06/11 - Test of ICE B2
It's been awhile since I had spotted in its sparkling blue and gray dress, perched on his two beautiful 26 "wheels, sorry 559. And yet I am usually rather adept shaved carpets, and am not particularly attracted by the high bike (or "high racer"). Over the handlebars "U" intimidated me a bit ... It is therefore with some trepidation that I jumped on at first, surprised to find myself perched so high, but once past the first start I felt very comfortable on the machine ... point to take her for a ride Toussieu.
The SRAM pass pleasantly, BB7 disc brakes were soft (too new at the beginning, no doubt) to As for miles, and the peculiar sound of the freewheel bearing ring is sweet to the ear. Staging speeds can ride without worry of 5 to 55 km / h.
course, with its head high and perched right frame is big enough for a bike or at least for people with a good sized crotch (X-seam). The bike is very maneuverable and a half laps, even on small roads are easy. I have not found the ideal setting for the handlebar U lift, less advanced than on a Bacchetta and that reminded me a little cockpit of my 20/20. I lacked the retro!
The lack of suspension does not affect too comfortable, probably the foam novosport quite thick and the seat is not "Lumbar support" but has no defects and a possible tilt adjustment allows everyone to choose favorite position. The small road irregularities are absorbed by the tires and the central part of the frame (steel, while the rear triangle and boom are aluminum). The lack of suspension is more noticeable on the "donkey".
Compared to road bike racer type high, the seat earlier, thicker tires, pedals not very high relative to the seat and the bike a little heavier (not counting the pilot less sharp) make the bike runs rather slowly, for use of walking more than high average, but I still held about 30 km / h on the flat without too much concern. This spoils in the ribs with a speed of around 17/18 km / h but nothing dramatic, especially as the back, stiff can push hard and I am amused to resume a group of cyclists (certainly older ) on lightweight bikes in a beautiful coast. Besides the high position of the bike makes it easy to roll "at the height" of upright bikes, which is quite comfortable in a group of cyclists.
No surprise to roll on dead leaves, or take the cornering clearance, or yet to pass on a dirt road. The bike is balanced and the rider's weight evenly distributed.
We weighed the bike after the ride and what type of bike hiking, weight is very correct (16.1 kg) with mudguards, luggage rack and tires marathon 559-40. (Well, without the bag and the pounds of chocolate that I had taken away ...)
In conclusion, compared to other bikes / trikes tried, it's a bike versatile, maneuverable, able to swallow bitumen and trails on a pace to walk a bit like a hybrid bike or a Catrike Expedition. Easy to start, very handy, without interference wheel / chain pedals, and used bikes in the company of rights by his height.