SSmile

So far I have shakedown rides to work on the new Commuter SS and the "improved" Zion.

I forgot how enjoyable it is to push a big gear up a long hill with no option for bail out. With the 32X14 and Nano's (great road tire BTW), I can just barely turn over the cranks on the steeper climbs on my way to work. It is a hoot, however to see the bike press forward so many inches with one turn of the gears. The motion is very reminiscent of swimming with a long, relaxed stroke. Pull, switch, microsecond pause, pull. Lots of torque, low RPM. I feel like a diesel. I can understand why the cruisers pull such big gears.

It will do just fine as a commuter unless I need to be in a real hurry and have loads of flat or false flat to ride on. (or need fenders).

Zion feels good. The Saguaro on the front looks good, but the knobs are really soft. I can wash them out on pavement. Maybe better in dirt, hope to find out today. With the off road gear on it, it feels a bit hyper on the road. Not quite the Zen of the Comandante.

No photos cuz I'm lazy.

Edit: Rode the Zion at Pioneer park: The Saquaro sticks like velcro on loose corners. I am very pleased.

The Dry-X did not distinguish itself in any particular way. It gives a disturbing sensation of losing a slight amount of traction with each pedal stroke....even on the road. It had the tightest fit of any tire I have ever used when mounted on the arch rim combined with the thick sidewalls it is ideal for tubeless. It's nice, but I think I prefer the ignitor. Maybe I need to dump some PSI