February « 2010 « Spoke Fiend

Giro d’italia to DC is officially announced (kind of)

Last night the Giro d'Italia to DC story was officially announced (technically it was a reception) at the Italian Embassy. The guys from District Cycling were on hand covering the story.

Adam and Gregg of District Cycling

Mayor Fenty receives a custom Colnago.

Adam says too heck with the Mayor and the tall italian from the Knicks

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Bittersweet arrival of my new BMC

Yesterday was a bittersweet day for me. At about 10am a package arrived for me at work. Inside was my shiny new frame. There are quite a few bike lovers here at Discovery so I had a great audience for the unveiling. The general consensus is that the frame is a thing of beauty. It truly is. The next 7 hours were torture. I had to work and I had to wait...when all I really wanted to do was get home get building.

When I got home, I immediately got to work. The first thing I realized was that the tubing on the BMC is so unsual (right down to the teardrop seat post) that my DIY bike stand was rendered useless. Throughout the next 30 minutes or so I slowly started to build...but each time I found myself gaining some momentum, I was quickly turned back. #1. I don't have the right wrench for a campy bottom bracket. #2. The new fork is much deeper than my previous one...which means that my brake mounting nut is too short. #3. The downtube is unusually sized rendinging my clamp on front derailleur uselss. #4. This one I actually had anticipated...the fork needs to be cut. Problem is, I don't have any extra spacers laying around. So, despite my best efforts, all I have is a pretty thing to look at. Nothing to ride just yet. Which is killing me when I factor in that I'm waiting on a new headset for my Dean. I'm bikeless (aside from my bmx's) at the moment.

Park's BBT-4 wrench. I need one.

Something so small can cause so much pain.

This will be an unexpected $70+ purchase.

Another little culprit

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NAHBS Preview from Independent Fabrications

My oh my...what have we here! Seriously, the Independent Fabrication boys have outdone themselves with this one. Makes me proud to say that I still refer to Boston as home.

Built for Phil Wood ("Build it strong. Keep it simple. Make it work.") this titanium machine is gorgeous. I can't wait to get up close to this one this weekend.

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2012 Giro d’Italia is coming to the District

This is irrefutable proof that there are perks to having an avid cyclist as mayor. I have no idea how or why a portion of this Italian classic is being raced on American soil....but I'm not complaining. This event will draw the best of the best riders. Thank you Mr. Fenty. You can read more about it here.

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MASH is throwing an alleycat race at the NBHBS

MASH is putting on a race this weekend with the winner receiving a hand-built, hand-painted fixed gear bike valued at $2000.......that's no joke. For those of you who are unaware of MASH...check here. For those unfamiliar with what an alleycat races is...check here.

courtesy of Prolly is Probably

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BOUND FOR RICHMOND! The 2010 North American Handmade Bicycle Show

The 2010 North American Handmade Bicycle Show will be held at the Greater Richmond Convention Center in Richmond, Virgina, February 26-28. We’re expecting a great showing from the handmade community for our first show on the East Coast! Exhibitor registration is off to a great start, with builders like Crumpton, Richard Sachs, Vanilla, and Independent Fabrications already commited. The ever-growing list is available here. Trust me. The lineup is sick.

Last time I was in Richmond I drove away in a beaten down 1971 Mercury Cougar. I wonder what the city has in store for me this time.

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@mellowjohnnys wants to see your bike shop

Today, @mellowjohnnys put out a request to all of their followers to share photos of their at-home bike shops. I decided to participate. Gone are the days when I had 17 bikes crammed into this room. Now, I've got a pretty manageable fleet. I boxed up the Ellsworth and the BMC hasn't arrived yet, so I'm one short. But...here is my current stable from left to right.

#1. This Fuji frame, #2 Sarah's Gary Fisher Mullet, #3 Dean Duke, #4 Shogun Samurai, #5 Schwinn Varsity, #6 GHP Pro XXL, #7 Hutch Pro Racer , #8 Schwinn Thrasher frame, #9 Casati Cometa, #10 DIY Repair stand

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It’s over. The fixed craze has gone too far.

Maybe I was a bit harsh on this beer brewed by the guys at Lakefront Brewery. Because you know what,....I'm guilty of always purchasing wine with bicycles on the label. And who doesn't love Fat Tire Ale?

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and the winner is…2009 BMC SL01

Friday night, I pulled the trigger on my new road bike. Once again I threw caution to the wind and purchased a frame without test riding it. However, at least I took the time and had a proper fitting done.

I chose the BMC SL01 for a few reason. #1. Technology: I loved the theory behind the carbon/aluminum hybrid. The more I read about it, the more I was sold on it. #2. Cost: I was able to find the frameset (frame, fork, headset, seatpost, seatclamp) marked down from $999 to $699 on Competitive Cyclist. That price tag came in $150 cheaper than the CAAD9. No doubt I'll use that $150 for some other upgrades. #3. Availability: I called two local shops to track down a 56cm CAAD9 this weekend and the best they could offer was mid March. That sealed the deal. I'm not waiting until mid March to get back on the road.

So there you have it, soon enough I'll be starting a new chapter with the BMC. I can't wait to get to know it.

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Surly Long Haul Trucker

Got hit with an email blast yesterday. The ad for Surly's Long Haul Trucker caught my eye. It's been out for a while now. But I had never seen any images of it with this unusual wheel setup.