First Ride on the Siren John Henry

First Ride on the Siren John Henry 02/23/2010

After a spritzing of Framesaver on the insides of the John Henry frame's tubes, it was time to build her up. Carried over most of the parts from the Zaka, but installed a Chris King BB and a Syntace cockpit. A Syntace seatpost is in transit as well and will join its other German brethren on the John Henry (aka Manila Vanilla).

Inaugural ride was during a dawn patrol at the Camp Aguinaldo trail. So, here are initial impressions:

The bike feels low and long, not sure why, but this to me is a good thing. Will compare geometries with my former ride and see.

The JH goes where it's pointed and there's no unwanted flex from the rear end. Seems what little leg power I have goes to driving the bike forward.

The Syntace goodies also help with steering precision - it felt like I was taking corners faster. Especially switchbacks. The JH was nimble, yet stable. Contradictory I know but that's the best way I could describe it.

While not as supple as the ride of titanium, I personally dig the smooth all the time, stiff when needed qualities of steel.

Can't wait to get more saddle time!