I’m tough on gear. I often say that I’m not allowed to have nice bikes, because they will undoubtedly end up as a gnarled mess of carbon fiber, twisted and cracked from the stress and miles of a rider who pedals hard and rides harder.
That is why I ride a Steamroller. To me, it is the antithesis of beauty and the definition of utilitarian strength: a 23 lb, 56cm 4130 CroMoly steel frame, capable of taking 700x25 to 700x38 tires straight from the factory, army strong with steel cogs and chain rings, needing very little over the stock package other than a new seat, some bar tape and a bit of a diet. I would not sacrifice any of those 23 lbs if it were to make it any less reliable though.
7700 mi. 6 consecutive months of daily riding through any and all conditions. Practically no maintenance required. I tighten the chain every 400 mi or so and look at the same brakes I bought the bike with to make sure there’s still plenty of pad left before I hop on for a ride. Maybe pump up the tires if they’re down a little.
I could never have asked for a better bike.
Sweet ride.
