I don't like it.

As I feared, its geometry's too vertical for my liking, with big 700c wheels and an almost horizontal top tube. Also, the narrow handlebar means the steering's too twitchy for comfort.

I feel I need to ride something smaller and more controllable until I'm more confident riding a bike. Then, when I'm more proficient, I can switch back to using the current bike.

Therefore, I've just ordered a cheap, single-speed, 26" wheeled mountain bike from Argos to use as a practice bike. Hopefully, that'll be less scary to ride for the time being.

On the good side, the gear-shifting worked perfectly, even though I'm the one who set it up.

Also, the brakes both work properly.

For some reason, I didn't like the fact it had mudguards, even though it makes sense for it to have mudguards.

I have now removed them.

The pedals I bought for it are good and grippy.

The saddle I bought for it is seriously uncomfortable but I suspect that's because I didn't bother to tilt it forward like you're supposed to.

The quick release lever I added to the seatpost works perfectly,.

My new bike arrives later this evening.

The Call of the Wendigo wrote:

As I feared, its geometry's too vertical for my liking, with big 700c wheels and an almost horizontal top tube. Also, the narrow handlebar means the steering's too twitchy for comfort.

I feel I need to ride something smaller and more controllable until I'm more confident riding a bike. Then, when I'm more proficient, I can switch back to using the current bike.

Therefore, I've just ordered a cheap, single-speed, 26" wheeled mountain bike from Argos to use as a practice bike. Hopefully, that'll be less scary to ride for the time being.

I was going to suggest an ad in the classifieds - ‘dominatrix seeks midget’.

My awesome mountain bike has been dispatched.

It'll be here between 6:27 and 8:27.

So, that'll be 7:27.

Halfway through our running commentary.

I may have to scrap my involvement in the running commentary.

Only 7 deliveries before it reaches me.

Wendi and her mates, tomorrow..

Spoiler:

Those are road bikes. I've bought a mountain bike.

Careful with those overgrown, hilly thickets.

They can snag on your bottom crankset.

And you'll get terrible road rash.

I have assembled the bike and had a try at riding it across my living room. I was correct in my assumptions. It feels much easier to balance on and to get it started.