Sometimes, I really love the UPS man

I got a package the other day. In a big box. If I'd been really smart, I would have photo-documented the process of me opening it and assembling my new bike. But I'm not that smart.

So, I'll just tell you about it and put a pic of the complete bike:

Don't you love all the junk in the background?

There is a story behind this bike:
Since I started commuting to work by bike, I had been dreaming of getting a proper ride to fit the needs of my commute. If you know me, you'll recognize this as typical "pcop-ness", but I love simplicity. If I have a choice I'll always pick the more simple solution to a given problem - I don't like extra bells and whistles, or extra features, or whatever. Now that I'm done ranting about my "typicalities", I'll continue the story. I decided that a single speed bike would fit my needs perfectly (and I even started riding my current bike in only one gear to see how it would be). I also tend toward old, proven technology, so I liked the idea of a steel frame. Besides, they have made a lot of improvements in steel and this bike is only 20lbs or so with everything on it.

I found a small bike manufacturer that specializes in single speed, steel, road frames, so I figured "this is the bike for me." I also decided that I couldn't afford it. So I waited. And waited some more. And then these guys decided to do a group buy (many people pay a deposit for a discounted, usually custom frame). But on a different frame than the one I wanted. So I waited some more. I'm pretty sure this is the most patient I've ever been. Finally, there were rumblings of a group buy for the frame I wanted. And after more discussion, it finally happened. 6 months later, I finally get the bike. Was it worth it, you ask? I saved maybe a $100 bucks, but I also got a special color and a slightly larger frame, which is good cus I'm a bit on the tall side. So, I think it was worth the wait.

Anyway, back to the UPS box.
The bike was complete, but in pieces. I got to do some assembly that I've never done before, which was fun. Actually, it wasn't that bad. The handlebars needed to be attached and the brake cables adjusted (which was probably the trickiest part). I had asked that the steerer tube be uncut, so I could play with spacers (this lets me adjust how high the handlebars are), so I got to cut that to length. My pipe cutters made short work of that, once I figured out how long to cut it.

I originally ended this post saying that it was together and ready to test ride. Now it's really ready. I got my fenders and got all the commuting stuff transfered to it and also fought through some inner tube bursting issues. Now, though, it's really ready. Seriously. For real. Yeah!


Now I get to start actually riding to work (from wherever I happen to drop Cynthia off). Which is a whole different story...

And you really should look at this - it's fun. Let me know how you did.