| 005 | Panther Bicycle | 2008-11-12 |
My favorite bike is a one speed Schwinn Panther. It’s a cruiser. It was probably not intended to be used in the rolling hills of middle Tennessee, but it’s a great ride as long as I don’t mind standing on the pedals to push harder from time to time.
The bike is a single speed (not a fixed wheel) so there are no gears to confuse the purpose of my riding. Pedal and roll. It’s about that simple. Of course there are uphills which make me long for a granny gear and downhills which suggest a better gear ratio, but overall I pedal and roll.
Perhaps the simplicity is a longing for an experience of youth, but the bike is more. It is relatively light, fast, agile, comfortable, and green. The attributes always make for a good ride and a good time. I don’t have to think, just ride.
I am not suggesting that you go out and buy this same bike - you might hate the one I own; but I do hope you have something like the Panther. Something that makes you happy every time you use it. Something that makes you feel good just to pedal and roll.