The Second
My newfound passion for cycling was really taking off, and just four months after getting back into riding, I celebrated my birthday by purchasing my next bicycle.
August 26, 2023
Just four months in, I was already making real progress toward turning cycling into a daily habit. In August, to celebrate my birthday, I picked up my second bike, a Bianchi Duel 29S mountain bike. I wanted something that felt different from my Verve, something with a little more edge. I started browsing online, and that’s when I discovered Bianchi. That signature celeste color immediately grabbed my attention. Still, I knew I wasn’t ready for one of their sleek road bikes. They are too small for me and my endurance wasn’t there yet. But then I stumbled on their mountain bike lineup and quickly ordered a Bianchi Duel 29S.
The delivery, however, was a bit of an adventure itself. It somehow got shipped to the wrong address in another state and took weeks to finally land at my local shop. But when I picked it up, it was absolutely worth the wait.
Although most of the trails near me are paved, there are some decent off-road paths to be found. Truthfully, I’ve only taken my Bianchi off-road a handful of times. Over time, I swapped in faster-rolling tires and started using it more like a hybrid than a dedicated mountain bike. It’s definitely on the heavier side, but it’s durable and turns heads. What’s even more interesting to me is that in the U.S., this model is quite a rare sight. I’ve never seen anyone else riding the same one, and I rarely spot a Bianchi in the wild. But in Japan? I saw Bianchi bikes everywhere. I have never seen another Bianchi Duel 29S out in the wild, which makes mine feel even more special.
Like any true companion, my “Italian stallion” and I have had our ups and downs. I’ve dealt with my fair share of broken spokes and punctured tires. Recently, on a short ride home, a seemingly innocent, soft stick managed to puncture my tire clean through the center. This was on a set of Bontrager Sainte-Anne tires (would not recommend) with less than 60 miles on them. Thankfully, I’ve since upgraded to Continental Cross King tires, and they perform fantastically. They even make a unique roaring sound when I lean into turns, sounding just like a TIE fighter taking off.
Because I ride this bike so often, it’s been responsible for forging some of my most memorable cycling moments and for keeping cycling a consistent, invaluable part of my life. I’ve stopped mid-ride just to watch deer cross the trail, photograph birds, or catch the way light filters through the trees.
It might not be considered a “special” bike to a longtime cyclist, but to me, my Bianchi is absolutely irreplaceable. It’s the one that’s carried me the furthest so far, and I’ve even got a few upgrades planned for it down the line. The Bianchi Duel 29S may not be my most specialized bike, but it’s still one of the most meaningful parts of my cycling journey.
