Somerville Express

After about 2 months of waiting on this and screwing with that.....the green machine is in working order.



I have very minimal time on it to be frank. I honestly liked the geometry of the Lynskey and went round n' round with IF about duplicating the numbers. IF had some ideas about certain angles and I had ideas to contradict their numbers so some give and take was applied by both sides. It was an eye-opening experience and much more detailed than the custom fit experience I had with Seven. I let those bean counters talk me into a frame that flexed more than Wendy Whopper's bra and turned out to nothing more than a high dollar commuter.



That being said, the thing feels totally different than the Lynskey. It is waaaaaay stiffer. So much so that a fox f29'er is going on it.

Pushed of course.



I rode a pushed fork and it was incredible the difference felt over the stocker.



I had a WTB rocket saddle on it. I liked the rocket, incredibly cush, maybe too cush. So I am going to give the gobi a fair shake and see how it treats me bum. (ed. note....partial lap @ chickasabogue last night revealed that the wtb is going back on).

The I9/arch wheelz are the real deal. I really didn't believe the hype but after running the king/arch wheels and switching over to the I9's....they track better and offer way less flex. I make this statement because I was getting some rear tire rub with the kings and so far the I9's have been rock solid. I heard they are making road wheelz now.

I am having gearing issues still. The local terrain offers me a chance to push a slightly bigger gear (33/17), which is a taller gear than most use but I suspect Oak Mtn or something with more terrain fluctuation will force me to a 18 rear cog. We will see.

I have become a believer in ergon grips as well. They are one of those items that are heavier, uglier, etc.....but damn if they don't make riding better. No hand/wrist issues at all. Even running rigid.

More details to follow.