Because my package is supposed to be delivered today all the way from the UK, my hope is that I am able to install the new bike stem, one of two things in the shipment, and test it out on a ride. So far the package has not been delivered and it's quarter after twelve. My guess is that it will either arrive much later today or not show up until tomorrow.
No big deal either way, I was surprised in the first place that there was a notification of the possibility of delivery today. I did pay extra for expedited shipping although I still assumed it would be several more days until getting it. The additional fees I paid were more along the lines of getting it here fast, including delays - if that makes sense. In the end once it's here I am ahead of the game anyhow. No local company could have gotten it here so fast plus they would have almost certainly tried to talk me into another brand.
Bike Parts
Speaking of 'another brand', cycling is so annoying in that way I am quickly finding. You'd think that with a sport / hobby as big as it is there would be more standards or consensus on particular things. Instead exactly the opposite holds true in every way possible.
For example; the first thing you will find is that each and every shop has their own brands they push, support and so on. That is a given and to be expected, although makes things very confusing from the start.
Next you have the employees, owners or co-owners of the shop depending on its size. They each have their own strong opinions, suggestions and everything in between. Sure, again this is a good thing, the more you know the better right?
Well sorta, people are all different in many ways beyond male and female. Longer arms, legs, a left limb a tad longer than the other. Taller in the legs vs. the torso, taller in the torso vs. the legs. Wider hips, sit bones and related. You get the idea, there is no silver bullet way to set someone up with the perfect fit out the door. Even if you get them close, once they ride for a while things will settle in and feel different.
This means you start experimenting, buying different saddles, bars, stems, pedals, shoes, cleats and so on. It gets VERY expensive fast and that is even if you do not go with the very top of the line equipment. Another entirely different category btw because just because it's three times the cost, carbon fiber and titanium does not mean it's the best or the best for you.
It may very well be the best for a racer that does not care about comfort for an hour or two when aero is the key. For you, cycling every day for hours on end will be little to no fun with the same gear.
Why this rant? I honestly don't know other than the fact that a seemingly simple entry point sport can get out of hand very quickly and is much different than other sports or hobbies that I have been a part of. I honestly think some people simply give up and chalk the uncomfortable bike to their fitness or lack of and plan to 'get back to it once they are in better shape', which usually does not happen. Others I think just get use to what they have and move past it.
That is a hurdle for me, not easily passed. If I know there is a better way or a way to improve something I am usually all over that like white on rice. Problem in this case, I am all over it and will get it figured out although at this point I am seeing more green before the white that should be showing through! Otherwise, for today - that's all I've got....
Photo: Always great getting stacks of Amazon boxes. Today had some from DHL as well, all the way from the UK.
Photo: Always great getting stacks of Amazon boxes. Today had some from DHL as well, all the way from the UK.
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