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.
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?
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.
The UCI Bans Ritte Racing’s Bosberg
Oh man, have I mentioned how much of a fan I've become of Ritte Racing. These videos are great.
Once your done with that video. Check out the behind the scenes footage from their recent shoot.
More fun from Ritte Racing
It's no secret that I've become quite of fan of Ritte Racing. In fact, I have a hunch that you'll likely spot me in one of their kits later this year. Now, if I could only drum up the loot in order to score one of their beautiful Bosbergs.
eBay + beer + iphone = ramen noodles until my next paycheck
There is one thing I should have figured out about myself by now...and that's to not track ebay auctions while I have a beer in my hand. The lethal combination has wobbled my finances on several occasions. A carefree $500 here and $900 there, never feel as fun in the morning. In defense of myself, I must say that I always score great deals when I'm in this wide-eyed tunnel visioned state. I've scored a Dean Duke titanium frame for $600, some Mavic rims laced with DT Swiss/Hugi hubs for $200. Both exceptional deals. The problem is not in the purchase price. The problem is in my lack of forthsight when it comes to bills and/or holidays that are on the horizon. Alas, the deadly combination of eBay, beer, and my iphone reared it's head again last night. While I should have been focusing on the pub trivia on hand, I was instead watching a set of new 2006 Mantiou R7 Platinum forks. By now you know how this story ends. For the purchase price of $242 (shipping included) I am now the owner of these. That $242 isn't bad at all. I thinks it's a great deal. But if you combine that with the possible $275 charge if I win the Leadville 100 lottery along with Valentines day and what you get is trouble.
Time to look under some sofa cushions.
A mere 2.9lbs. I do like that.
A Beautiful Klunker
Came across this one in the gallery section over at Rat Rod Bikes today. It's a gorgeous ride. Also, it's worth checking out the trailer for the Klunkerz movie which documents the origin of mountain bike racing.
RITTE VAN VLAANDEREN: Serious racers who don’t take themselves so seriously.
Chances are you'll never see this team pulling the peloton up the French Alps, but that doesn't mean they aren't worth mentioning. Their story is really entertaining and it would appear I'd be a perfect candidate for their team. Makes me wish I was still living in SoCal. But, guys....if you're looking for a DC representative, I'm available. Aside from their racing team these guys also have a killer bike they call the Bosberg for sale. If you look very closely and with great focus, I've been told there is a bike in the photo below.
Riding in Anchorage
Although I didn't get a chance to ride myself while out there, I left the city of Anchorage very impressed with their biking community. Despite the extreme cold and snow and ice covered roads the riders were out. The most shocking thing to me was their attire. Unlike myself and my wimpy mid-atlantic brethren, the riders out there weren't covered as if summiting Everest. With dedication like this, it's no wonder they are ranked as one of the fittest cities in America.
One of several 'skirted' riders I saw. God bless them.
Alaskafied 1903 Felt Bicycle
I stumbled across this modified 1903 from Felt while in Anchorage.
A stock 1903 from Felt
| The 1903 features: |
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| MSRP: $499 |