I need a new bike, but finding absolutely the right one has not been straightforward:-
" Although I like to cover the miles on the road, a pure road bike with drop handlebars and an uncomfortable saddle wouldn't be right. I commute to work by bike, so want something relaxing that will also take a bit of luggage. It needs to have mudguards too for when it's wet.
" While I like to take the odd expedition along a trail or path, I recognize that a mountain bike would not be suitable as the thick tyres make riding on the road just too hard - which is where I intend to do most of my riding.
There's undoubtedly no shortage of choice in the marketplace, with many suppliers trying to grab a share of the action. So it's not easy to find your way through all the possibilities. So many of the bikes that I looked at were simply not right - nearly all of them didn't have the right design approach They were all right for casual riding. But they were simply not made for speed. Then somebody pointed out the Cannondale Quick .
It didn't take me long to come to a decision that, in the Quick, I had found the kind of bike that would suit me ideally:-
" Lightweight alloy frame, looking like it was designed for speed. Carbon forks on the higher models in the range.
" Loads of gears to help me up the hills on the way to work. The bikes at the top of the range even have road-bike gear components- not typically found on hybrid bikes.
" Mini V-brakes which have plenty of power but are straightforward to keep in good condition, unlike the disc brakes you often find.
" The wheels on the higher versions are simply stunning - paired spokes that look as if they have come off a road bike. OK, a standard arrangement with more spokes will be stronger, but for riding on the road, just great.
" Fairly realistic prices for what you get. You can get cheaper of course. But the range starts at around £600. You can spend up to £1100 if you choose - a tad beyond my price range I have to admit.
So following all this Online research, I made my way to the local Cannondale dealer for a test ride. I chose a model from the lower half of the collection, as it seemed to tick all the boxes. But it was at a price that was not going to break the bank.
I was extremely impressed with what I found. The bike felt steady, yet sprightly and nimble. Road vibration was not at all appreciable, thanks to the carbon forks, and the saddle and handlebars made for a very relaxed riding position, ideal for extended trips. Gear selection was very slick, with enough low ratios for getting up the hills.
I could picture myself looking forward to getting on the bike, even following a hard day at work.
I didn't hesitate. I placed the order right away. I'm going to have to wait a week or so, but the wait is certain to be worth it.