Wilsons Sandbox

April 29, Springtime for Hitler in Germany and spring time for Bogdan in Colorado. Installed the shock with its new big dawg (that kinda rings a bell, oh well) Progressive, Raesomebody spring. $90 with shipping from Fred + $25 to put it on the old shock. They (Apex Sports) first quoted me $10 but latter said it took two guys 1/2 hr to get it on. Hmmmm. After I got the new combo on the bike it was a bit late but I had to go try it out. Observations and Impressions: At 155lbs I'm literally half the man of an average lister. (I do have a bit of a middle age gut so I'm not a total sissy) The original spring after 30k miles was shot. The last 10k I've had to leave it at the stiffest setting. My ride is lowered; I'd bottom out rolling over a peanut. That's all history, now I'm riding on a new spring. First 4 miles was city streets. I'd put the spring on its softest setting, still the ride seemed as rough as with shot original. The bike seemed 1/2"-1" higher when stopped. Entered a rocky, wallowy , curvy, mountain, gravel road. I didn't seek easy lines but purposely attacked the bigger rocks and deeper holes. Wow what a difference! The rear wheel actually seemed to retain contact with the road! The familiar road was much less nerve-racking; I felt in control. O.K., I'm no Verle, I didn't do it at 90mph; in fact I never left 1st gear. Still I felt like a pro! Back on city streets, though I'd only gone maybe 10 miles, the spring seemed to have settled a bit. The bike was lower; the ride softer. It's early but for now I'd have to recommend this mod and underline that it's not only for big guys. Bogdan ________________________________________________________________________ Get Your Private, Free E-mail from MSN Hotmail at http://www.hotmail.com