WHO: Elaine- Inventory Lead, Receiver, Ecommerce Extrapolator, Chief Cardboard Box Wrangler

WHAT: 2023 All-City Cosmic Stallion, steel gravel bike in coral moss colorway. Steel is known for its magical ride qualities and simplicity. I won’t say Steel is Real. But I just did.

Two years ago, it was time to upgrade from my entry-level flat-bar hybrid bike (which our Service Writer Chris Perez sold to me at a different shop.) A friend recommended the All-City Space Horse. However, the Space Horse was out of stock in my size. But there was a Cosmic Stallion in my size 49. I made a quick decision to get it even though it was a bump-up in price. My first fancy drop-bar bike.

Since I’m not yet conversant in bike specs, gear ratios, and whatnot, the Cosmic Stallion is still pretty much all stock. Coming from an economy bike, the Shimano GRX drivetrain is an amazing thing. Shifts like butter- and it’s not even top of the line GRX.

This is not the steel bike of yesteryear. The Cosmic Stallion is quite light. Having a Whiskey No. 9 carbon fork and light rims helps.

All-City considers the Cosmic Stallion their gravel race bike. There is absolutely no need for me to be pitched forward in an aggressive riding position. I am definitely not racing! A friend gave me a stem with a 35-degree angle to replace the original. This allows me to sit in a more upright position. My neck and shoulders are grateful.

The Cosmic Stallion has special details imbued by All-City: a tapered carbon steerer tube, All-City Signature brazed-on seat collar, pantographed bottom bracket, more name engraving on the custom drop-outs, and wavy chain stays.

Rather than a powder coat, the Cosmic Stallion sports an E.D., or electrophoretic disposition, coating. This fancy liquid paint prevents rust formation and makes it all shiny and pretty.

I went gucci with a full custom frame bag from the hipsters at Cedaero bag company in Minnesota. I can carry tools, snacks, jacket, gloves, a small towel, electronics and probably a 12” grinder in this thing. Heck- I even schlep other people’s stuff because they’re not carrying a proper bike bag.

I swapped out the stock saddle for an Italian leather Terry Galactic saddle strictly due to its awesome blue color and constellation print. Is it comfortable? Well, it’s a really nice color.

WHERE: Rail trails. My favorite rail trail is the East Bay Bike Path from Providence down to Bristol, Rhode Island. A majority of the trail is by the water, following the Seekonk River.

Multi-use paths in parks and preserves. Neighborhood jaunts. Commuting to the bike shop through Haley Farm state park and then downtown Mystic. Biking through Haley Farm in the early summer morning dappled light is always my favorite part of the commute.
Gravel roads of course. Trips to the beach. Riding through the boat juice at the boat launch at the end of my street. Basically, just needlessly exposing my bike to salt. Which isn’t hard to do living by the shoreline.

WHEN: I must admit I’m a fair-weather cyclist. The goal is to ride year-round. I will use the lazy excuse that I lack cold weather gear. Please don’t point out that I work in a bike shop.

When I don’t feel like riding and force myself to go out, I always feel better. You never regret going out for a bike ride.

WHY: Discovery and exploration. Going to places not accessible by car. Freedom. Exercise. Stress relief. Being outdoors in nature. Pushing boundaries and keep going. Engaging with the world around you.

HOW: Party-pace meandering. Exploring every side street. Stopping to take a lot of pictures. Snack breaks.

I now ride with a Garmin 1040 solar head unit and Garmin Varia radar. Everyone understands the benefits of GPS, but radar is beyond helpful. Being alerted to the presence and number of cars coming up behind you without having to turn your head or use mirrors is priceless.

I highly recommend getting a bike fit with Mike, our bike fitter. His analysis is comprehensive. He uses fancy lasers. I thought my saddle was already high and he raised it higher! He’s right- I ride so much better.

I’ll enact his other recommendations- a narrow handlebar and a zero-offset seatpost- in the near future.