Here is a quick review on my new Trek Valencia,which I bought over two months ago.
The Valencia is the first modern bike I’ve owned. (I also own a 1984 Raleigh Marathon, and I owned some road bikes in the 1970s when I commuted by bicycle and toured the Oregon Coast several times.) I’m really enjoying the new technology. I love the shifters, the straight handlebars, and especially the disk brakes. The tires and frame soak up the bumps from our winter-worn streets.
I ridden the bike only 190 miles since I purchased it. I ride one or two days a week because most other days I run for exercise. I live close enough to work that I don’t need a bike to commute on the weekdays, but I ride to work when I need to go in on the occasional Saturday or Sunday. I’m trying to gradually build up my rides past 25 miles so I can do some light touring this summer, maybe to Cape Cod.
The Planet 700c hybrid fenders I bought are very light, but the front one clicks a lot, which is a little annoying. I need to figure out how to prevent that. The Blackburn EX-1 rear rack is strong and stable. I use it to carry my laptop, books, and papers in the Jandd Commuter pannier I bought; it’s really great not to have to wear a knapsack or messenger bag.
My rear derailleur began squealing after only a week, but a little WD-40 cured that. I need to buy some chain lube because the chain is already beginning to rust a little. Eventually, I want to replace the seat and pedals, which are serviceable but cheap. I think the gearing is probably not quite right for touring; the lowest gear is probably inadequate for a fully loaded bike going up a hill.
