Don't you feel like autumn is getting shorter every year? It’s been getting colder day by day, but this is the perfect season for those looking for a new bicycle. That is because the 2017 models from various manufacturers are arriving at Circles one after another.
Among them, the model we are introducing this time is this one.
This is the All-City Cycles Pony Express. It comes equipped with fender and rack mounts, making it perfect for commuting to work or school. It also possesses a level of comfort that makes it suitable for your first sports bike. At our recent in-store test ride event, this was the model rated as the most comfortable to ride.
Positioned as the flat-bar version of the Space Horse, it follows the same geometry, and you can ride it as a touring bike if you switch the handlebars to drop bars. It is the most versatile model in the All-City lineup.
Playing a role in that high level of versatility are these horizontal dropouts.
It is also easy to remove the gears and convert it to a single-speed. It’s hard to see in the photo, but it is equipped with lawyer tabs to prevent the wheel from falling out. While it’s common for these tabs to be on the front fork, it’s rare to find them on the rear dropouts.
This serves as a safety measure in case the quick-release comes loose. While horizontal dropouts are more prone to wheel misalignment compared to the vertical dropouts found on most modern sports bikes, this tab and the dropout screws visible at the back of the dropout hold the wheel securely in place. This eliminates the disadvantages of the versatile horizontal dropouts and provides peace of mind for those riding this bike on a daily basis.
It ensures sufficient tire clearance for up to 42mm. If you are installing fenders, it is up to 38mm. While narrower tires have less contact surface and allow you to go faster, a tire width like this that absorbs shocks from the ground is more comfortable for city riding. After all, you can't always ride on paved roads.
The gearing is a 1x10 setup (single chainring in front, 10 speeds in the rear), and the front chainring includes a chain guard. This reduces the risk of your pant legs getting caught or the chain falling off the outside of the chainring.
A single chainring in the front might feel a bit lacking for long-distance touring, but it is more than enough for commuting to school or work, running errands on the weekend, or even a bicycle date. The last part is just my imagination, though...
Beyond this model, other 2017 bikes have also arrived. There are still more models coming in the future, and I’ll be introducing those on the blog as well, so stay tuned!
Am I the only one who thinks that people who start riding bicycles in the cold season tend to be the ones who ride all year round? No, according to Circles' research, that trend seems to be true. It’s getting a little colder, but please come by the shop to see the real thing. And I’d be happy if you joined our community of year-round cyclists.