New Bike Day

Is there a better day? I have recently treated myself to a new track bike. Well, it’s not brand new, but new to me. If you’ve read my previous article about track cycling you’ll know that I’ve recently taken up the discipline and passed my accreditation. No point passing something and then not continuing with it, at least that’s my excuse.

As you can probably imagine, I am like a kid in a sweet shop when it comes to getting a new bike. I can remember every time I’ve bought a new one. I can remember how excited I felt and I would never get much sleep the night before.

The evening I’d arranged to buy this bike it was half eleven and I was bouncing off the walls. I’m pretty sure my fiancé would have happily knocked me out so she could get some sleep.

In the morning I got up, still beaming like a Cheshire cat. Got dressed, had some breakfast and began the hour journey to collect the latest addition to the bicycle family.

When I arrived and saw the bike in the hallway I was sold immediately. I have always had a soft spot for the Specialized Langster and now I had the opportunity to own one. The bike looked better than described and pictured on the eBay advert. I asked all of the usual questions and despite being 3 years old it looked brand new. There was only one paint chip on the fork dropouts.

We had a bit of a chat about cycling and other bikes we had. Not surprising as most cyclists are usually quite chatty once you start talking about anything cycling related. I happily paid the gentleman and packed the bike neatly into the back of my car.

On the way home I stopped off at a bike shop and spent a bit more money on some necessities such as pedals and handlebar tape which the bike didn’t come with. This is an expensive hobby…

I have never owned a single speed/track bike before but I love the simplicity of it. As soon as I got home I had it in the work stand, wheels off, chain off, oh that’s it. No cables, nothing hanging off, just the beautifully designed frame.

Once I’d finished tidying it up, and yes, the frame may have gotten a polish. I reattached the wheels and chain and gave it a good check over.

I couldn’t stop staring at it. It looked so good. I just wanted to ride it. Needless to say, I’d booked the next available drop-in session on the track. Time to enjoy!

Until next time.

Jack