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Review content:
I just returned from the ATA Cycle Shop in Concord, MA, where I had my new bicycle adjusted after riding it for its first 600 miles. As usual, Husam Sahin, its owner, and his staff were quick to assist me with their expertise and good humor. I am obviously writing this note of thanks and praise to alert anyone who is seriously interested in cycling to visit ATA. Whether you are in the market for a new bicycle or just require advice about a component or your riding position, Husam and his staff will provide you with what you need.
This past February, I was anticipating the summer cycling season and decided to find out if I was missing anything by riding my Klein road bike, which has a zirconium aluminum frame and reasonably good components. I did my homework to learn about carbon fiber frames and visited at least 8 bike shops to examine some of the well-known brands– e.g., Cervelo, Bianchi, Specialized, Trek, Giant, etc). The consensus from every sales person was that I needed a carbon fiber frame and all were eager to sell one to me on the spot. But no one could tell me why carbon fiber was superior or why one brand was superior to the next. So I was still on my own– until I visited ATA Cycle and met Husam, Peter and Kate. I had read an internet piece that spoke about a shop where the proprietor used a relatively sophisticated bicycle machine, cameras and computers to determine the rider’s characteristics so that a bike could be built to match his or her size, shape, posture and riding objectives. Being a technical person, this philosophy intrigued me so I visited ATA. I was immediately introduced to a new world and saw bicycles that I could only dream of owning, but Husam convinced me that he could build one that I could afford and one that would serve me for the years of “performance riding” I had remaining. I laughed knowing that I wasn’t a competitive racer, but it sounded good.
I asked Husam the same question– was I missing anything by not riding a bike with a carbon fiber frame? This time I received a convincing answer via demonstration. Husam handed me an aluminum frame which he subsequently struck with a rubber mallet. I felt the shock wave at the end where I was holding the frame. Next Husam handed me a carbon fiber frame and repeated the experiment by striking the frame on one end. I barely felt any vibrations. This was a beautifully simple experiment that showed how much kinder the carbon fiber frame would be to my body on long rides. I was duly impressed. So I took Husam’s advice and purchased a frame made from carbon and flax fiber- a new design that came from a small manufacturer in Belgium, Museeuw MC-6 (it turned out that this frame was recently reviewed and given very high marks in several bicycle monthlies). Husam also fit the frame with excellent components– the ride is silky smooth and all components are performing well. I am enjoying the bicycle immensely while riding faster and further. So be sure to visit ATA Cycle in Concord– you will no doubt be impressed.
Pros: Knowledge, state-of-the-art equipment, fitting and service
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