Last year Bicycle.net was not able to make the Outdoor demo, and we made a commitment to be there in 2009. Well we made it today and can say that it is way worth the visit.

What makes the Outdoor so different is the carnival atmosphere and sheer number of bikes that you can ride. And not just your bike shop test ride around a couple of blocks. But really ride. Like bombing a decent and out of the saddle 6% climb. You can ride as hard as you want or cruise because you can.

The list of bike manufactures with bikes to ride was huge, but not to be out done by the component and parts guys that should up to let you test their wares. You can find the list of exhibitors HERE.

So the first bike we rode was the Giant TCR Advanced SL. The bike was definitely stiff and fast, but seemed to lack the kind of responsiveness I would have expected. It was very comfortable for such a stiff bike, and gave you a pretty good sense of confidence.

Prepping The Giant For A Ride

The second bike we rode was also a Giant. It was their Time Trial Trinity model. It just might have been me, but I just could not get used to how far the bars were positioned in front of the head tube. The steering seemed slow and labored. That being said, the bike was damm fast in a straight line. Riding into a pretty good head wind this bike just cheats the wind. This is a true Time Trial bike in every sense of the word.

The Giant Trinity

JT In Full Team Ritte Kit

Next was the BH G5. This bike is what I dream a bike should ride like. Stiff, stiff, and stiff. Responsive handling and accelerates amazing. Since this was the first BH bike I have ever ridden I had nothing to compare it to, but I came away truly impressed. The feature of the bike that just blew me away was when I got out of the saddle and hammered a few corners flat out the bike just sticks to the road. No wonder AG2R had such a good Tour de France this year.

The BH G5 Pre Ride

Next we moved to the Cannondale tent. With out question they had more bikes than any other exhibitor by probably double. I did not ride the new Cannondale Flash, but how can you go wrong with a 17 pound mountain bike.

I rode the new Super Six from Cannondale and it is another sweet bike that has the same awesome ride as the other bikes in the Cannondale stable. The difference is the carbon frame that just soaks up the road. The bike is stiff where it needs to be and comfortable where it needs to be. This bicycle is a true all around winner.

Closed Roads Make For Good Riding

Last bike of the day was the Trek Madone with Shimano Di2. What can you say about a bike that Lance Armstrong rode to third in this year’s Tour de France? Trek as always puts out quality bikes that perform at the very top of the food chain. This bike just flew along the rode and gives is so confidence building that you are able to squeak out that last mph in your legs. The Trek was a great ride.

The Shimano Di2 component group is crazy good. Before we headed out I mumbled something like “I don’t know, shouldn’t bikes have cables? I must be a purist”. Consider me a changed rider. I was completely impressed with my short 6 mile ride on the Shimano Di2. Picture perfect shifts. Self adjusting trim, no matter what chainring and cog combo you put it in. It is time for me to start brown bagging it at work, because I am going to need a new Shimano Di2 group soon.

Shimano Di2 Front Derailleur

Shimano Di2 Rear Derailleur

The Crowd At The Outdoor Demo

Family Fun Too. Bring The Kids