In my last post I said that I’d done a couple of commutes on my Pioneer, and been pleasantly surprised, at the way it had been so smooth and comfortable. I was easy to forget and not actually miss the gears while riding my Sputnik single speed.

This morning I went for an early morning ride. It was damp, but not raining, and fairly close after a night of heavy rain and thunderstorms. I had no intention of travelling far, needing to get back for 09.00, so it was a quick ride down through the village, twice round Cwmgwrach, circuiting the field of flowers, then up that incline, I just couldn’t manage on my single speed. Now on the Pioneer with the gears back working better than ever, even the front derailleur, which I’m ashamed to admit hadn’t worked for the previous six or seven months, it was so easy. So easy in fact, that I’m contemplating a trip up to Hirwaun over the Rheola bank, which I’ve done twice before, but suffered on each occasion.

I think you’re getting the message, my faithful reader, what a difference gears make!

Late this afternoon, I decided to change my winter tyres, to save them for next winter, to lighter summer ones, on my Pioneer. Did it all in approximately an hour and a half. Quick spin up and down the street AOK. Feeling very pleased with myself.

Cheers.