From Mountain to Road - A tale of the newly converted
From Mountain to Road by Jo Riley
However, there comes a time in a girls life when she needs a little variety. After all, it is the (sugar and) spice of life, isn’t it? So when the Hampton Cycles resident expert of all things road, Leigh, said he had just the bike for me, who was I to argue? I decided to take the plunge into the world of fancy road bikes.
I’d seen glimpses of my bike while Tris and Tim were building it and finally saw it in its full glory one wet Saturday afternoon. A Specialized S-Works Roubaix.
Jo's new Specialized S-Works Roubaix
As I sat on it on the windtrainer in the middle of the shop, we were drawing a lot of admiring glances. I liked to think they were all for me but alas no, the bike was getting all the attention. And quite rightly so. Fitted out in Sram Force, Roval Fusee SL25 wheels and other carbony goodness, it’s very pretty. And finished in matt black it matches my Specialized Fate 29er perfectly (this is very important!).
Now, I’m sure there are flashier, faster and sexier bikes out there but for me, this is perfect. Ideal for long training rides, a dabble at crits and maybe (only maybe) a road race or two.
Anyway, finally a dry, work free day arrived and it was time to go for a ride.
I haven’t been to the Yarra Boulvard for a couple of years and was pleased to find it had been resurfaced and was lovely and smooth. No wait, what’s that?? It’s not been resurfaced? What can it be then? My bike?? Really?
Today was a revelation for me. I never would have believed a road bike could be so smooth and comfortable. The ride was like silk and so confidence inspiring. No hovering over the saddle when anticipating a bump, less caution descending at speed – it was pretty darned amazing.
Cornering was precise, no drifting out into the middle of the road (or maybe that’s just my dodgy bike handling) and it felt stable and secure and accelerated quickly out of corners, up hills and flew down the other side.
And the brakes! I never knew road brakes could actually stop you in less then 50 metres! I felt so happy and confident on this bike that I couldn’t stop riding it and did another lap, just for fun. Now THAT is just weird.
Any negatives? My legs are cactus from some long hilly MTB rides recently and I got overtaken by a bloke on a singlespeed with flat handlebars. Otherwise, I’m loving the ride.
Thanks Jo for taking the time to write this review. Looking forward to hearing more about your Road & Mountain Bike Racing.



























