After helping a friend move this morning I decided to take off for a few hours and break in the Surly Steamroller. The ride wasn’t far but gave me a good idea on what needs to be tweaked on the new Creamroller. Overall I loved the bike. A 56cm frame is much more comfortable than my current 58cm Schwinn. The frame was smooth and well proportioned. I loved how silent a fixie is, even compared to a single speed. The gearing is way too low for Colorado. Time to start thinking about raising the gearing. I wasn’t crazy about riding with tennis shoes and flat pedals. I need clipless pedals asap. I didn’t feel entirely safe and drag braking was less then helpful on some of the steeper hills around Castle Rock. Installing a rear brake is on the agenda. Maybe something hot like a Campy Delta brake set. Ooooo. The handle bar is a joke. too narrow for comfortable riding. The lack of hoods bothered me on the first mile, and all standing climbs. Hope my wife doesn’t kill me upgrading a new bike, days after it arrives.
