Cycling in Ottawa: GO

I am moving back to the Nation's Capitol for school tomorrow, and I am bringing two bicycles.

The first is a steel, British racing green Surly Pacer. The group is a mix of Shimano 105 and Ultegra 6800, while the remainder of the components are Easton. I had this bike assembled this summer at Speed River Bicycles, after spending three years buying parts all over Guelph, Ottawa, and online.

I selected the components on this bike so they would last me a long time; especially the steel frame which glides over the roughest gravel roads. It is no carbon fibre featherweight, but it is relatively light (<20 pounds, no water). I especially love how the steel combined with the carbon components and 28cc tires provide an incredibly smooth ride and track excellently while cornering downhill.

2012 Green Surly Pacer, photo taken in Eden Mills, Ontario

The second bicycle I am bringing to Ottawa is a white KHS Flite 100. I do not remember when I bought it, but it was before 2012. I have since swapped all the components except the bottom bracket, head set, cranks, and seat post.

I built this bicycle to be versatile. The fixed gear platform is excellent for building many types of bicycles to fit a rider's needs. I use my Flite as a commuter, however in a pinch I have done ~70km road rides without swapping the rear sprocket. I am going to install a rack on the back with a basket once I get to Ottawa. In the future, I plan to upgrade the bottom bracket, cranks, and head set. I need something that doesn't need to be taken apart and cleaned every season.

2009 KHS Flite 100, photo taken on the Guelph Lake Dam

My experience riding my Flite in Ottawa last winter was mixed. The cycling infrastructure in Ottawa is satisfactory by my standards even in the winter, and drivers are generally respectful. The downside to cycling in Ottawa is simply the weather. The City does an excellent job snow plowing but that does not stop damp cold from seeping into your shoes and clothes.

I plan to post more photos of my cycling around Ottawa during the school year. Hopefully, sharing the process will encourage me keep up the biking.