It was a great day to do some riding and I did just that. I slept on my repair needs and decided I couldn't retire my RCS. This morning, I ordered the parts and tools I need to bring the drive train back to life. I found everything I needed and the RCS community recommended on Amazon. I should get everything except the chain Tuesday. The chain is not due to ship until the second week of May. It wouldn't hurt my feelings if it was the exact replacement chain but it isn't. The original chain is a bastard size and I have ordered one long enough to cut down to match the original. Knowing I'm a ways out on parts, I decided I would rest the RCS and ride the Aquila. The only thing that is left to ruin are the two new jockey wheels I just installed. I see no reason to ruin them when I have a spare bike.
I rode the Aquila today and it will be my ride until I get the RCS' drive train squared around. I rode three times today and adjusted the bike between rides. I rotated the handlebars away from the seat which also raised them. I'm forced to ride with too much weight on my hands and they go to sleep. Next I adjusted the brake levers where they are where I instinctively reach for them. Before I ride again I plan to rotate the grips just a bit. It's nothing major but I'm pretty accustomed to what the RCS setup and I'm trying to match it. I already have the seat height to pedals adjusted. I'm getting there a little at a time.
Adjusting the bike was a true challenge. The bike, as most all mail order bikes, came knocked down. The kid that I bought the Aquila from screwed every allen screw so tight that he spun the allen key out of the screws.... on every damn screw mind you. I had tried to adjust the brake levers when I first got the bike and couldn't. Today I was serious! I took an allen key and tapped it into every clamping bolt with a ball pein hammer. I then put the correct apex allen in my Dewalt impact driver, pushing with all my might, and let the impact rattle the securing bolts lose. First the handlebar bolts the then the brake lever bolts. I didn't replace the bolts. I tighten the bolts with a regular allen and they are tight enough but not too tight. That kid came close to ruining that bike.
Speaking of kids, Friday I stopped at a brother sister shop at the curb. They were selling bottled water and home made bracelets. I'm guessing the boy was a first grader the his sister third. Whatever, they were young. I did my normal routine and then gave them each three bucks. They were at their stand most all day Friday. I saw them again Saturday and they were still set up today. Every time I passed their stand it was nothing but big smiles and waves. Cute kids and I admire their dedication to sell their wares. If they are set up tomorrow, I think I'll not buy something again from them.
I saw very few riding today. I saw a few e-scooters in town and a couple of small e-bikes. They have to be built well for it's very common to see two riders on a single scooter or bike. I saw no cyclists on my loop South. I saw a man pushing a stroller with a fair size kid in it. The guy was jogging and the kid was old enough that he saw me coming and began to wave. I met them the first time just North of the town South and then I saw them again on my next loop close to my town. The dad was still jogging and the kid still waving.
I logged 112 miles today. The less motor on the Aquila has me riding in assist level 3 instead of the 2 assist on the RCS. It's not quite the same but it's pretty close. It also consumes about the same amount of battery. The noticeable difference in the two rides is the lack of power and response to throttle and torque. The lesser motor gets the job done but lacks the takeoff power of the 1000w motor. It's plenty of power... but I'm spoiled to more power and way spoiled for the quicker response time.