March 16, 1986...
My dream had become reality. Weighing 20 pounds
(half the weight of my previous bicycle) with 45%
more gear range, and a much lower profile, this
was like a rocket after lugging around my rusted
Schwinn for five years. It also cost me $850
(compared to $140 for my Schwinn.... performance
isn't cheap).
I wanted a fast, durable bicycle, well
suited for long distances, and although I wanted red, I got such a great deal on this
aluminum Klein, I figured color wasn't important. Everything was put together with performance and durability in mind. The wheels, although using aerodynamic rims, were severely over-built, with 36 spokes, front and rear, weighing 2168 grams a pair (about a pound more than todays average racing wheel). I only weighed 140 pounds. My co-workers gave me a hard time about the bright pink handlebar tape. I wasn't coming out of the closet or making a statement of homosexual solidarity - I just thought it went well with the silver frame. After getting harrassed for a while, I bought a pink waterbottle and a pink racing jersey and for a while wore women's shorts.
The first time Bill and I went riding, I tried very hard
to impress him. He'd been riding 'good' bicycles
for years (I hadn't ridden in 15
months) and knew volumes about cycling compared
to my zero. If it wasn't for Bill I wouldn't have gotten off to such a great start. He even gave me his saddle, pedals, and tool bag.