I have (mostly) been enjoying my All-City Gorilla Monsoon. UNFORTUNATELY, the handlebars, and dropper trigger, were really a bit of a thorn in my side. I did some looking about, came up with a plan, and installed some new Daija Works Far-BArs, a Paul 31.8 Dropper Trigger and a Crane Suzu Bell on my Gorilla Monsoon. I wrapped the bars in some Brooks green cadmium bar wrap to finish them off. I found the bars at a local swap meet near me In providence for $15 which was great, except that they were silver and not black, which would have been my preference.
I drove up to the SNETT (SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND TRUNKLINE TRAIL) and parked at the South street lot in Douglas, Massachusetts. A nice guy on a very racy carbon gravel-bike made it a point to stop and chat. He was really digging on my bike, as I was with his. Complete opposites of the spectrum, but different tools…
I’m only 5’7″ but have broad shoulders, so these wide bars are very comfortable for me. They offer a more comfy had position as well as more control. The new dropper trigger being up on the top of the bars was much mo-betta than the previous one being located on the drops, which dug into my left thumb. Not ideal. it also is so well crafted: such smoothness. I have never had a bell on a bike, which has bee na bit of a bother honestly. The crane bell is by far the loudest I have ever heard. I am happy I can alert people, far from being on top of them, of my presence.
I rode up the trail until I jumped off at Thompson road in Thompson, CONNECTICUT after hearing the sounds of motors and tirs screeching. I found Thompson Speedway was having a drift event, so it was a good excuse to have a snack and drink, as well as spectate as well.
I made my way back after a few hours. Not a big ride, but more of a shakedown run seeing if I would be happy with the new ergonomics. Overall I am really digging this bike now. I will be getting some shorter crank arms to help with toe-overlap, but that is not particularly pressing.
I also added a EH-Works Tool roll (for tools) which is strapped to a Widefoot cargo-mount.
Thanks for being here…
Tim Guertin 