets talk a little about "cheating". As an above knee amputee I use approx 60% more energy than my able bodied counterpart. This means a nice steady ride out for one of my mates, up some canny knarly hills is not a problem. They can head out have a very enjoyable experience and pretty much be recovered and head off to work the following day. Where as for me I always seem to be playing catch up I don't have as much of a rest period at the end of a climb as my mates have already reached the top and have been waiting for me. Basically what can be a good ride out for them means I am beatsing myself. This means I don't particualry enjoy the ride and it takes me longer to recover. If this happens a lot I end up getting fed up and I am more likely to not want to head out the following week. Riding becomes a chore not a pleasurable hobby with my friends. So is I figure riding with a little assistance and getting out in the fresh air is far better than just sitting in the house and giving up all together.

A positive surrounding eBikes is there ability to allow you to access places you maybe have never ridden before. Or where as you maybe only get to do one downward trail as it is such a pain riding back up the hill, you could potentially do it a number of times, no more psuhing, you can actually ride to the top.

I have learnt quite a few interesting facts by watching the Electric Mountain Biking Network on Youtube. If you are thinking of getting an eBike there are some great tips and reviews.

Now don't get me wrong I won't be getting rid of all my "normal" bikes I just want something I can head out on and have a blast now and again. For me people can knock it as much as they like it is all about the fun aspect.

Moving on, after much research I decided to opt for a Specialized Turbo Levo Comp Carbon in a size XL. These bikes are up to release batch 3 I beleive and are becoming hard to find as they are so popular. Luckily I discovered Rutland Cylcling and their Nottingham Specilaized Concept Store had one in stock, so decided to bite the bullet and pop a deposit down, before travelling down today to see if the bike was the right size for me. So chuffed it fit as I would have had to wait until early Spring to get a size Large.

Specialized Concept Store nottingham

A very nice store with some lovely rides

Ooooh Pretty

Have to say all the guys down at Rutlland Cycles were spot on, very helpful and friendly even taking particular interest when I explained I was an above knee amputee using my Bartlett Tendon Crossover Knee. So a big shout out to Rutland and no they didn't give me a back hander to promote their store, just very happy with the overall experience, from initial phone call to place my order and then upon heading into the store and being shown my bike, sitting on it and doing the neccassary paperwork.

Baxter is not amused

The Ern

I almost look normal with pants on

I may also invest in a Sdg Saddle as I feel most comfotable on these. Of course I will probably look at more bike porn and make the bike my own with little bits and bobs of additions. Can't wait to get out and give her a blast....watch this space for an up and coming adventure. Ooh I also have a new gadget to sive a little review of a Noir Matter Quark, which is a very small gimble for my GoPro Hero 5. Though I am considering getting a Hero 7 as the inbuilt stability looks amazing. Maybe Santa will accidently drop one my way...


Baxter wasn't to happy about sharing his space on the way home....

Mr Huffy

Now I have the bike home before I head out and give a proper review I am wanting to add a few bits and bobs. Things like an Invisiframe Protection kit and some Rockgaurdz gear, including a front carbon mudgaurd and a carbon motor protector.

Rockgaurdz Carbon Mud Gaurd

Rockgaurdz carbon Motor protector