It seriously warms my heart every time I see someone getting a new CX bike. There's hope for this world yet. :)

PS. In addition to the bikes already mentioned, you may want to take a look at the Devinci Tosca series. I have one and I've been really happy with it. There's three different price points from about $1200 to $1800 and I believe all are made in Canada (Chicoutimi, Quebec to be specific). There's also the Surly Cross-Check which is a great do-it-all bike (I've met people touring Europe on them and know people who race them as well). My partner rides one as a singlespeed commuter (another one of the many ways you can easily set it up). You could also take a look at the Jamis Nova Pro or Scott CX Comp. Those should both be in your price range.

Keith/others, I plan on running Schwalbe Racing Ralphs on the new mountain bike (steel singlespeed 29er). What's the call for riding/racing the local stuff - 2.25 front and rear or 2.4 front/2.25 rear? I'm 145# and ride like a scared little girl.

when you say race bike do you mean road bike or CX bike? I'm going to get a bike for commuting and hopefully some CX (I really want to try it out.) I hope they have some CX stuff in Guelph, where I'll be studying next year.

And about the sizing, you said the 60 is preferable for a CX bike. What about commuting? If I get a 60 bike will that be too big for everyday stuff?

Holy crapola, nice going Keith, that's crazy cool stuff man - congrats.

TJ, sounds like a kickass trip dude, enjoy :D

I saw that path you took photos of Brad, though I was on the GO train :p I'm 80% sure I'll be riding up to Whitby tomorrow, if not, then I'll be riding back at the very least. It's lovely in some of those lake-side spots for sure.

Must've had a tailwind heading west tonight, I felt mentally tired for the ride (before the ride, even - I was procrastinating leaving my buddies place) from the east end - but I seemed to zip across regardless, my beater junker seemed to be performing very nicely today considering I threw the chain twice on Saturday night while bombing down/around the beaches drunk.

All this talk of CX and that Rob Roy build going on.... damn hmm... :)

Oh yeah, anyone else heard about the apparent party at Jet Fuel tomorrow? I saw a postcard flyer indicated 16 kegs for the 16th birthday, but I was made aware that it's advertised for April Fool's Day, so....

Also definitely feeling >.< close to shorts weather - my legs were definitely starting to get overheated just crossing town tonight... I'm thinking my uber-commute might warrant shorts (and it's supposedly warm again, eff the rain though).

The Jet Fuel party is legit. I'll see you there (probably out back where there's a bit more space).

How was the go train ride? Mine had "engine trouble", 3 km from my station. Conductor gave the opportunity for people to get off at the previous stop, so I did and rode back home.

About 10 mins later, I passed by my actual station stop and the train still hadn't arrived... suckers.

if you've got long legs and arms a 60 should fit just fine, especially for commuting.

+2. there was a guy named peter who worked there who was quite helpful. i always had good experiences at duke's, too.

did anyone see the poor "smokey cervelo" on duke's wesite ('fire portfolio')? a sad sight. agree with not spending $$$ without a test ride.

I think a lot of people do the bigger tire in the front. A little more cushion, and less rotating weight to accelerate in the back.

Hah, love it - though at least you got the exit choice - that's cool. Was fine for me, both journeys (I took the train back to Danforth in the evening) went well, gave me chance enough to stay warm as I didn't wear any rain gear and got a bit damp. I've not got up early enough for a ride there today, so I'm going to ride home tonight (via Jet Fuel) - I went out at around midnight and noticed it pissing down outside, which is a bit poop to be riding in without rain pants/fenders for ~50k (though if I'm honest, the only reason I didn't get up is because I'm lazy/tired and didn't stretch and my legs feel real heavy this morning :p).

I'm aiming to be back and at JF for around 9 assuming there's some left :p

You can't see that section from the train. You saw the section that pretty much goes from Rouge station westward and peters out around the water treatment plant around Highland creek (eastpoint park) From there, it's on-road all the way to the beaches for the most part. That's a really nice section too- all brand new pavement.

500 bones.... as if.
No gloves, my shorty pants and summer shoes. Toes got damp this morning .. and it was awesome. Ah Spring.

Not sure if there's any Watchmen fans here, but this is great: http://www.boingboing.net/2008/04/01...s-watchme.html

I was tempted to bust out the shants this morning too, but didn't want to jinx things. :P Plus it's supposed to cool off a bunch by this evening. Yesterday and today I wore cycling caps instead of my toque though, which was nice.

hehehe.. http://www.cyclingnews.com/tech.php?...arbon_wrapit08

love that carbon-wrap technology, right up there with speed holes!

There's one born every minute...

Not sure if anyone has been watching this but considering a lot of folks here spend time in the Don in the summer you might be interested in going to the TORBA (Toronto Offroad Bike Assoc.) meeting later this month

http://torbg.webhop.org/


TORBA's next monthly meeting is happening
Tuesday, April 15th, 2008, 7 pm onwards
York Reception Centre, 1100 Millwood Road
corner of Millwood and Overlea.

Agenda to be posted shortly, but sure to include :
- trail planning & building
- upcoming events & outreach activities
- East York Canada Day demo update
- Skills park group update

"Even more unexpected, however, was the decreased weight of our guinea pig. Actual weight of our frame actually dropped about 100g; Jacobsen says other frames should yield similar results while most components should drop about 20g or so depending on what they are."


I GOTTA get me some anti-gravity carbon wrap.

13 degrees... and the water's fine! (because it's staying off of me)

This morning brought many firsts.. my first commute post-surgery, the first ride on the new wheel that I built (which kept its true) , and also my first ride with fenders. Can't believe I waited so long to spend 20 bucks on staying dry.

Commuter scorecard for the week:

Monday - TTC/501 streetcar - 1h40m commute home (waiting 30 minutes at spadina/queen, then saw a 501 car come up spadina + turn, so I walked to University, waited another 20 minutes, got on a 502 to Kingston road, and then waited for another 501 to come by).

Tuesday - 35 minutes in by bike at an easy pace. <-- Obvious winner.

I think that Herbie Glick guy is avoiding me. ;)

That flag I see out my window had better keep flapping in the direction of "home"
Anybody with ANY information regarding dusty old shops in either in or in the vicinity or Rome or Paris, please feel free to let me know. I will be scouring.

Don't waste your time looking for a real bike shop inside of the ring in Paris. It's all Decathalons and other European mass market beaters that people ride/buy.

Sweet I'll spend my time learning the route from the houseboat to the tour finishline. Now how to get myself in the finish photos...stilts...neon..canada clothing?