Faithful readers already know that two years and ten days ago, my Fairdale Weekender Archer I dubbed Sophie (because she was sea foam green and to follow after Sonnie and Sookie) was stolen by a brazen bicycle thief. It was a shock and loss I never really got over. Sophie and I passed 20,000 miles together; through this blog she was known in other countries, and we did some pretty epic rides. She is gone but not forgotten. But keep reading, for the rest… of the story.

For the unintiated or those wanting a refresher, my posts about that theft are here and here. And for a more uplifting and humorous post, here is the last of several imaginary conversations we had just 18 days before she was taken. But the story continues, because of a little something I’ve been paying for for a while called renters insurance. Luckily, it covers what you own no matter where you are. Score one for A Dude! #Winning!

The short version of why I got this bike now is that the deadline to file a claim was a year from the incident, and a year to get a new bike was almost up. That date was January 8, and I finally decided on this black beauty, the Cannondale Quick 4.

I’m calling her Soqi (so’ shee). Why? All my bikes start with SO, as in so what?” The third letter progresses, as in SoMmar, SoNnie, SoOkie, and SoPhie. Also, the “qi” part (more commonly spelled “chi” in English), is the Chinese concept, simplisticially translated as “vital energy.” That seems like a good thing to have or to build upon while cycling. And I recently learned the name of a British comedy / fact series I’d seen clips of on YouTube called “Quite Interesting” goes by QI for short. What’s in a name? Sometimes, a lot.

I’ll let the makers tell you about the bike. Their catchphrase? Quick as you like.

Versatile: A bike of all trades. Plenty of reflective accents and mounts for racks and fenders make Quick perfect for rides through the city, and it’s sporty enough for harder riding to keep you healthy and fit.

Comfortable & capable: Comfort comes standard thanks to bump-absorbing SAVE micro-suspension, and a riding position that’s upright for visibility and ease, yet forward enough for efficient speed.

Premier performance: First and foremost, Quick is quick. This bike is lightweight, nimble and comfortable, with fast tires, confident handling, and gearing that’s just right for darting around town.

Connect: (paraphrasing now) There’s an integrated speed sensor made by Garmin. The Cannondale app will keep track of miles and will even tell you when the bike needs service.

Intellimount Stem: You can stick your cell phone on the built in holder (with separate attachment) on the handlebars or on the top tube.

Fast & Easy: Tires are “road-style” Schwalbes, which is a very puncture- resistant and respectable brand.

Confident Control: The front wheel is moved forward a bit, making for more stability and “less toe overlap” (when yountuen the wheel).

Others things that are Quite Interesting: Like Sophie had, Soqi has a 1 x 9 gearing ad disk brakes (but in this case hydraulic!). A key difference is that she’s aluminum (save for the feont fork) vs. Sophie’s steel.

Overall, from the test I did on the same model but different bike, I think she’s going to be a nimble, reliable, sturdy, and fun ride. Plus I get lifetime warranty on things like the frame, and adjustments from the store I got it, Sun & Ski Sports. Did I mention this was on sale and insurancee paid for it all based on depreciation, inflation, and the claim listing upgraded parts I had purchased that were on the bike at the time it was stolen?

Thanks to all involved in this decision. After some more adjustments, Xoqi and A Dude will be hitting the road and reporting in soon. Stay tuned. In the meawhile, I’m still on Strava, if that’s also your jam. Mmm… jam. And to Sophie’s bike thief: karma always prevails.

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