Wednesday, August 13, 2014

Giro Aspect Review





















I have always liked the way the Giro size large has fit.  Yes I need the large, I have a big head.  I have worn the Giro Atmos and Pro Lite.  Both helmets fit well and were nice and light.  But remember I am not a racer and I traded in my carbon race bike for a custom steel frame.  And in my opinion the race helmets didn't really match the classic look of bike riding I was going for.  So for 2 years I wore the Giro Reverb.  Not a tech or light helmet at all, but I like the clean classic style.  So when pictures of the Giro Aspect started to service I was interested.  A month ago I finally pulled the trigger and got a new helmet, the Giro Aspect.  I have now used it for commuting and long saturday rides exclusively.  It is is a nice clean looking (non-race) helmet on the outside, but has all the fit and adjustability as the high end race helmet.  Good ventilation and the built in brim make the package complete.  So far the helmet is exactly what I have wanted.  Now Giro needs to make it in a clean white color combination for the hot summer and I will be set.

Tuesday, August 5, 2014

Back on the Road!

Being an adult comes with responsibility.  Last summer I made the decision to finish a college degree that I start over 10 years ago.  What does that have to do with my bicycle?  In the spring of 2013 I striped my custom steel frame road bike.  With the idea that I was going to upgrade to Campagnolo Record group.   Then with job change, purchasing a new house and going back to school.  The upgrade never happened.  So this meant no bike for me for over a year.  This spring I called in every favor I could and came up with everything I needed to hit the road again.

My cockpit remained the same: Enve handlebar, stem, seat post and fork.  Shimano has always treated me well, so a new 11 speed Shimano Ultegra group made for a great drive train choice.  I would of liked to keep my Enve 3.4 wheel set, but when on a budget I had the guys at Biker's Edge build me a killer pair of HED Ardennes Plus wheel on a DT swiss 350 hubs.