Hey, a Specialized isn't a beater bike by any means. Nice find.
How is it swinging your leg over the back with the rod holders angled back like that? I've always used girls' step-through bikes for my Canal ride, but it's tough to find one with a big enough frame for me to pedal comfortably, even with the seat extended as far as possible. I was thinking that a large men's frame, and angling my rod holders back like that, would be a better way to go.
You don't get to test ride the assistant, I take it
