What a birthday present! The kind of present you want to both give and receive. The kind that makes you better. Makes you faster. And, makes you feel younger.
I installed the new wheel set on the Roberts this morning. It was quick and easy. I transferred the tires and tubes from my old set of wheels. The rims are tubeless but accept tubes as well. I removed, cleaned and installed the old cassette remembering to use the 10-speed spacer provided with the wheels. This wheel set supports both 11 and 10-speed systems. I installed a new set of Kool-Stop Dura Road brake pads both front and back. These pads are made with a softer compound, break quickly and wear well. There is a lot of life left on my old Shimano pads but I wanted a new set for the new rims.
I was ready to roll. Anxious to try the new wheels. I decided to do a 45 km lap around the Stanley Park road. The ride includes a combination of several good climbs, a fast descent and rolling sections. A route I am very familiar with.
The wheels were brilliant. Quiet. Sturdy. Fast. And, they look really good. I was a little surprised how positive they felt. It may be the larger, wider hubs. I climbed the Prospect Point Hill faster than I ever have spinning a larger gear. I descended faster down the hill than I ever have reaching speeds of 55 kph on the relatively short descent. On the flats, I was rolling at 30-35 kph, several kph faster than I usually spin on these sections.
I am in better shape after spending a month on the bike in Bolsover. I am certain that is part of the reason for the increase in speed. But the wheels made a difference. They felt smooth, solid and fast. I had confidence in them taking corners more quickly than usual and descending fearlessly.
What a great present. The wheels made me feel younger. That’s the kind of birthday present you want to give to your aging parents.
Awesome! Nice new pair of shoes for your old steed.
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