Jer, thanks for the pizza intro, made all the difference on the ride to my folks place. Also, seems there are $1000 grants available for apprentices, online applications are here. You never know, you might qualify for one.

I might do the global glutz, anyone else interested?

That Cinelli red frame is AWESOME.

I'm in.

I'm pretty sure I'm in for Sunday. I don't think I can make saturday. Woo!! I heart road racing. Speaking of which I planning on riding Alpe d'Huez and/or other comparably insane climbs this summer! Does anyone have any suggestions for possible alternatives? I've heard that Alpe d'Huez can be a bit hectic when the roads are open to regular traffic (ie: not during the Tour).

Also I was looking at road pedals/shoes today. Any opinions on the new Ultegra/Dura-Ace pedals? They look awesome. Nice big platform. I guess they might not have as much float as other designs though. Also, I'm thinking that maybe not getting the absolute stiffest road shoes (like ridiculous carbon soled ones) may be more comfortable. Am I even remotely on track?

I'd say take a look at which routes some of the cycle touring companies take. You can probably find some by googling 'tour de france cycle touring' or something. There are definitely a bunch of famous climbs.

Also, me = jealous.

For *road* shoes Speedplays are really nice (though you can't walk for **** in them due to the massive cleat). They've got tons of (adjustable) float and an extremely low stack height. The amount of surface area to distribute rider weight is also quite large.

Regarding shoes, pm-away. I might have something in your size that I can forums-discount for you. Full on road shoes don't sell frequently at our shop so I'm happy to clear them out if possible.

Add to the list of parts I've killed: Truvativ Elita crank set/bottom bracket, where the drive-side crank arm came unbonded from the hollow axle.

*creak, creak, crack, crunch, creeeaaak*

I would like to do Global Glutz...

Me = f*cked up clavicle/collarbone... :(

Rough sex mishap/highlight?

I still like the old looks, and you can get them relatively cheaply. Also no walkie.

Since you can't walk with the cleats anyhow, might as well get the stiff soles. I've had cheap floppy ones and stiff is better IMO.

I luv glooing toobular tyres on foe mi ferst job of the day. Pritty colurs!

Someone go open a window for keith!

Ok great thanks for the tips guys! Yeah I like the look (no pun intended) of the Looks and the Speedplays for the same reason the Shimano ones looked pretty good. Actually I probably should try something other than Shimano since I had so much difficulty getting the cleat position dialed in on my Shimano mountain bike pedals/shoes. Mike, pm sent. ROCK AND ROLL!

pics pleeze

Re: Disco Inferno: Time?

Who knows where I can get a cheap brake caliper with lots of reach? Even centerpull is fine.

By "lots" I mean about 65+mm Does such a brake even exist?

By "cheap" I mean sitting in a box somewhere used. Not cheap compared to new record calipers

I'd love to do the Global Gutz but my nephew is visiting for a couple weeks. Remember that the top four messengers are goin' to Dublin.... so no in traffic wackiness. *means get out of the damned way and/or no effed up lines* Be safe and be fast.

The most reach I have in a caliper is about 60 max. You might want to think BMX caliper, that is prolly the only type that will have that type of reach. I have a couple of Mafac racers but even those wont have quite enough.
Upon measurement I think I have an old centerpull that might have enough reach. The downside is I dont have the straddle cable for it. It uses a short double ended cable. The plus side is it is a Dura-Ace!

haha. Dura ace, probably worth more than the bike!

Edit- I might still offer to take that off your hands if you're selling but I should work out some other things first.

Do cottered cranks all have the same axle dia? (I want to change the double that's on there with a smaller single ring)

Its an old brake...still works fine. Yours for the taking.
On another note the Cable fairy came last night and now I have the Tour at work. Yay! Thank you Cable Fairy!

hah cable fairy..so K did those Mac people do right by you & Mindy in the end? I wasn't following tha thread regular

Yeah...they coughed up a brand new machine.

Always a fun injury.

ronin, wha happen?