*MAKE 'EM PUKE* Leon silences the 'big wheelers'

Can I keep up on my little wheels? Aren't big wheels faster? Opinions divided, but like many of the faster fold, Leon van Zweel discovered that when you've got what it takes, and the right Bike Friday for the job*, little wheels can actually give you an unfair advantage. In fact, he thinks it's fun to make other riders 'choke on their words'. His letter comes all the way from South Africa. - LC

I woke up this morning feeling a bit apprehensive.
It was to be my first ride with my silver mist Pocket Rocket Pro.
Or as John calls it, Battleship Grey.
Perhaps I like Battleship Grey better as it sounds more ominous.
That's more like it.

I was feeling ominous this morning.
There was a sense of foreboding in the air.
As we gathered at the bike shop before the ride there were a lot of comments.

"You can ride with us at the back."
"Funny Fietsie (little bicycle)."
"Do you think you will keep up?"

I just smirked.

We were going for a forty mile ride around the dam.
I was feeling strong and decided to show these big wheel mothers a point.
I was not going to be left behind.
We were running at race pace most of the way.
I was mixing it up in the front, but not riding stupid.
Let the youngsters do the pulling.
Attack near the crest of the hill and make 'em puke.

I realized today that the low rotational mass of the small wheels give a BF an unfair advantage in a racing situation against the big bikes.

The other riders quickly choked in their snide remarks.

There is only one chance to make a first impression and 'the performance that packs' excelled in its task.

Lynette, I want to thank you once again for letting me taste the Kool-aid on Route 66.
Your passion for the product has always struck me as a bit obsessive and I could not understand it.

After today I just know.

Your introduction to Bill Horne who lent me his PRP to try out is appreciated.

The relentless follow through of Walter in finalizing the spec of the bike shows the dedication of BF staff.

I enjoyed my trip to Eugene tremendously.

The hospitality by you, Tim, Walter, Alan and the rest of the bunch of lunch time riders/racers.

Your introduction of me to the BF community through Yak! and the most amazing BF website.

Every time I go on there I find something new.

Desert camp was something else. You sure know how to network, introducing me to all the interesting people ... no wonder BF has become such a Word of Mouth success.
I can now see that is not by chance, but by design.

Thank you once again for opening my world of travel with a bicycle that can travel.
I have had no more harassment from the airlines since I own a BF.

Looking forward to ride with you again soon.

Yours on a "kick-ass Pocket Rocket Pro"
Leon van Zweel, leonvz@mac.com, Bike Friday Club of South Africa leader

* Leon rides a Pocket Rocket Pro with Capreo 9-26 cassette and 50-34 compact crank for fast touring. Read more about gearing on a Friday.

RELATED LINKS

Leon riding no hands on Desert Camp We don't encourage this, but it proves that there's nothing wrong with the stability of a Friday 

Racing in a Friday

FAQ: A Bike Fridays as FAST as a regular bike?

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