at long last
my fixie has been built.
to be honest, it was kind of a bad time to build a bike, but i didn't want to wait any longer (i had gotten my headset -- the last piece -- the day before). i kind-of had a commitment with a certain lady friend, so i was actually in a bit of a hurry. didn't really have any problems with the build, but once i was done it was a funny situation: (A) i had never ridden fixed before (B) i was in a hurry (C) i didn't feel like taking the extra time to add a brake (D) it was night, and i had no light in front (E) ...i had never ridden fixed before. excellent combination! i felt like a madman.
well, in truth, all i had to do was make it a mile or two to the metro. an AWESOME mile or two. (tried to skid a few times -- no dice yet.)
the bike is a steamroller, with surly new hubs, mavic cxp33 rims, and a CHEAP AS ASS crankset: rocket chainring, bulletproof crank -- hah! used the front wheel from my roadie, and got some continental something-or-others that will surely be torn to shreds once i learn to skid. it's definitley nothing special, but it works. although the bike just got built, i already have a lot in mind that i might want to upgrade (the only thing i really put money into was the frame and the rear wheel). right now it's 42:14, which i sort of regret (i'd like something physically bigger), but i'll see how that ratio suits before i swap them out. i got some old drop bars for free and chopped them.. considering some real bullhorns. meh, there's lots i could say, but then this would be a boring thread, if it's not already.
i'm trying not to sound like a giddy kid in a candy shop, but i've had pent-up excitement over this bike that's been building up since i started buying the parts in december, and now that it's finally finished, well, it's killer sweet.
pics will come once i get the bar tape on.