Frankenbike

In addition to cranking out pro-style tune ups for the good people of the Greater Boston Area, I occasionally like to work on a bike or two for myself. I've just put the finishing touches on a commuter/off road/fire road ripper/monster cross trainer/ninja rider/etc. bike. It might be ugly, but maybe in an adorable way (uglorable?)? You know, for a bike made up of parts from other bikes:

Ta Da!
The details, in case you're into that kinda thing: Unit 2-9 frame, disc brakes, 32/13 fixed gear (shh... don't tell anybody) *cough*, ahem- single speed, 700 x 42 tires, 40 degree sweep handle bars!, because I've never said, "wow, I wish these bars had less sweep"

Comfy for your hands
It took a little tweaking to get this baby ready for bombing around town, mainly in the stem/handle bar zone, I mean it is a 29er mountain bike frame and therefore a little upright and mountain-bikey. So, why wouldn't I just get an appropriate townie bike? Well, I don't need to see the ocean everyday, but I need to know that if I did need to see the ocean I could. Which is why I can't live in the midwest. Similarly, I don't necessarily need to ride this bike off road everyday, but I need to know that I can when the mood strikes me. That's why all of the bikes I'm fortunate to own can be trail ride ready in 15min or less. Sorry road bikes, we just aren't meant to be.

Plus, with this frame there's no chance of a slow-motion-toe-overlap-in-traffic-while-I'm-trying-to-track-stand crash. There's metric tons of clearance. See:

There's still plenty of room with shoes on, too.
It's super fun. I don't ride fast (and I have no plans to start, it takes sooo much effort...) so, the fixed gear adds a little challenge to my favorite not-so-technical trails/fire roads. And riding bikes with one gear always makes me feel like a kid. True story.

Thanks for letting me geek out a little bit here.

So Neglected.

Sorry, Web Log, it's been a while...

When I was in 7th grade, we were all assigned a book to read and then summarize in 2 paragraphs or less. I don't remember exactly what the point of the assignment was, something about communicating complex thoughts briefly, or learning to create Cliff Notes... The book I got to read was Roots. You know, the one that the 12 hour miniseries is based on. Two paragraphs or less?

I was assigned that book because in the words of my teacher, "Emily, you are a woman of few words." Um... thanks? Those words have been haunting me as I look over the half dozen or posts I've started in the last two weeks. I keep thinking, "That could be a good/interesting/informative post... I just need to add some, uh, words to it..." I guess I could try microblogging, but that seems to take a certain amount of consistency that I can't commit to... So instead, here's a regular blog post filled with microblog sized bits from the last two weeks.

1. Good bye, 1991. I've finally upgraded my CX bike with 10 speed SRAM! I dig it. The Double Tap business is very easy to use, and to get used to. I'm a sucker for efficiency, so I think it's the one lever for shifting up and down that gets me....

2. I'm not big on holidays. I have nothing against them, I just don't get excited. I do get excited for the beginning of mountain bike season, so trail opening day seems like a holiday worth celebrating. And it's coming SOON (this Thursday)...

3. Now is the perfect time to get your bike in and tuned for the season. Things are definitely picking up here in the tune-up department, but we're staying on top of it. Most bikes are back to their owners within 48 hours. Got a specific day you can part with your bike? Give a call and we can set up an appointment for you...

4. The NEMBA/Hub Women's MTB Maintenance Clinics were an epic WIN. Keep an eye out for other clinics in the near future...

5. Women of Dirt movie/fundraiser/raffle. Regent Theater, Arlington, Apr 21, 7pm...

Those are all of the unrelated chunks of bike-y goodness I have for now. Maybe next time I'll post in haiku form.

Buckets.

More rain, more problems. The leak buckets are back out. The one thing I'll say about this weather is that, I think, it's easier to ride in. Here's why: When it's drizzling you have to make an effort to not get too wet. Rain pants, avoiding puddles, finding the clip on fenders, trying to decide if you can coast enough to keep your legs dry(ish). There's alot of fussing that goes into avoiding the moment when you go from reasonably dry to uncomfortably wet. In weather like this, if you make the choice to ride (100 bonus points!) you're going to get soaked. No rain pants or fenders will save you. So don't worry about it. Have fun, use your blinkies, and have a towel ready when you get home.

And- don't forget that Part 1 in the two part Women's MTB maintenance clinic is tonight!

Don't forget.

This Saturday, March 27. All day sale. Opening Party 5-7pm.

On an unrelated note, I found this:



That is all.

Ha!

Bike name update:

I just came across this little gem, and I thought it was only right to share. A pink 'girls' bike with a name I can support.

Who wouldn't want to shred it on a Giant Awesome?

Spring!

It's official. So with the longer days, and warmer weather it's time to shift the schedule:

M-F: high noon - 7pm
Sat: noon- 5pm
Sun: closed for riding bikes (mountain bikes... yeah spring!)

Hub Bicycle Grand Opening Open House Party Celebration Extravaganza!

That's right! New shop, new season (spriiiinnng!), I think it's time to celebrate.

On Saturday March 27, 10% off parts & gear in stock all day! Come by 5 to 7pm for a raffle, foodstuffs, beverages, and bike-y conversation. The free raffle will include some cool stuff from Planet Bike, Pedro's, Topeak, and others. Bring your friends, family, partner, frenemies, personal trainer, spiritual advisor, entourage, etc… everyone is welcome.