A Week Worth Waiting For

Some months ago I followed the advice of a friend and made the somewhat startling decision to have a bike built - truly bespoke - just for me. I have never had anything made for me before and never imagined that I would, ever, so this was not going to be a culmination of rushed and rash decisions.

Initially, to try and justify this bespokeness I had to reiterate how cycling seems to have taken over my life in the past few years. I ride a bike every single day, it's my main form of exercise, my only form of transport, my job and for those that know me (although this blog may give a hint) my absolute passion!  I am never happier than when I'm riding a bicycle - grinning from ear to ear the moment my hands are on the brakes and handlebars or my feet are on the pedals!

The decision as to which frame and frame builder to use was made easy for me. I chose Leeds-based Woodrup as frame builders purely because of A Man Called Vernon. 

 

Last year said Vernon rode his brand new Woodrup Chimera on a ride I was on and let me try it. It was amazing. A beautiful bike that he rode and rides all over the country including up the beast of Brighton (aka to the top of Ditchling Beacon). 

 

Finding out some months ago that Fitzrovia Bicycles in New Cavendish Street, W1 are the only London dealer for Woodrup sealed the deal. I did pop on a train to Leeds to meet the frame builder - Kevin Sayles. I also met the head of Woodrup - a family run business started by a husband and wife team with a passion for cycling. 
 

 
Having a bike built has been a fascinating journey all of its own. Both Woodrup and Fitzrovia have been so informative and helpful. Their bicycle knowledge has been outstanding. Kevin has been building bicycles for 35 years. Tom, Will, Alex and their team at Fitzrovia are all brilliant - a group of high calibre mechanics who all really know their stuff and really understand what puts the cycles into bicycles and how to match excellent service with standards. 

They have researched and sourced a variety of components for consideration, providing explanations and advice on the pros and cons of each, always promoting the cheaper alternatives rather than the most money-spinning. None of them, not even for a moment made me feel small or stupid by the questions I was asking or by my lack of technical know how.

Indeed, not being the worlds greatest mechanic I have chosen components that are going to last. Selecting one version then swapping it out in a few months time is not for me.  Friends have also given great advice - disc brakes yes but hydraulic no. My ability to repair hydraulic disc brakes in the middle of nowhere or indeed in the middle of the kitchen would be a big fat no-no!

Just around the corner from Fitzrovia Bicycles is Velorution who, as another independent bike shop, also hand pick the items they sell including the new Brooks Cambium B17 saddle which rather than being made from leather is made from rubber.

My approach to listen to the experts has paid off a million times - I have had the bicycle for one week and I am, to coin a phrase, as happy as a pancake! When I collected it I thought that either I was going to ride it straight home, put it on the wall and never ride it again or I was going to ride it until morning. 

 

I couldn't believe how incredible it was - so smooth and nothing felt that it was brand new as it was so easy. It was like slicing water. Or stirring a cup of tea.  There really has been no element of having to wear it in - like you do when you buy a new pair of shoes. It really is so comfortable, I can hardly believe it. 15 miles later I managed to force myself to head home in time for supper.  My top speed with very little effort was 25.9mph! Wowser!! Another 15 miles the next day and then I had to wait a week until I could ride it again. This time with a group of friends I haven't seen for a while. Really strong cyclists - all of whom could repair their hydraulic disc brakes in an instant! 

 
Four of us set off from Hyde Park corner towards Trafalgar Square. Our conversational pace had split us into two groups and by the time we realised we had lost the other two we were already at St Paul's Cathedral. A quick call established a visitation had delayed TC and Ianrauk so we headed east. 

Our destination was Trinity Buoys Wharf although I think I should rename it Trinity Boys Wharf as the male contingents always love it. Full fat carbed breakfasts in a melange of inventive activities. Respectful though I am of Sir Michael Faraday and his workshop it seems to be the only Sunday London Ride destination at the moment...! Luckily rb58 guided me through the City and on to the A13 so we could have a real bike ride rather than the ghastly super(not)myway that is full of shared pavements, glass, potholes and roads that run across it that I have used before to the wharf. 

At Fat Buoys Diner breakfasts were consumed, Jurek and Wanda1010 joined us and we all chatted about all sorts of stuff. As we do! This included the Fridays rides and we were all of the view that no matter how many rides we do - nobody but nobody leads a group ride to the standard that their Leggships do (and yes AH that includes you because you put the icing on the cake for all of us). 

The time flew by, more teas and coffees then it was time to go. A quick look at a tidal bell and then off to the Woolwich ferry after a visitation was repaired. This provided an opportunity for Ianrauk to test ride my bike. I think he liked it! He did give me some cleaning tips - some of which I have already put into practise!  

 

Our timing at the Woolwich ferry was perfect - we rode down the ramp and the barriers closed behind us.  I was busy taking pics and a man stepped out of his car to take a group shot. Very kind.  Those of us with gears set ourselves in the lower ones ready for the ramp and once on the main road we all headed off into different directions - TC1 and I headed back to town.

What a day. There had been much hilarity! Frinstance .... Being told we hadn't needed to go to HPC conveniences because Mista Preston wasn't with us! And the speed at which we all ran outside to watch TC1 ride fixed - convinced he was going to come a cropper (when of course he was as cool as a, err, cat)!!  

And Ianrauk saying that rb58s steel fixed steed was nothing but a toy bike - to which rb58 replied - yes, gears are for girls!! And the moment later on when I was struggling with the amount of force I needed to keep up with TC1. "Is there a headwind?" I puffed. "No" came the reply "you are in the wrong gear" he went on. I looked at my feet and pedalled with all my might. "Are you sure there isn't a headwind?" I asked again. "Ha! Yes indeed there is a headwind and it's quite strong" came back the guffawing reply! He was actually laughing at his own joke!!

I don't know many miles I rode but every one a winner! I can't believe how long it's been since I've seen these fab peeps and much look forward to doing it again. As for Woodrup and Fitzrovia Cycles - I am very, very happy! It has been a very humbling experience, understanding the true meaning of the word craftsmanship. My bike for life has me smiling already - no wonder I call myself the 5mile cyclist!