With my route already scoped out, my bike already picked, next on my list was to have my “must haves” installed on my bike.
I’m a pannier type of guy, so I dusted off my Minnehaha utility pannier to carry my clothes and tools.
On the other side is the Stone Cold Outdoor cooler bag , I bought this bag right before I got laid off; unfortunately it arrived once I was let go and I didn’t ride with it. I was able to carry my LC Fettuccine Alfredo box, a soda, fruit and water. I will do a mini-review on that bag later on.
The Torker T-450 comes with a big ass reflector, but I like blinkies better, the Serfas TL-ST taillights seem to fit just right.
I also like rear view mirrors, although I prefer them on the handlebars, I opted for a helmet mounted Cycleaware flexible helmet mirror. Yeah, I know, the mirror makes me look geeky but I like to see what goes on behind me from time to time.
So enough of gadgets and doo-dads, how did the bike do on its first commuting ride you may ask? The bike felt tall, but its upright position puts you in commanding view of the road and it was very comfortable. The handlebars and suspension seat post also added to the comfort. I’m not a fan of wide saddles, but the Torker’s T-450 wide saddle is one of the few that I can say I like so far.
The electric-assist function of this bike was something that I had to get used to. I rode the first part of my commute without it and I turned on with two miles to go. I was expecting for this bike to start flying right after I pushed the throttle, but… the bike didn’t go any faster. Turns out, I was “out pedaling” the bike, once I slowed my cadence and speed, I felt the motor really kick in and I was able to maintain a decent speed without much effort.
Where the electric assist function excelled was on the overpasses, even though the bike slowed down quite a bit on the uphill, the motor got me up the hill with minimum effort on my part.
The bike got a lot of of positive comments from my co-workers, although one did say that I was “cheating” because it was an electric bike. I don’t really care about that comment, the point is that I’m back to riding my bike to work and I’m having fun doing it — so what if I needed a little help?
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