Web Logs
4/11/2005 - Bike and Blossoms
Bike
I've bought a new bike. THe last one really was never mine, as it was on loan until my brother recovered from some medical problems. He took it back last year and I've really missed having one so I went out and bought a new Dayhon Vitesse D5 (or stealth urban bike as it's billed). It's a little different than anything I've had before as it's a folding bike. Flip a few clamps and the thing compacts to a size that I can store in the back of my Honda Element under the cargo screen and out of site. Quite handy. Its compact size is also useful for taking on the metro at rush hour or storing in our rather small townhouse. I bought it at Bikes at Vienna, which seems to be the only place in the area that carries such units.
I was a bit hesitant about the smaller wheels, but really don't find them to be much of a liability. They do have two main differences from the larger-wheeled bikes:
- They are a bit slower - nothing you'd notice at average speeds, but when you really open up you won't find the speeds you'd expect with a larger-wheeled model.
- The steering is more sensitive. Which is both a blessing and a curse. It offers more precise control, but conversely requires more attention. Two hands are usually required, and I can't see every riding it "no hands".
Those small limitations aside, I found the bike a great ride and I think its compact size is going to be real handy.
