State Bicycle Co. - Bike Roll / Pouch + Flat Tire Tool Set Bundle

Returning to Cycling (again)

I just turned 67 and have more than a few pounds of excess / inches of blubber that need to be removed. Currently its uncomfortable to ride my favorite bike - Colnago Master with super record and tubulars - so I decided to take a fitness route. The choice was a 6061 Black Label with riser bars. I've set it up with a freewheel for now although I've experience with racing track bikes. I like the feel of the 6061; my preference has always been a reasonably stiff metal frame - steel first, aluminum second. This bike has a quick response without being overly twitchy; i.e., good geometry. At the same time, the component group is comfortable - kudos on the stock seat. The only knock some people might make on this setup is the brakes. The rim caliper brakes provided are sufficient, but not of the highest quality (I'm a rim brake person). I may change out the brake pads as it doesn't look like the brake arms flex much. Either way, they currently have the feel of a 1970's caliper with really hard brake pads! With that said, I don't have any fear of being able to stop. My rides now are just over an hour at a time, but I don't see that there will be a problem with 2 - 4 hour (or more) rides down the road. Sort of fun to be back riding with a gear restriction - very old school; 1000+ miles before you can gear up! So the 6061 is not a Colnago Master; but the price is less than a tenth of one! On the other hand, the 6061 rides at least 90% as well as the Master. The 6061 is obviously limited by being a single speed / fixie. But the conclusion I have made is if you are looking for value for your dollar / a single speed, the 6061 is a great choice. In fact, I like the bike well enough that I am seriously considering getting the 4130 8-speed at some point down the road - it appears to be one of very few offerings for a manual downtube shifter.

tool pouch bundle

great and really very bicycle ride friendly

Quality pouch. A bit tight for the 650b tube.

I like this kit and have found it incredibly useful so far. My only caveat is that the pouch is a little undersized for the 650b tube. I was able to make it work but the tube needs to be rolled quite precisely to make it all fit.