May 3, 2010
by Eric Jackson
iamthelummox@gmail.com

It feels a bit petty to be writing about cycling while others are taking stock of their devastated homes. I hope each of you is safe and finding a way to get through whatever you’ve been dealt.

So on that note…my struggles seem really small. After my dog-induced wreck, I went on vacation and fell about 2,000 feet down a mountain with a snowboard strapped to my feet. Upon returning home, I had periodontal surgery. Let me just say this:  use a soft toothbrush and brush lightly. And if you’re older than about 15, choose skiing, not snowboarding.

So after weeks of injuries and surgery, I’m finally able to get on the bike again and get in some serious rides. A few items of note…

Heavy bikes are no darn good

I wasn’t exactly sold on carbon fiber…until I rode a carbon fiber bike. I’m in only slightly better shape this year than last. I certainly don’t weigh less (250-ish). After riding the new Felt AR5, I feel like I might be able to whip Superman. I used to be the guy everyone else had to wait for. I was riding an albatross, not a bike, come to find out. After Jack & Back last fall, one of my riding partners was putting my bike on the rack and said “Damn! Now I understand why you’re so slow! You’ve GOT to get another bike!”

The better bike and components have made a WORLD of difference in my training. I can't wait to get back on that bike. If you’re riding an older bike and struggle with enjoying your workout because you’re just plain slow, please see the guys at ACME about an upgrade. You can thank me later.

Carbon does other stuff too

Let’s just say that bumpy roads to you feel like an earthquake to me. You go up hills faster than I do…I go downhill faster…washboard roads hurt my bones. The carbon fiber Felt AR5 is like riding on shocks. The bike flexes and absorbs much of the shock. Even if you're not a clydesdale, you'll enjoy the ride.

And from the Felt website:

Built with Felt’s Ultra High Modulus (UHM) monocoque carbon fiber, including radically shaped tubes designed to slice through the wind and produce maximum pedaling efficiency, the AR5 is the fast way to a new personal record. Its proprietary wind tunnel developed design offers an aerodynamic advantage of almost 2% over conventional round tube shaped bikes.  If that doesn't seem like much, how does a free minute every hour sound?  A Shimano 105 drivetrain and brakes add to precise, comfortable handling by offering confident control in any situation.

Couldn't have said it better myself...

Did I say GPS?

Yeah, the Felt AR5 includes a smokin’ hot Garmin GPS system. More on that in later posts. I'm still learning how to use the GPS. It's not that it's so complicated...it's just that I'm too forgetful to turn it on every time. Suffice it to say, when it's on...it rocks. You can download all sorts of data about your ride...but again...more on that later.