My Bike

Having abandoned three bicycles back in Canada (amongst other things) it would seem logical that I would acquire a bike in Kenya. However, after not initially feeling any urge to do so I ended-up making the investment a couple of weeks ago. It’s a Diamond one-speed and although it doesn’t admit to its place of origin (likely India or China) it does state that it is “renowned all over the world.” Right!

I’ve only ridden the beast twice so far and I don’t feel any great urge to make regular use of it. I’m not exactly sure why but I have the following theories:
• It’s a tank - I don’t know what it weighs but it’s a lot. It doesn’t steer responsively and at any sort of speed it becomes apparent that the rear wheel has a bit of a wobble. I’ve only tried to stand on the pedals once and I won’t do that again. The breaks appear to work okay, but I wouldn’t want to test them on a steep downhill. Finally, the seat unexpectedly tipped upwards and nearly caused my singing range to increase. Of course, given that the cost of bike (purchase, lock and tune-up) was about $65 what should I expect? The Diamond cost less than one tire for my racing wheels back in Canada.
• Biker burnout – After years of training and racing on bikes I’m actually enjoying the break from it.
• What’s the big hurry – Cindi rides her bike religiously to and from work and it takes her just a few minutes. Meanwhile, it takes me a little over 15-minutes to walk each way. If time is of the essence this would be worth considering. However, given that the time evenings are quiet there isn’t a big incentive for me to diverge from my pleasant stroll.
• Where’s the buzz? – After years of playing hockey when I finally hung-up the blades it was not possible for me to get fired-up about going public skating. Leisurely gliding around the rink in a big circle had no excitement for me at all. I think the same is true for riding a bike. After years of training and racing in triathlon I’m wired to push the bike hard and to go fast. Peddling at a relaxed pace and smelling the flowers doesn’t get me cranked-up.

The bike sits hopefully in my bedroom waiting for the call. For how little its been used it looks amazingly beat-up. I had originally planned to leave it outside our front door, but the landlady said that it would be stolen. I really think she just didn’t like the eyesore because it would be pretty tough for someone to lift it over the fence. I suspect that I’ll put less mileage on the Diamond in a year than I put on my Devinci in a typical week last summer. However, at least I got my money’s worth.