So I'm signed up for the New York Century September 12th (I'm going to ride the whole thing). Here's my dilemma: I can't decide which bike to take: my street bike, a Raleigh Technium that's been with me since 1984 (dear old thing) or my road bike, a Bianchi EV Boron. The Technium is obviously heavier and slower and less nimble all around. But I'm worried that the course will just give a real pounding to the Bianchi. Not that it's made out of tissue paper, obviously, but it's only a year old and I'm kind of tender with it still. It lives at my dad's house in Connecticut where I ride it all over the place on nice smooth Connecticut roads, but it doesn't have a lot of city miles on it.
I'm very comfortable on both bikes, although I have a feeling the Bianchi would be more forgiving over the distance.
Any thoughts from others who have done the ride in the past or might be planning to do it?
bike for ny century?
Once you get past the Prospect Park rest stop area the ride pretty much opens up. The crowd of cyclist begins to spread out a bit. The streets are/were well paved last year. I would go with the bike that is most comfortable to ride.
Ride your EV Boron!
You bought a nice bike, so you should ride it. There's nothing on the TA Century that would preclude you from riding your nicest roadbike.
- Christian
Do you mean the Escape NY Century on Sept. 18? I agree that you should go with the most comfortable bike. Your Bianchi should be fine.
No, I mean the NY Century, which is all within the 5 boroughs...which is why I'm concerned about a rough ride. But I think I'm going to go with the Bianchi.
Hmmm... not familiar with that ride. Good call on the Bianchi. Let us know how it works out for you.
That ride is the Transportion Alternatives Century Bike Tour. You would be better off with the Bianchi for such a long ride on roads.
I've participated in the NYC Century the past 5 years. I have a road bike that I treasure (Specialized Allez Comp) and a hybrid that I also love. I always do this ride on my hybrid and I'm always thankful as I'm bumping over a lot of rough broken up pathways and sidewalks. This is not a ride made for speed, so I leave my speedster safe and sound, hanging on my wall.
