west coast, but yeah - it was really good. easy pace, as i was with the old man, who doesn't ride so much these days, but rolling around the french countryside in the sunshine, breaking to eat nice food and drink fine wine - doesn't get much better. fixed was fine, a couple of hills were a bit taxing what with the panniers but so long as you're not climbing mountains should be fine. if you plan to climb mountains, have a good bailout gear! rode 48-17, which is probably a touch too high for touring though.
