There is an element of truth in your interpretation, nightfly. Especially so since there’s been a recent, significant change in our relationship. Before I go too far with this though, I should state that I am definitely a man for women, and The Mercier, although I haven’t opened up the bottom bracket, is by all appearances masculine. So a friendship, a potential to be regular buddies.

I live in the foothills, and all the nicer rides require going uphill. So for a few weeks I’ve been keeping things single speed. However just yesterday I made a commitment to fixed, and that’s quite a change. As many of you know, we have no problem out on the open road, but in the city, with all kinds of people, interactions and distractions around, it can be a pretty scary relationship going fixed. I gotta say though, he’s stuck with me like glue, and whenever a tight turn is required, he’s right there – in fact, ready for the next chicane.

I’ve had a s.s./fixed relationship before, with a Jamis Sputnik, and I don’t know the mathematics of this, doesn’t matter, I thought the Sputnik handled well, but The Mercier is going to take my skills to another level. Quicker, more responsive, ready to dive into a dicey turn with nary a moments notice, and do so with finesse. Amazing.

I do have a geared partner, always have, and so for the past few weeks we’ve been transferring parts from other friendships – handlebars, stems, seats, pedals, etc. He was treated pretty roughly in the past, so I had to do a lot of cleanup, using touch-up paint on a ton of scars.

But now I’m curious about his history. I could imagine us sticking together, and perhaps in a couple of seasons talk about wheelsets. Are there others out there?