Meet my new bike

I have a new bike, my new 700c Ceepo Katana http://www.ceepo.com/portfolio/2013-the-all-new-cp-katana/ . I know I said I would never move from a 650c bike, but there were good reasons to do so. I've been riding a 650c Ceepo since 2008 and I really loved the switch from the 700c. I felt much more comfortable and in control especially going down hill, and after having a few crashes on my bike in 2007 I felt much more confident. So why would I make the change back to a 700c bike? Well I must admit I was very, very reluctant to do so, no one likes change do they? Especially not me. But things have really changed in the last 5 or so years. Very few people ride 650c bikes and so companies rightly so put most of their efforts into improving the 700c bikes and accessories, into making them lighter, more aerodynamic and faster for the majority of the market. So while the 700c equipment has improved in the last 5 years little has changed for 650c. So in changing to a 700c bike, not only is my 700c frame going to be lighter and more aerodynamic, but my Rolf Prima wheels are also faster and more aerodynamic and then it also opens up a whole world of tyre possibilities. I only ever had 2 choices in that department before but now I have many and apparently by making wise decisions I can save minutes off my time.
I have been thinking these last few weeks that cycling is very much like equestrian. A partnership between you and your bike, as equestrian is a partnership between the rider and the horse. Whether it be show jumping or horse racing who do you congratulate at the end of the race, the rider or the horse?. Well you have to congratulate both. Unlike running which I love for it's purity (just put on a pair of well fitting KSwiss shoes and then show off your engine) cycling is very different. All these years I have been training the rider, trying to get myself as fit and strong and as fast as I could but I have not being paying nearly enough attention to my horse. It takes a very good bike fit, and then attention to all your equipment, not just the frame and the wheels but the tyres, the aerobars,  the drink bottles, the helmet, where you put everything on your bike to keep it as aerodynamic as possible. I really don't like this to be honest, that's why I like running, but to keep being competitive and making improvement at this level it needs to be done. I have great respect to those top notch cyclists in our sport, even more perhaps for the ones that are not good runners and perhaps don't have the best engines, as it shows that not only have they put in the training yards on the bike but they are particular about their setup and equipment and getting the most out of themselves.
So I was tentative about my first ride on this new 700c bike. I thought I would find it awkward and that I would be falling off going down the hill, but it was a surprise. I felt completely in control, comfortable and in tune with my bike, not awkward at all, I can go down hill just as confidently as before. Obviously my bike handling skills have improved these last few years! The bike itself feels light, responsive and for some reason I feel it is easier to push the pedals around.
So here she is the Ceepo Katana. I am riding the Rolf Prima TDF6SL on the back and TDF4SL on the front. These wheels have a rim width that is much wider than what I used to ride, and wind shaped side walls. More aerodynamic and faster, just what I want and need. http://www.rolfprima.com/products-TdF6SL.php

For training I will be riding the Rolf Prima Echelon http://www.rolfprima.com/products-Echelon.php Check out my new Rudy Project helmet and sunglasses! No one should miss me riding around Wanaka!

And to learn more about the 2013 Ceepo Katana check out this youtube clip.