Bicycling and Dystonia … Part II

Pashley to the rescue.

A couple of weeks ago, I published a post about the problems I’d experienced after trying to ride a mountain bike i.e. chronic neck pain, due to the ride position that this style of bicycle forces the rider to adopt.

After burning the midnight oil and no doubt abusing our internet provider’s ‘fair usage’ policy, I think I have the answer… the Pashley Princess Sovereign. An old-fashioned, ‘sit up and beg’, proper bicycle.

As you can see from the photo, it looks amazing. If you like vintage styling, that is. Pashley have been hand building bicycles in Stratford-upon-Avon since 1926, so they know a thing or two about person powered transport. Add to this the fact that they built all the bikes used by Royal Mail (so I’m told), and you start to feel fairly confident that it will also last a while.

Actually, I think this bike will out last me. It’s certainly solid – forget carbon fibre and all that nonsense. This thing’s built, and weighs in, like a battleship.

Other upsides? The rider will never be called upon to wear undignified lycra, the saddle is as comfy as an armchair, it has a wicker basket to hold picnic stuff. The list just goes on….

After much hand-wringing and worrying about the cost (quality comes at a price), I’ve decided to buy one. It’s either that or accept the fact that I won’t ride a bike again.

So, Halfords’ have my order and the lovely people at the Pashley factory will shortly be building my bike. The staff there recommended this model as being best for an upright riding position, so I’m hopeful that this will solve my problem and get me out on the cycle tracks again.

“More tea, Vicar?”

Want to find out more?
Try Pashley’s website:
http://www.pashley.co.uk/