Kurt Kinetic

I set up my trainer lasdt week ant took it for a spin, pun definitely intended. Maybe I'm not used to trainers, but it seems like the claim of "realistic road feel" is bull$..t. That being said, the resistance was super consistant and did give a good workout. It came with a good beginners DVD and while I think that trainers can't compare to getting out and riding, I'm pretty happy. Set-up was a breeze, and other than the hideous shade of green, it's nice and sleek looking. It's also got a solid base. I have little experience with trainers, so my mechanics need work, but even with my fat ass wobbling around, the bike, the base, and the trainer were rock solid. Overall I'd give it a B. I'm really only taking points off for the crappy color and the fact that it doesn't feel like riding a bike on pavement. Like I said, I haven't ridden other trainers (but I did stay at a Holiday Inn Express last night), but given the research that I did I am very happy with it.

Finally my review

This summer, my bike seemed to suffer more mechanical issues than ever before. The cranks stripped out...in the middle of a ride. I'm sure TruVativ makes good products, most likely it was carelessness on a tune-up. So after having to call my girlfriend to come and get me, I invested in the trusty Shimano Ultegra numbers. After a trip to the LBS to get them installed (I can be a neanderthal with tools sometimes), I'm happy to say that these are "tons" better than the TV "Rolleur" model that they replaced. They're a ton stiffer, a bit lighter (I'm too fat for that to matter as much as the stiffness), and a bunch sexier looking. I'm also much happier with the BB and how much more easily they spin. Again, the TV's BB was just not as nice, but still perfectly adequate for the 4000-5000 miles they saw. That, in conjunction with the ultegra wheel set, an upgrade from the Giant's stock Xero set, made a big difference in the quality of the ride. The hoops were a lot lighter, stiffer (again I'm a big guy so I like sturdy stuff), and smoother rolling than the Xero models they replaced. I love them. I'll ride all of this through the winter, at which time it will get donated to my girlfriend as a starter bike. I just got my new trainer (Kurt Kinetic), so I'll review that as soon as I get enough time in on it. In the meantime, my goal for the winter is to pedal enough of my a$$ off to make purchasing a new Giant Defy Advanced a legitimate purchase. If I'm ever that 300lb guy jammed into sausage casing (I mean spandex)riding a 5k+ bike, someone do me a favor and put me out of my misery.

Boy, I really need to get it together...

It's been quite a few weeks since I've posted anything. And I mean anything. I promised I'd review my wheels and cranks, but I got caught up drooling over the new Giant Defy. This is basically the new for 09 version of my beloved OCR composite that I've been beating on for three years. So now that I have a new two-wheeled object of lust in my life, what's next? Will I dump my still relatively sexy ride for a newer, younger model? Probably. Don't get upset, at least I'm honest. And the truth of the matter is this: My current sweetheart will probably stay in the family as a beginner bike for my girlfriend (that I'm desperately trying to get into riding). I know it's not a dignified fate for such a nice bike, but I can't just let her go. Besides, me and my girlfriend are both short enough to where the bike actually fits us both. As for the Defy, check my new mistress and the rest of the 09 line out here (she's only my mistress until I buy her, probably in the spring...she's not cheap you know).