New Ride

A couple years ago the lovely Mrs. Flash bought a new fancy Raleigh at Erik's Bike Shop. Something about spend almost $500 on a bike made me cringe, but I knew it would be a commuter bike and the gas savings alone would more than compensate for the purchase. I decided to take on her old Schwinn, still a nice 'comfort bike' in its own right. I have put many of miles on it since. We love the ride from our homestead near Hamline U, to Downtown Minneapolis, or along the River, and other routes we have found.

The Mrs. needed a new headlight so she could begin the commuting season so on Monday we returned to Erik's. The headlight cost just under $400:

08 Expedition Sport Comfort Bike

Frame -- A1 Premium Aluminum, Ground Control geometry comfort frame, formed tubes w/ integrated kick stand mount, forged drop outs and replaceable 98954020 alloy hanger

Fork -- SR NEX-4100-26, 63mm, Hi-Ten stanchions and steerer, preload adj. w/ spring assisted seal

Shifters -- Shimano RS-43 Revo Twist

Front Derailleur -- Shimano FD-C050, 31.8mm clamp

Rear Derailleur -- Shimano Altus RD-M310

Brakes -- Pro Max, alloy "V" w/ linear spring

Brake Levers -- Tektro alloy 4 finger lever, Kraton contact area, for twist shifter

Cranks -- Shimano FC-TX70, square taper w/ c'ring guard

Bottom Bracket -- TH cartridge, square taper, 68 x 122.5mm for 47.5mm chain line

Hubs -- Shimano FH-RM30S, cassette, 32h, QR

Rims -- Alex Z-1000, 26", alloy

Tires -- Specialized Hemisphere, 26x1.95", 60TPI, wire bead, Flak Jacket

Pedals -- Platform nylon w/ Kraton top, 9/16"

Stem -- Specialized Ground Control, four bolt, alloy 1 1/8 quill

Handlebars -- Hi-Ten, 620mm wide, 60mm rise, 14 degree sweep

Saddle -- Comfort Plush "Brown" 8024S/B6, Spring base and rail, B-56 Top w/ B-6 Side/Rear/Center, Brown/Black Double stiching, Black Bumper

Seat Post -- Alloy suspension, 27.2mm, two bolt head w/ preload adjust

With Drum Corps Season starting to gear up, and this creaky body needing a little extra limbering to keep up with the youngens, I suspect this ride will get plenty of use.

Flash