Civia Loring: Jolly Green Giant

Jess Linz, one of our new mechanics, recently rode the Civia Loring on Queen City Bike's Bike and Dine. The Loring served as the official support vehicle. Jess hauled fifty t-shirts, a stand pump, tubes, tire levers, and a tool kit. I caught up with Jess as she was hauling

Katie: Jess, what were your major impressions of this bicycle?

Jess: It actually was really easy to manuever, whether I was riding or walking it. Even with a heavy load, it was a stable and comfortable ride. It's a heavy duty bicycle, and was surprisingly nimble. The wide tires provided for a comfortable, cushioned ride. The bamboo basket, rack, and fenders are beautiful, too.

Katie: How far of a ride was Bike and Dine?

Jess: It was about twenty miles, with some significant hills. The Loring definitely had a lot more versatility than a single speed city bicycle. It showed some serious acceleration for the style of bicycle it is. I'm really impressed with the smoothness of the shifting, and the internally geared hub really simplifies things.

Katie: Who would you recommend this bicycle for?

Jess: Everyone. Anyone could ride it. It's a very friendly bicycle. It loves carrying loads, going on casual rides, tackling pot-hole filled roads. Anyone who wants to replace their car with a bicycle should get this bicycle. It's a car-bike.

Katie: What kind of car?

Jess: It is the Volvo of bicycles.

Katie: Anything else you'd like to say about this bike?

Jess: The color is awesome. It's like the Jolly Green Giant turned into the friendliest, prettiest bicycle imaginable. Also, someday, that Brooks saddle is going to feel AMAZING. It will fit your contours so nicely.

Orbea Opal: There Aren't Enough Adjectives

Nate took the Opal out for a spin at the St. Leon race last weekend. He placed fourth in the fives, a personal best. Here's an excerpt from his post race interview:

Katie: Did the Opal give you a competitive advantage today?

Nate: Yes. Yes it did. It was comfortable, so even on these rough roads, my body didn't feel like it was getting beaten up . The Campy 11 speed gave me exactly the right gearing. No matter if I was climbing up the hill or hammering a fast pace line over rollers and directly into a headwind, I was able to maintain a consistent cadence. I thought Campy 11 speed was a gimmick--it's not. I can't believe I haven't tried this before.

Katie: Tell me about your wheel set.

Nate: Woah. The Reynolds Assault carbon clinchers were amazing. They dragged me up the hill, leading the pack. They were so light and swift that I had to hold back. Furthermore, they sliced through the headwind with their aerodynamic engineering.

Katie: Like a hot knife through butter?

Nate: Yes.

Katie: Summarize your experience in a sentence.

Nate: It was like riding a laser guided lightening bolt. From outer space.

Katie: I'm pretty sure that's impossible, and two sentences.

Nate: No. It was life changing. It was opal-uent.

Katie: That's the worst pun I've ever heard. What's wrong with you?

Nate: I'm getting back on this bicycle. Bye.