Today was the maiden voyage for the 17 year old Infinity. At least, I should say, the first time I've ridden it farther than around the block. I'd be willing to bet this marks the first time in at least ten years the bike has been on the road. I know for a fact the guy I bought it from never rode it and he said he had it "a long time". I took it the bike was in the incomplete condition it I acquired it in the entire time he owned it.
As I rolled down the street toward the ride start, I could tell right away this was not my regular bike. I felt confined and had a real hard time NOT putting input to the handlebar! But, I hammered on down the road and got used to it pretty fast. I noticed right away how the bike soaked up the road... Maybe smoother than my suspended Cruzbike. Funny how 68" of wheelbase will do that for you! I was still disgruntled a little how I could feel so cramped up on a bike that long.
I made it to the ride start and right away, my friends started hitting me with all the questions about the bike. They were amazed at the original cost... Still amazed at the final cost! After all the questions were answered, we departed. I varied our route today on purpose because I wanted to see how she did on the uphills. Well, to tell the truth, I felt like a slug. That's not necessarily a reflection on the Infinity; when I concentrated and spun right, I rolled pretty good. But, I couldn't get over feeling cramped and my spin wasn't comfortable, or consistent. I think if I rode this bike consistently, this is something that would change pretty quickly.
Descents were pretty good, the bike tracked really nice and I had no issues. In fact, at one point, I was cruising along, pretty sure I was doing mid 30's and it occured to me I was putting a lot of faith in a seventeen year old bike I was riding for the very first time. I started feathering the brakes and kept it sane. A short, but miserable climb on some choppy pavement was no fun, but followed by a long downhill run where I could really let the bike go. I got her into top gear and took the lead down the hill. It was great fun when all of a sudden, out of nowhere, I got a high speed wobble that put my sphincter into a high speed puckering action! I thought I was getting a flat, or something, but once I was under control, all seemed fine. The only think I can figure is I moved the handlebar suddenly, or something. The cables are tight and this was the only time the bike acted skittish. I'm pretty certain it was all me.
After the breakfast stop and with a belly full of breakfast burrito, we headed back for the barn. The return route is more uphill, but really just gentle river grade. I was abe to power up that pretty well, so the bike is definitley capable of being pretty quick and agile. I had not trouble maneuvering it around and it got lots of gawks from passersby. The thing I noticed most, though, was how much wind my chest caught. I'm not used to being so upright as I am on this bike and it was noticeable how the wind was hitting me.
The Linear is fun and I'm glad she's in my fleet. She could never replace any of my Cruzbikes, though.
Mark
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Bicycling is my drug of choice. Followed closely by beer.
Subject: Re: Mark's Infinity Project 
Wed Feb 18, 2009 11:12 pm
I think I could have run a 26" wheel with that brake... No way it was going to work for a 27", or even a 700c. So, I decide to change out my tires (which, by the way, are still holding air). I pull the tires off and the rubber rim strips come slithering out. 
That'll work!
