Cycling is something I just count on doing once the weather turns warms enough to turn snow into rain and the sun finally comes out in northeast Ohio.

Last year spoiled me. I was as strong on the bike as I was 10 years earlier, possibly stronger. In 2020 I rode 600+ miles 4 months in a row, over 200 miles in a week a few times, basically riding to my heart’s content. Cycling was a way to get outdoors, be safe, and do something that made me happy, blissful even — in the middle of the horrific pandemic. When normal life became anything but, I still had my bike, I could still ride. Cycling was one of the very few things that was Covid-safe, and it made life sort of normal while out there riding. Was it like that for you? Maybe we were all just looking for a little normalcy in whatever way we could find.

Life isn’t completely back to normal yet. I am still riding a lot although not as much as last year. The fun is still there out on the road, but there is more traffic on my favorite route now than in 2020, which like all cyclists I am sad to see. If you can avoid work traffic during the week or ride early enough on the weekend it isn’t too bad.

While I enjoy riding on the many trails here in northeast Ohio, my preference is to ride from home through Chagrin Falls and along Chagrin River Road. CRR takes you along the river, bucolic farms and fields, wildlife, parkland, and that beautiful curvy road loved and ridden by many cyclists in the area. We wave, we say hi and sometimes chat and I feel connected to them, to life, to myself. I love that there are so many of us out doing what we all love.

All is right with the world there.

Granted I ride an old bike by most standards, a 2005 Scott CR1 Pro. A fine bike, one I have ridden almost exclusively – my stable has 4 bikes – with the Scott being my main ride, my road bike. Though she is old, nothing wrong with old if you catch my drift, the frame and fork are topnotch and fit me well. Plus with a few thousand miles of riding each season all the other parts have been replaced at some point, including an upgrade last year to Campagnolo Chorus 11 groupset. All parts except the wheels that is, until recently.

I have put serious miles on the stock wheels and hoped they would need replacing. If something needs replacing it is a repair not an upgrade and easier to rationalize and accept the cost. Anyhow, that wish came true this summer when my rear hub was pronounced toast by the mechanic at my LBS.

Like most cyclists I had heard no upgrade changes the performance of a bike more than wheels and I am here to tell you it is true. Incredibly true. I wish I had done it years ago.

To be fair, I went from the stock Mavic Ksyrium wheelset to Reynolds ARX41 carbon fiber wheelset with tubeless Schwalbe Pro 1 tires so you would expect an improvement in overall ride, climbing, etc., and I did, but I was cautiously hopeful about any improvements I would see.

The wheels have exceeded all expectations and made cycling even better this summer. So if you have been on the fence about upgrading your wheels I encourage you to take the leap. With us entering the off-season for cycling you can probably find good options at a good price.

My Scott pictured above; I opted for the tan Schwalbe tires to complement that beautiful black frame. I like the look. Thanks for reading!

The Mighty Bicycle

Healer of my heart | Restorer of my soul | Keeper of my flame