Bikes.
by tns
So lately I’ve been having bikes on the brain. Contemplating how I’m gonna build my next bike which will probably be a fixed gear. Mainly in my attempt to improve my pedalling form and to just learn bike components and stuff. Right now buying stuff used is kind of a weird market. So I’m thinking of building it mostly of new components. Right now looking into Pake and Soma entry level track frames (semi-track geometry, closer to road bike though). Which I guess is weird since Pake is a sister company of Soma. They’re pretty inexpensive, not the lightest things on the planet but I don’t think I should spend a lot on my first hand built bike. Soma Rush frames are a bit more expensive but I think are a little lighter (vs Pake). If I come across a road bike frame that I like, and can get it for cheap though I’d be willing to convert that.
It’s also hard not to get all crazy with color scheme when you’re picking out components. I think I’ll play it mostly safe though picking black, white and chrome components so as not having to spend loads of money for matching color parts. I really don’t think I have the kind of money to spend for that right now.
I did find out about Weinmann wheels, who make Deep-V track wheels, both machined and non-machined for a decent price. Most cost up to $170 for a complete wheelset, not bad. All in all, this project may cost me a bit more than planned but I will probably do this slowly in attempts to wait for better deals.
I also went on the Claremont Juggernauts ride this Tuesday. Several people told me they were pretty intense. I found out later they used to be super crazy and that night was cold and I was riding with a bunch of experienced riders (cept for maybe two other guys). I held up for the most part, as usual slow on the hills and after the 17th mile or so got pretty tired and my pace just never got back up to speed. I was told I did well though for the first time being on that ride with that kind of pace, so I felt good about that. Least now I feel like there is some improvement when lately I’ve been feeling there was very little.
They said their Rowland ride was similar but my only fear of that is the hills that are on the northern side of Rowland. I can do very subtle climbs and flat ground at a fast pace but, its when I get on hills is when I can’t keep my pace. I may try it once though, it sounds fun and I need to get better anyway.
Ok, enough bikes.