Well, I got in the 30-miler–actually 38.2. Thirty-two of those miles are the first-half, and a bit of Saturday’s Metric Century. This afternoon I rode solo and had a head wind during much of the first 12.5 miles of the ride and then here and there during the route.
At least for Saturday, I know where all the turns are. If I’m able to ride with others, I should pick up a mile or two on my average speed. We will see…
I will likely ride my VK2 on a C4 Century Ride out of Rockfish, North Carolina on 10/27 where Mark Mathis of Seyboro Cyclist, Goldsboro, North Carolina is to return, with friends, to ride with us. If so, it will be my first century on the VK.
To prepare the VK2 for longer rides, I ordered a set of Radical Design Lowracer Panniers from Calhoun Cycles. The panniers will allow me to carry gear, food, and additional fluids. I’ll just have to get them to fit the bike with the configuration I’m using. The panniers will only be used for extended rides. I’ll keep you posted…
Got in a mildly fast 4-person pace-line ride this morning.
It felt good enough that I want to ride a 30-miler later today (providing time permits and the rain holds off) in preparation for Saturday’s Metric Century.
BTW, I have a C4 Century Ride out of Rockfish, North Carolina on 10/27 where Mark Mathis of Seyboro Cyclist, Goldsboro, North Carolina is to return, with friends, to ride with us. I guess I’ll ride the VK2. If, so it will be my first century on the VK.
Last May I decided to try a narrower [700Cx20 versus 700Cx23] Continental Grand Prix 4000 tire as a replacement for my previous set of Conti GP4000s. This tire allows for a max 160 PSI tire pressure. In terms of ride and speed, I do not think I can tell a real difference in this tire’s performance and my 120 PSI Conti’s.
I can tell that getting the tire onto the rim, given a tighter bead is much more difficult. I have to use a leveler to do so and have pinched several new tubes. Further, it is possible to have a piece of tube under the bead, even after checking, and having a blow-out as you near 120-140 PSI. I have experienced both.
If there is any benefit to these tires, it is not worth the cost of damaged tubes. Luckily, when I’ve had to do repairs on the road, I’ve not lost a tube due to my error.
At this point, I’ll probably wait until the spring to replace this set. The center of the tire has not worn too flat. I’m running about 150 PSI.
