I wanted a route for tuning this bike's saddle position, as I'm sitting on it in the intended way now. Pretty much: minimizing long, steep climbs, which threw out SR-9 through Clearview.
More after the break…
Outbound
I started at a little after 05:00 and headed straight up the hill that is North Seattle, then took the Interurban Trail to Lynnwood before leaving it in favor of my typical route to Everett.
The rule used to be "keep the chainline as straight as possible," but now 1× paired with stubby chainstays is popular. #cycling
— 竹下憲二 (@takeshita_kenji) February 6, 2016
And the 11-speed chains wear down faster with such chain angles. I guess nobody cares about longevity anymore. #cycling
— 竹下憲二 (@takeshita_kenji) February 6, 2016
These cantis require toe-in too often for me to care about the squeal anymore. Rims are clean and the pads aren't too dirty.
— 竹下憲二 (@takeshita_kenji) February 6, 2016
When I got to Everett, I didn't use the Interurban Trail, instead taking a route along nearby roads. When I got to Everett, I stopped at the Petite Sweet Bakery for a bear claw and some tea.
I'm at Petite Sweet Bakery & Cafe in Everett, WA https://t.co/NIlAepStDJ
— 竹下憲二 (@takeshita_kenji) February 6, 2016
I sat next to a table of older gentleman, and we had a friendly chat while I ate. When I got up to leave at the same time they moved the table to be adjacent to theirs, they said that they weren't trying to scare me off. They moved the table because their friend was there to join them. Said friend said that they were surprised to find a stranger sitting in the chair that would've been across from them. They gave me a kind farewell as I left.
Adjusting saddle up little by little until my knees are no longer holding me up.
— 竹下憲二 (@takeshita_kenji) February 6, 2016
Unlike my Saga (which needs a setback post), my Double Cross (whclicj has a setback post) doesn't cramp my knees otherwise.
— 竹下憲二 (@takeshita_kenji) February 6, 2016
From Everett, I headed north along SR-529 to Marysville, then cut over to a side street to head further north. After all, State Street (old US 99) is no fun!
The only thing noteworthy so far is the intermittent drizzle up here.
— 竹下憲二 (@takeshita_kenji) February 6, 2016
After a little further riding north, I hit Arlington and came across the Eagle Festival.
Huge wood carving event here today. (@ legion park in Arlington, WA) https://t.co/Jhmp5y6qht
— 竹下憲二 (@takeshita_kenji) February 6, 2016
To get to the real far point of my ride, I went through downtown, across the South Fork Stillaguamish River, and to Twin Rivers Park.
Apparently the Local Scoop Cafe is gone.
— 竹下憲二 (@takeshita_kenji) February 6, 2016
There's a disc golf course here. (@ Twin Rivers Park in Arlington, WA) https://t.co/bgOgCHojxH
— 竹下憲二 (@takeshita_kenji) February 6, 2016
The park was rather muddy.
And the restrooms were closed.
Trying to find a good photo location, I found a path to the river.
Inbound
I then headed back through Arlington, coming across the free wagon rides advertised for the Eagle Festival.
And then I rode past what used to be some sort of industrial park, which is being converted into a business park.
After another saddle adjustment, I thought I found the perfect spot, albeit just the tiniest bit too high. I laid on the power and zipped down the Centennial Trail.
Weather's pretty decent now.
— 竹下憲二 (@takeshita_kenji) February 6, 2016
I think I saw a Specialized Diverge with skinwall tires.
— 竹下憲二 (@takeshita_kenji) February 6, 2016
I stopped for a smoothie and some tea at Grilla Bites when I passed through Snohomish.
Saddle position is the best I've ever had it on this bike. Going to finally leave it alone.
— 竹下憲二 (@takeshita_kenji) February 6, 2016
I'm at @GrillaBitesSlc in Snohomish, WA https://t.co/ihqeIim6It
— 竹下憲二 (@takeshita_kenji) February 6, 2016
Then I followed the north bank of the Snohomish River into Everett. Once in Everett, I took my usual route back to the Interurban Trail.
Then left it shortly after to meander over to Bothell–Everett Highway, which I took south all the way to Mill Creek.
It's sad how shocking it is to find a park with an open restroom this time of year. (@ Silver Lake in Everett, WA) https://t.co/GCgWLqFDIe
— 竹下憲二 (@takeshita_kenji) February 7, 2016
I'm at QFC in Mill Creek, WA https://t.co/0qd1GszDQ1
— 竹下憲二 (@takeshita_kenji) February 7, 2016
And then I took it further to Bothell to visit my folks for a little bit.
Nuun can be pretty hard on my stomach.
— 竹下憲二 (@takeshita_kenji) February 7, 2016
@librarianbikes I don't really eat any 'typical bike food' because my stomach doesn't like it.
— 竹下憲二 (@takeshita_kenji) February 7, 2016
@librarianbikes That's why I bring sandwiches. Though, they stop going down well eventually.
— 竹下憲二 (@takeshita_kenji) February 7, 2016
@librarianbikes Trail mix and granola are really the only things I can eat all day on a ride like that.
— 竹下憲二 (@takeshita_kenji) February 7, 2016
And finally, I took it all the way to downtown Bothell, before switching over to the Burke–Gilman Trail, which I took all the way home.
Why is there a police cruiser here? (@ Log Boom Park in Kenmore, WA) https://t.co/G7AZm4eqyo
— 竹下憲二 (@takeshita_kenji) February 7, 2016
My legs are in poor condition after riding hard with the saddle just a tiny bit too high for too long.
— 竹下憲二 (@takeshita_kenji) February 7, 2016
Riding on the BGT at night reminds me of past centuries.
— 竹下憲二 (@takeshita_kenji) February 7, 2016
There was a landslide on the BGT recently. #seabikes
— 竹下憲二 (@takeshita_kenji) February 7, 2016
This "running on empty" feeling also reminds me of past centuries. It's been too long.
— 竹下憲二 (@takeshita_kenji) February 7, 2016
By the time I got to the U District, my legs had no more strength left for the non-ideal saddle position.
Made the final ascent home in my granny ring because I was so spent.
— 竹下憲二 (@takeshita_kenji) February 7, 2016
Once home, I was done for the day, as were my shoes.
I have a new set of shoes on order.
It's funny how people complain about the break-in period of Brooks saddles… #cycling
— 竹下憲二 (@takeshita_kenji) February 7, 2016
…Even though it only really takes one century or a few days of commuting to even get a Team Pro or B17 Select comfortable. #cycling
— 竹下憲二 (@takeshita_kenji) February 7, 2016
In the end, after all of my messing around, I the fit guy I normally see said I got it pretty much right, even though it didn't feel right.
When I stopped by R+E to check my Double Cross's saddle position, they said it was basically right from my century last weekend.
— 竹下憲二 (@takeshita_kenji) February 13, 2016
It still feels high.
— 竹下憲二 (@takeshita_kenji) February 13, 2016
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