Nor'wester Stories
Dear Co-Motion
I raced on the EWEB team a couple of years ago, and after a trip to New Zealand moved to Portland Maine. I've put my Norwester through the ringer, touring hundreds of miles in NZ, many of them on gravel roads. Even some single-track semi-loaded. I've now raced 3 Men's B cyclocross seasons on it (including 3 trips to nationals), and put in plenty of training miles on the road, and (your framebuilders may cringe) rocky Maine singletrack too. Probably more than the Norwester was really intended to do, but it's held up just fine. Comfortable on washboardy dirt roads, nimble in the singletrack, and quick on the pavement. It is great to get on this bike and know that there are no limits to where I can go. If I had to own just one bike this would have to be it.
Cheers and thanks for a great ride,
Erik O.
Portland, ME
Hi Co-Motion:
In October 2005 I took delivery of a Co-motion Nor'wester, NNC11405, that you built for me. Now that I've put about 2000 miles on it, I thought I would share with you my experiences on the bike.
In December and January I made a 1400-mile (24 days) solo self-supported tour in the South Island of New Zealand, choosing a route to include as many mountain passes as possible -- 9 in all, 5 on gravel roads, 4 on seal. I've attached a file showing the bike on the lowest sealed pass, 600 meters (2000 feet) high. The steepest uphill grade was 16%, which I did not ride, but I did manage 8 % to 10 % up-hill. The gravel roads in the back country are very rough, with large irregular stones and they are seldom maintained. I was carrying about 9 kg (20 pounds) of gear. There's more detail and photos on the web page.
Overall, the bike has proven excellent for riding in rough country. Before starting the trip I changed the handlebar and seatpost to carbon fiber to reduce the jarring, plus a softer and broader seat. Since the trip I have swapped the regular road tubes to thorn-resistant tubes; not only does this give more protection against flats (I had 3 on the tour) but it gives a bit more bounce to the ride. I have also replaced the cantilever brakes with Avid SD 7 linear brakes, since the original brakes could not hold the bike on steep down-hill roads, even with my light load. Also, on the front cantilevers the down cable was hit by the back-brake cable if I turned the front wheel more than about 30 degrees to the right; it then applied the front brake in such a turn -- not a good idea. I'd also recommend that the shifters be installed with travel agents and long cables for cyclists who use handlebar bags, otherwise the gear shift changes between bag-on and bag-off.
The things I especially like about my Nor'wester are; the excellent fit, the gear ratios (with good overlap between rear gears in the different front-ring positions), the three water-bottle cages, and the travel case that avoids hassle and expense on the airlines. I'm taking the bike to Britain in May to bike from Thurso (near John o'Groats) in Scotland to London; I made the Lands End to John o'Groats tour (and a bit more) last year on a road bike; this tour should be a lot easier with the Co-motion.
Thanks for an excellent product.
Sincerely, William T.
Hi Co-Motion
I took delivery of my Norwester Co-Pilot just before Christmas. Thanks for your on time delivery even during the holidays. It took another week to get the assembly completed and have some minor changes taken care of. I rode the bike a couple of times to try and get things dialed in before doing a longer ride. On January 14, I took the bike for a little longer ride, a 200k brevet in Arizona. This is the first event in a series of 200, 300, 400, and 600k events this spring. I know you guys are getting hammered by rain up there so I wont mention the 80 degree temperature we had to ride in. The bike performed wonderfully and has solved several problem areas that I have had on my double century bike. This is the perfect bike for randonne riding. I will be doing two complete brevet series this year on this bike in preparation for next year in which I hope to qualify for Paris-Brest-Paris. Of course, the Norwester Co-Pilot will be my PBP bike as well. I just want you to know that I consider the quality of workmanship and finish to be first rate. I notice these things in particular and I am very impressed. It is superior to my Pegoretti in these areas.
I'm sure that my riding partners will soon tire of hearing me sing the praises of this bike, but too bad. I have already detected a hint of jealousy in their voices. Thanks again for building me such a great bike!
Sincerely,
Lonnie W. Color Country Cycling Club
P.S. The attached photo was taken at the mile 83 checkpoint on this recent brevet. Feb 11 is the next event, a 300k ride in this same area
-------------
--This was sent is recently by Lonnie with more comments on his bike. (5-30-06 Co-Motion)
Dear Co-Motion,
Since sending you a testimonial back in February about my Nor'Wester I would like to give you an update on the bike. I have now completed a full brevet series in Arizona on the Nor'Wester, and have put on more than 2500 kms on the bike, qualifying for "Super Randonnuer" status with Randonnuers USA. The bike has performed flawlessly which was especially important during a vicious weather 400 km event and a 30 hour, 600 km event in Arizona. I am now starting on a new brevet series in Idaho with the 200 km event already under my wheels. Even when fully loaded for a 600 km event this bike is as fun to ride as any bike I have ridden. Continuing thanks for this great bike!
Lonnie W.
Hi Elayne,
I recently purchased a Mango Co-motion Norwester with S&S couplers. I wanted to let you folks know that I love the bike and had a really terrific buying experience with Rick and Ann Steele of Gold Country Cyclery in northern California.
First off, Rick's shop was the only one that I could find that had a Norwester and an Expresso built up in their store that I could test ride. I knew I wanted a bike with S&S couplers and had researched and narrowed it down to Co-motion and one other manufacturer, but I wasn't ready to buy anything without trying it out. I made the drive up to the Sacramento area from the SF East Bay Area and it was well worth it! Not only did Rick have both bikes set up for folks to try, he was also incredibly knowledgeable about the bikes and very helpful in answering all the questions I had. The Norwester rode great and offered the versatility I was looking for, so I placed my order with Rick after receiving a thorough fit analysis. Of course I changed my mind a couple times on the color, panels and componentry and Rick was very flexible and patient with me. When it came in, he set it up perfectly, with an engineer's precision.
Now I have my Norwester and it has become the only bike I need, which is something I honestly didn't expect! I was primarily going to use it as my commuting bike and touring bike, but I found that it's also a very fast bike, so I started taking it on group and training rides. I found that I'm faster on my Norwester than I am on my Lemond racing bike, which I always felt was super zippy. I also climb faster on my Norwester than on my Lemond and on other bikes I've had. I did Mt. Diablo this weekend and was 6 minutes faster on riding time than my best time on my Lemond. The gearing that Rick set me up with is excellent for climbing.
I went ahead and sold my Lemond and have now scratched plans to get a Trek carbon fiber racing bike. I don't need anything other than my Norwester. The Co-motion is speedy, supple in ride yet steady and super versatile. I can't wait to take it on a century and a multi-day tour come spring.
I should also note that Rick's post-sales support is also excellent. I've e-mailed him a few bike maintenance and setup change questions since purchase and he always responds within hours with just the info I need!
Thanks to Gold Country Cyclery and Co-motion for a terrific bike and buying experience. I'll be enjoying my Norwester for miles and years to come!
--Kandice M., Pleasanton, CA
I AM IN LOVE WITH MY NOR'WESTER!
Our weather really wasn't conducive to riding the first week, but on Sunday I rode the annual Royal Palm Classic in Fort Myers Florida, and broke the first 100 miles. Five of us rode a pace line and we averaged 17.8mph on a 56 mile loop - in spite of the headwinds. A friend from Philadelphia writes, "17.8 mph is quite Hammerheaded! Good going!" (Gee... I am such a novice - I didn't know! Hammerheaded?! ME?? Really! It's all in the Co-Motion, I swear!!)
What can I say? It rides like a dream. I really can't believe the difference in my Co-Motion and my beloved old (old old, did I say 31 years old?) lovely old Fontan... Dave Williams gets a big ol' grin on his face - he knew the difference! (And I'm sure you did too!)
I ride with the pride and grace of a new Mom and the courage of a Captain on a 50 ton tanker.
I know that my Co-Motion will take me - where ever I want to go!
Thanks again for taking photos of the building of my bike. I love the picture of the tubes laid out on the desk, and the welding and painting - but most of all - THOSE FACES!
Thanks Thanks Thanks to all the Co-Motion gang for the great work that you do. Everyone here admires your craft - - or rather, my craft - - especially me!
Sincerely,
Toni F.
Alan
The bike is amazing. I use it to commute from a town called San Lorenzo Alle Corti, through Pisa and into Livorno. It's about 40 minutes each way. It is by far the smoothest ride I've ever had.
Jason K
Alan and Co-workers at Co-Motion:
I just wanted to tell you how much I like the Nor'wester I got last week. I had the parts waiting and built it up right away. It's set up with road wheels, Ultegra triple, and an 11-32 cassette with an XP rear derailleur in the back. We have some very steep, long climbs in the Boulder area and this gearing was perfect for me. The fit is perfect and I love the relaxed riding position. Compared to a titanium racing-style bike I have, the way it rides is like a dream. It smooths out the road so much that at first, I thought my tires were going flat! I actually checked to make sure they were pumped up to the usual 110 lbs.! Thanks, Co-Motion for making such a comfortable bike. I own several, but I know that this is the one that will get the most miles!
Sincerely,
Paul R.
Dwan,
Finally! After 2 rainy weekends, I finally got to take the bike out for a ride. What a great bike! The handling is superb and it flys! Everything is just perfect! The Nor'wester is everything I've been looking for in a bicycle. You and Alan nailed the design! Thanks again to you and the group of craftsman that you have assembled. Great company! Say hello to Kent for me.
John K.
Hi Alan,
Just wanted to let you know that my bike survived the first leg of my journey without a scratch. I was rather amazed at how many cycling clothes I could fit into the case with the bike. Set-up time was only 30 minutes. I installed a Super Link in the chain so I can pack it separately.
Please tell Dwan that he nailed the geometry. I rode the bike this afternoon about 42 miles and it felt perfect once I got my aerobars in the right place. You can go ahead and send the stem while I am away if you like. I will return the generic one when I get home.
My initial riding impressions were very positive. The bike was rock solid, totally silent, better on hills than I might have guessed, a little faster steering than my Klein, and it soaked up bumps better. My guess is that having standard spoke wheels has a lot to do with this also. It descended like a champ and seemed to corner better than my Klein. The frame appears to be perfectly aligned.
Now....to do some miles. Thanks again.
Best wishes,
Dave M.
Hi guys,
I want to compliment and thank you both for my Nor'wester. I have been able to do several rides, and commute everyday for 10 days now.
I am really happy with it because:
1) The fit is perfect
2) The fenders fit really well, and the triple is perfect on this bike--which was a big part of my choosing the Nor'wester.
3) The paint and overall quality is flawless
4) Co-Motion(you guys) delivered exactly on time exactly what I wanted.
Thanks.
P.S. I enjoy reading about your business in BRAIN with the new bike shop in Ohio. Best of luck.
Bobby M.
Alan,
The Nor'wester is absolutely beautiful. My Dad brought it up Wednesday evening. The balance is excellent, handling, performance, comfort, speed, everything. It's a dream. I don't know who in particular to thank for building my bicycle, so I'm going to thank YOU. I've gotten so many compliments on it in the few days I've had it.
Thank you,
~Tess.
Dwan and Alan,
We spent last week at Pac Tour's desert camp in Arizona and had wonderful weather, so welcome after the cold weather here. I want to tell you that I am still every bit as pleased with my Co-Motion after 460 miles of riding that week, including the 200K and 300K brevets ( I'd never ridden over 200K before). The bike is comfortable and smooth and I know I couldn't find a better fit. Again, thanks so much for your time and patience.
A lot of the people there didn't know Co-Motion made single bikes, but they know now. The bike was much admired (Jerry's, too) and, needless to say, we gave you good press.
I do use my bike for errands and about town, not just for touring. It's my all-purpose bike, and actually my only road bike.
Isabel
Hi Co-Motion,
You probably don't remember me from email but if I show up in person Dwan would recognize me as I visited your old location in Eugene in September 2000 and the new location in August 2001. At that time you didn't have the Nor'Wester so I bought an Americano in November 2000 for a New Zealand South trip and a Tasmania trip in January - March 2001. Since then the Americano has spent 6 weeks in New England including some dirt roads, New Zealand North Island, France from Toulouse to Provence and back with a climb of Mont Ventoux, a trip from Amboise to Biarritz France, and an Alps trip from Geneva to Provence and back. These trips have been with the Bicycle Adventure Club on trips that go from hotel to hotel with a van to carry the luggage. To say that the Americano is overkill for this kind of touring is an understatement.
I have just returned from 2 months in Europe on trips in Sardinia, Spain, and France. Sardinia and Spain were BAC van supported hotel to hotel trips and I stayed in Luz St Sauveur for 5 days to climb the Col de Tourmalet, Luz Ardiden, and the Hautacam. Finally I went on a self-contained hotel to hotel tour from Toulouse to the Pyrenees and into Spain at the French Spanish border long the Mediterranean. I used Tubus front and rear racks and Arkel front and rear panniers. I estimate that I carried 40 lbs of stuff (prepared for rain and cold in the mountains and got 90 - 100 degree heat) and maybe 50 lbs if you include the bananas and melons that I carried for lunch.
So after riding 16,000 miles on my Americano since December 2000, I have finally ridden with a load on the bike! I find the Americano to be very stable, smooth, and relaxed with a 40 lb load. It actually rides better with a load than unloaded.
That is why I am considering buying a Nor'Wester. It is probably designed for the kind of touring that I do. I don't have time to buy one and test it before I return to France for a van supported hotel to hotel trip from Bayonne to Aix en Provence in September followed by a self-contained hotel to hotel trip in Dordogne but I will be ready to order the bike in October.
Steve T.