Looks good, but I wouldn't.

should i have my wheel rebuilt or just trued. bent spoke, loose spokes and out of wack? Or just leave it up to the shop i take it to?

Front wheel, formula hub, tb14 rim 32x.

Should maybe have it rebuilt. Loose spokes could mean that the rim is bent. Shop would probably know by looking at the wheel though.

Should I treat myself to a new bag for Valentine's Day? I'm thinkin' yeah.

Only if it's pink.

Cinelli components on a cinelli bike or too matchy matchy?

There's nothing wrong with staying on-brand as long as the parts themselves are decent. The problem is that most of Cinelli's modern components are pretty middling.

You can save $$ and weight by going with other brands, plus you'll have more flexibility should you ever move on to a new frame. How about sticking to an Italian theme by going with 3T or Deda?

I was thinking 3T since all of my other bikes are 3T as well. I might just go that way.

I was considering the MASH items, but am not 100% sold on it.

The Mash stems have a burly MTB look and weight to match. Not my cuppa for road bikes. There's nothing to separate the MASH drops from the crowded market of compact drops. Their bullhorns look awesome, but I sold mine within a couple months because the tops and corners are pretty worthless. Profile's Cobra Wing (or the $60 chinese knock-off version) is a better buy.

Good luck!

Cinelli components are pretty meh... esp. in the road dept.

You're better off with 3T.

Matter of fact, besides the legacy bars from 80's/90's, I would only consider the MASH bars and maybe the RAM seatpost.

Good to know, thanks guys!

3T it is!

Thinking about buying a B17 and putting leather handlebar grip on my Paddywagon. So..should I?

I don't see why not. Before dulling out the cash, have you tried riding with a B17 before?

I personally don't like the B17 because of its longer side skirts, having larger thighs myself. If this is the case, you might want to spend a little extra for a sportier model.

I have not so I should probably try one out before hand. My stock saddle is getting torn up so I do need to upgrade and had only heard good things about the b17. Other suggestions?

Gold chain on a black and white (BMC road) bike? Should I?

^ any bike can rock a gold chainnnnnn

All gold everything.

thinking about matchy-matchy pink Chris King components on my Serotta Ti CX biek... should I?

Basically what I run.

Be warned, leather tape has near zero cushioning, but grippy like a mother ****er.

I have seen, with good results, people wrapping thin cork first, then wrapping the leather over that. Also the gel stuff.

My self, I have just straight leather wrapped on my bars, and after initial conditioning it is supple and comfortable even without gloves. I love the look and feel, and its resilience to scrapes and tears is worth every penny. Would like to go with the sew-on elkhide stuff one day, if/when this ever wears out ;)

Don't get Brooks tape. It's ****ing ****. It's like they had Ikea make it.


Get this: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0078S91VQ
Cheaper, actually made out of a dead cow, infinitely better in every way.

But were the cows free range and grass fed?

Yeah actually. Organic dairy cows from a dairy farm in Wisconsin. The bar tape is made onsite at the tannery too. 'Murica.

I have Brooks tape on my everyday bike, and haven't had any issues at all, but that Adarga stuff is TOP NOTCH. I have it on my summer fun bike and it really is a cut above the rest of the herd (no apologies for the pun ;) )

brooks is real leather. shuwahat?