On Saturday i rented a gravel bike, to have a glimpse of what it’s like to ride a good, fully functional bike.
My daily commute is done on a Brompton. I can do good speed with it, but i’ve never done more than 25k with it, without much EG.
My longer rides (mostly summer family backpacking adventures) are done with my good old 90’s mtb, which is basically falling apart.
The renting
Turns out it is not easy to rent a non electric gravel bike in Lyon. Calling Fediverse to the rescue. Manage an online booking from Lyon Velo Location. Had to call them friday to get booking confirmation, otherwise, i recommend their services.
It costs me 50€ for bike rental, 10€ for cleaning (could have done it myself but all i wanted was going home and have a hot drink), and 10€ for punctured tube.
The itinerary
At first went for a supposedly nice itinerary west of Lyon, with some hill climbs. Then i remembered the main issue i have when riding: navigation. i use phone for navigating. I don’t trust the battery not to die on me. Morever, the risk of rain means the phone will be in my pocket, requiring frequent stops to check itinerary. Finally opt out for an easier (and a bit more known/boring) route: from Mâcon to Lyon where i’ll be able to focus on riding.
The gear
I rent a “Superior x-road GR” with Shimano GRX. Some tools, a pump and a spare tube.
Running hydration vest with camelback, with 1l of water, phone and spare battery, spare warm t-shirt.
i wear tight running pant (without padding 🍑), running t-shirt, light vest, waterproof running jacket, old biking glove (i’ll regret that choice), old walking shoes, buff for head and neck. Also a helmet.
i have no food to take along. that’s bothering me a bit.
The (half) day out
Wake up with 🐱 clawing my feet, have breakfast with teen1 who goes to her karate session. Go get the bike, have a couple km of test ride (up Fourvière). Decides for the change of itinerary and head for train station, where i buy some lunch and have a second breakfast while waiting for train to Mâcon – food should not be an issue.
Finally arrive by train in Mâcon around 13h. Have lunch, get to Saône border and start riding. i was expecting it, but riding this bike feels effortless, i easily goes above 20kmh.
I try to keep in z2. i mostly succeed, so i’ll end up this ride in pretty good shape (this 80k could have been a 100 😛). I feared backpain, but i mostly suffered from stiffening neck and shoulders, painful wrists, and sore butt, but that will be nothing compared to the cold hands and feet i’ll get. I’ll end the ride with feet completely numb from cold.
Had the mandatory flat tire at k 40. Otherwise no mechanical issue. Still wondering why they don’t put mudguards. At end of ride bike and myself were covered with a thin layer of mud.
Thanks to weather, road and trails were mostly empty.
Final thoughts
I don’t feel the bike is comfortable enough for rougher surface and / or longer rides. I would trade a few kmh off for more comfort. maybe a steel frame ? I also think dual plateau would be better for a loaded bike and hilly routes.
I am happy with endurance management. I finished in good shape, feeling i could do some more kms.
I’ve learned that for the same temperature, i need more layer riding than running. especially to protect hands and feet.
Will definitely renew experience, need more thinking before adding one more bike in the garage (which costs a bit more than a couple pair of running shoes…).