Eleven

The last time I posted here was two weeks ago?!? Time flies when you're making bicycle dreams come true. Like this one:

From single speed to 11 speed in a single afternoon. Now would be a good time to make a "goes to eleven" joke, but I'll let you take care of that- I've got to get back to work.

Old Dog, New Bike

If you don't mind being a little chilled, the past couple of weeks have been great for riding. I've been fitting in a little singletrack time in the mornings when the trails are nice 'n frozen.  I coaxed my riding partner out into the cold Actually, I didn't have to do anything. She was born ready for winter riding.

Look at that face.

I got a new single speed MTB frame recently (don't worry- one in, one out- enjoy your new home, Frankenbike). Maybe I'll write more about it later. Or maybe not. We'll see. I will say it's pretty sweet. Not that I'm overly concerned with weight- but I'm pretty excited that this bike built up more than 2lbs lighter than my last setup.  It makes me feel fast.  Like awesome bike racer fast. It's really a feeling more than an actual improvement in performance, though. I'm pretty sure I look like this when I ride (oh, or this- thanks, Jody).

It comes with operating instructions right on the top tube and it's sporting this years hottest fashion accessory- the NEMBA Headcap. Don't be jealous. Get yours here.

That's a First

Unfortunately, I've heard plenty of stories of bikes and their parts being stolen. Whole bikes lifted up and off of the sign posts they were locked to. Cable locks quickly snipped. More than a handful "Well... I actually forgot to lock it..." Hundreds of wheels, and seats/seat posts taken by (best case) hungry orphans who needed the bike parts more than you.

Yesterday, a woman dragged her bike in because a hungry orphan stole the front tube from her bike. Just the front tube. The thief went to the trouble to remove the wheel from the bike, remove the tire from the rim (with the tire levers he/she just happened to have in his/her pocket), remove the tube from the tire, and then leave the wheel and tire in a nice pile beside the bike.

That's the first time I've ever heard of someone stealing exactly and only the part that he/she needed.

If you're ever in desperate need of a tube and you're thinking about stealing one- don't. Just stop by the shop- I'll give you one and we can work out a payment plan.

Three Things

One- I got around to downloading pictures from my trip adventure (that I will stop posting about soon. Hopefully before you get wicked, wicked sick of hearing about it.). Check out this one:

 Don't make me punch you.

Two- I love it here. I love that even though it's the dead of winter (albeit, a strangely mild winter), I saw nine other cyclists on my commute home last night. I love how genuinely excited everyone is to still be bike commuting this time of year. Warms my bikey heart.

Three- Hub is two years old today. My deepest thanks for the support that have made these two great years possible.