Paul Smith

Product Review Crew

I started road riding in 2003 after I got a nice bonus payment at work and bought an aluminum Specialized Allez, which my son now rides. Previously, I’d only done mountain biking.

I was surprised how addictive being on the road became for me. I started commuting regularly on the bike, using it as invisible exercise around my family life and growing boys.

After a couple of years of solo riding, I found a welcoming group ride thatI still participate in. On the first few attempts at that ride, I buried myself to finish with the group; otherwise, I would be lost on rural roads, in oxygen debt.

My interest grew, and I got faster. I discovered the cycling scene around Chapel Hill in North Carolina, a mix of all kinds of riders and abilities, with something for everyone. I was surprised just how many people in the area ride bikes. I joined a local team whose motto is “pedaling for health,” aiming to get people onto bikes. Check us out at trianglevelo.org.

I’m still commuting a couple of times a week on the bike and ride around 6,000-7,000 miles per year.

I’ve been reviewing products for RoadBikeRider since 2012. We’re always open to suggestions for products to review. Just let us know.