71st Birthday Present Arrived – BionicOldGuy

I obtained a brand new recumbent bike for my 71st birthday which simply arrived a few days in the past. My recumbent was over 10 years previous as a result of I purchased it used, and a few of the parts like gears and brakes have been getting slightly out of date and arduous to tune. I may have simply changed it with the newest model of the identical mannequin (the Bacchetta Giro A20). But the Giro is a touring mannequin, and I spotted that for a similar value I may get a lighter weight efficiency mannequin, the Bacchetta Corsa. This was interesting as a result of I wish to go after Strava age group data. I used to be involved that the extra aggressive place on the Corsa may not be as comfy because the Giro, and luxury to me is extra vital general than efficiency. However, I spotted that if the bike has disk brakes, it’s straightforward to make wheel modifications, and the Corsa might be made as comfy because the Giro for daily driving. Then with a wheel and seat swap I may put it again in efficiency mode at any time when I needed. I’d been toying with the concept of doing this someday sooner or later, however Dana Lieberman, who owns Bacchetta bikes, placed on a killer “black friday” sale earlier than Christmas that I couldn’t resist. So I ordered the bike a number of weeks in the past and it simply arrived.

My first rides confirmed it’s fairly a bit faster than the Giro, and I’m trying ahead to going after some Strava 70+ data with it. Unfortunately my latest chilly intervened in order that obtained postponed until I recuperate. For longer rides the Giro does appear a bit extra comfy now, however which may be a matter of getting used to the brand new seat (additionally the brand new seat is extra comfy in a extra reclined place, which is nice for aerodynamics however might require a headrest). And I can over time look into swapping out wheels and seats for consolation vs. efficiency as mentioned under. Fortunately, by donating my non-electric upright bike I made room to retailer the brand new Corsa, so I can hold each bikes at the very least for now whereas I kind this out. This type of experimenting is enjoyable for me as a retired engineer.