Pugsley

Pugsley came home yesterday. Still have to tweak it… but the short review after 2 short rides on 4-6″ of fresh snow:

Interesting in the woods. Fast(ish) on the stamped down bike path. Fun on the beach. I have much to learn about tire pressure for varying conditions. Yesterday I was running 15 psi. Great for pavement and hardpack. Not so good in the woods. Today I ran 8-10. Much better on fluff. Slower on the hardpack. Gearing is also a puzzle. Haven’t figured out how to climb short steep stuff just yet. Traction + front to back balance + power…

It isn’t as heavy as I thought.
Slight uphill, in fresh snow, in a headwind is work!
Bouncy bouncy bouncy on those tires. Too fun.

Some improvements I will make:

Trigger shifters have to go! No room in there for heavy gloves, or lobster mitts. Thumbies with bar ends will replace them.
I’ll probably swap my Mr. Whirly from the Soma for the stock crank.
Bars and controls need adjustment. Will move to a 110 stem.
Will try with H-bars or maybe the Soma Odin I’ve run on the SS.
When my Lake’s arrive I may move my Time pedals over, after I get a feel for the handling.
Going to sew up a set of pogies this winter.
Add a spare single speed freewheel to the front… (wish it was stock with a fixed hub…)
Winterize the BB, framesaver everything.

Long term:
Gain some winter skills and fitness.
Whole different world than pushing the studded SS around.
Alfine 8 or 11 rear wheel.
Lose the FD if possible.
Custom frame bag to match my Epic harness and seatbag.

Too fun. Wish I’d done this years ago. Cannot wait for more snow. Now to plan an S24O to a lean to…