Singlespeed & Fixed Gear - Torrot: I spent, I assembled, I now ride

So here he is. "Totoro", my first build/first fixie and an absolute dream for me. Apart from some alignment issues and some chatter when I backpressure, the project came together nicely and only took 4 1/2 months to make it happen :D

Torrot frame as seen in previous posts. Gipiemme Special Pista hubs laced to Velocity Razor rims running Vredestein Fortezza tires. Campy pista cranks(thx again Dollface) running 48x17. Campy pista french H/S & BB. Cinelli stem with Tsunami horns...and, yes, I know some won't approve of going brakeless, but I do have experience with brakeless things and hey, I live in suburbia. I'm also learning to respect the bike and I take it pretty slow mostly. Will probably have brakes at some point when I feel it is appropriate.

I love the buttery way bumps get translated, I almost try to go over rough stuff just to feel the bike soften the blows. The stem and/or fork needs to be changed. Probably the pedals also. Will probably drop the chainring to a 45 or 43 since even though I love the easy speed, it's probably a bit too high for me.

It's amazing how I am relearning how to ride. Where I automatically try and freewheel, brake, stop paying attention...It's all new and much more difficult than those new-fangled things. I'm liking the challenge but I couldn't say it is zen yet, just letting it all get into the muscle memory right now. A friend and I went on a wander out at Stanford last night. Took some stairs, hills, found a neat 3rd story "track" and a bit of grass riding. It's a perfect safe place for learning and playing on wheels.

Special thanks to Adker for the straight deal on the frame, and my LBS, Menlo Velo in Menlo Park for the wheelbuild and the local flavor.

http://www.spymac.com/upload/gallery/f_49/user_494009/upload_416740.jpg

http://www.spymac.com/upload/gallery/f_49/user_494009/upload_417115.jpg

http://www.spymac.com/upload/gallery/f_49/user_494009/upload_417112.jpg

http://www.spymac.com/upload/gallery/f_49/user_494009/upload_417120.jpg

http://www.spymac.com/upload/gallery/f_49/user_494009/upload_417123.jpg

Its sad that i could recognize downtown palo alto just by the look of that brick wall.

Its sad that i could recognize downtown palo alto just by the look of that brick wall.

Haha. I was going to reply with something very similar. That's great.

Oh, nice bike too. I've been wanting to check out Menlo Velo (I'm at school in Michigan right now, so I can't at the moment), and I'm glad to hear that it would actually be worth my time.

Great looking bike. Wish I lived in Palo Alto. Congrats on the nice build.

Wish I lived in Palo Alto.

I don't. I actually live in the eastern part of Menlo Park. Palo Alto just happens to have a kickin cafe across the street from these pics. Other than that, PA has become new-money central. Kinda puts a kink on meeting hip folk sometimes.

I realize now that the title with my location makes it sound like I just coughed and the money came up for this.....the truth is that this is every extra penny for five months. I even drank less beer :eek: and now it feels sooo good to roll like this.

it turned out great! congratualtions on getting it finished!

splendid frame. and how about that fork clearance?! i'd love to see her set up with a nice pair of drops... maybe a set of non aero brake levers...

Umm ... why whould he run non aero brake levers? He wouldn't even have useable hoods to ride, and I doubt he's really interested in the brake lever functionality...

caoimhin,

Friggin Awesome! I love how it turned out. I'm very glad this frame went to someone that treated her special.

Regarding changing the fork, look at your third photo. What a profile. Keep it!

You're now runnin with the bull.
Adker

sweet conversion. good job