CyclingWMD and Fixed Gear Gallery

Saw this Bottecchia come and go the other day..

2009-06-10T21:57:00.000-07:00

I was going to go meet the seller to have a look at it, with the intention to look around and see what else he may or may not have lying around, but someone snagged it and he never got back to me after initally agreeing to meet up :-(

I'm sitting here with my head in my hands..

2009-06-10T21:56:00.001-07:00

..wwwweeping at the sight of this auctions result:

$942????!!!!!!

Just when I think things can't sink any lower, they inevitably do.. But hey, why spend the money on a NEW CUSTOM FITTED FRAME when you can just get a used one for only a little bit less?

Fucking retarded..

Oh dawg! Whatta Rensho!!

2009-06-08T21:55:00.000-07:00

Just saw this on the NYFG forum and have been lurking around for other shots from the Le Cirque du Cyclisme show this past weekend. Def send me some good shit if and when you come across it. If you actually went to the show do a quick little write up for me to post. Like, foreign correspondent style..

Gone Fishin'! But not before..

2009-06-05T21:54:00.000-07:00

..leavin' all ya'll mofoz some old newspaper clippings about bicycles I found on the interwebz a few years back- enjoy!

LOTS more on my flickr..

Le Cirque du Cyclisme THIS WEEKEND!

2009-06-03T10:36:00.001-07:00

I've been DYING to check this event out for a while now but inevitably something comes up.. In this instance, a fishing trip with the men in the fam.. I'm not really into fishing at all so I'll just hide behind my camera for the duration of the trip. Probably a good thing cause I'd undoubtedly be shooting blanks in like 5 mins after I showed up! So many sexy bikes to be appreciated!!

One of my dreams is to build a bike of my own making to enter in the show. I was beyond stoked when my Bilenky won in 07'. Though something about putting more than just my ideas and hard earned cash into a project strikes me as being more fufilling a win..

I'm always looking to top myself with my various projects and I've been slowly making the move to actually building proper frames myself. Time is the only factor I'm missing right now (along with some 8020 and a milling machine ((not to mention an actual name for said frames)) ). I currently have 3 new bikes I'm working on putting together/rennovating and two new killer ideas for freak bikes. My lair will begin to billow with the dark smoke of industriousness VERY SOON!

..and when I say very soon I mean once my weed runs out..

douche..

Brooklyn Bike Jumble: A ROUSING SUCCESS!!!

2009-06-01T13:16:00.000-07:00

Which is something I'm wicked stoked about since I can never get my ass head out to Trexler Town EVER. The day was super nice and relaxed. Lots of cool bike porn and parts. Saw/met/BSed with a lot of the fellas from the NYC fixed forum too. I arrived at 10:15ish thinking it would be relatively dead but it was quite the opposite. It got progressively busier and busier throughout the day too! I was going to get a crowd shot but I totally spaced. I have to say it was def a lot more difficult to pay attention to, well, anything else with all the good shit for sale. I had to keep reminding myself to take photos in between spooging all over everything! I mean, check this shit out:

I just wanted to grab all four coners and make a break for it! That or just wrap myself up in it all snug like... weird

There were a bunch of rad show bikes for the little 'best of' contest:

Sasha was able to finish up his Dick Power just in time for the day:

So classic! Esp next to my Yamaguchi. Would've been nice if I'd known everyone was going to bring super classy lugged bikes. Though it was def an amusing contrast having it there..

The winners of the contest were as follows:

The winners were:
Best As-Found - Alex Singer
Best Restoration - Fiorelli Roadster
Most NY - Dick Power
Best in Show - Devotion's bike, built by himself.

Def no surprises on the winners. All super awesome bikes!

I also met up with this kid who was awesomely named Alan as well to give him a chainring he had won from me on ebay. He showed up on this sweet Merckx (temp swapped front wheel due to blown tubular):

The sweet thing about it, aside from being a Merckx in great condition of course, is that he got it for all of $550! That's with a FULL suntour group, Cinelli alloy stem/bars and Campy Record pedals- SO SICK!!!

UPDATE: Nicer photo of said Merckx with more detailed group info here

Speaking of sick, I was really into this AWESOME side by side bike:

It looks to be a conversion kit of sorts that just bolted onto a regular frame! One of my favorite bikes from the day for sure. Bummed me out tho cause I saw them riding away but wasn't really able to get any decent footage of it in operation..

Justin showed up with his bitchin' 3Rensho roadie:

We were talking about the way he had it set up and in my honest opinion, vintage and or classic steel bikes really look great with like, vintage campy record etc.. But you really can't beat the shifting accuracy and dependability of more modern groups. Not to mention not feeling guilt about wearing the stuff out if you plan on REALLY riding it hard. Some of my personal favs are Shimano Ultegra 6500, 105, and the older 600 stuff..

More pics on my Flickr set

Even more here too..

My own personal scores for the day included this great condition vintage Campy 47T chainring for $40 bones:

and this HED3 rear road wheel for $160! (I didn't have a $5 bill):

Original owner, Great condition, used in TT's only and the tubular is the only one that's ever mounted and barely has any wear on it!

The catch of course is this little ding:

Which is so retardedly easy to fix it's not even funny. A combination of a little tapping with a ball pien hammer and very lightly filing it down a little flatter will make a world of differnce. Not to mention tossing a Conti Gatorskin Tubular on there too. Those Tofu racing jammies pop like a freaking ballon on the smallest pothole. Though the one 'bummer' is that with all the HED3 wheels I've acumulated, that being four, I have now surpassed the price of ONE new one- YES!!!

The main thing about getting that wheel is it now gives me the perfect excuse to build a rad roadie. Esp since I haven't really ridden one at all in THE longest time. I'd like to build up another locker type job like my last one. We'll see though. There's plenty of other amusing ideas rolling around in my head right now too..

ANYways, as for the show, it was an amazing first time turnout! I'm looking forward to next years jumble/show for sure. I can only imagine it being even bigger with more fancy pants bikes, parts and a whole lot of wheelin' and dealin'..

Nicely done Harry!

Brooklyn Bike Jumble and Top 20 FREAKIEST!

2009-05-29T13:15:00.000-07:00

For those of you in the area I HIGHLY suggest you make it a point to attend the first annual Brooklyn Bike Jumble this Sunday. It's going to be a bike swap/show of sorts which should be interesting. Not only can you score some undoubtedly great deals on killer bike swag, but there's going to be a competition of sorts for various bicycle porn. From what I hear the categories are:

Best In Show
Most NY bike
Best as-found
Best Restoration

Should be pretty bitchin'! I hear the fellas from Via Bicycle out of Philly will be on hand as well- awesome!

I think people are bringing their bike collections out in force. Which makes me want to do the same but I'm not sure if it's going to happen. That and I really want to take a lot of photos to show all ya'll mofoz..

AND

The Mutandem made it into matadorlife's

'Photo Essay: 20 of the Freakiest Custom Bikes on the Road'

Check out my dumbass on the front fuckin' page!!!

Thanks again to Morgan for dealing with my redonkulous camera when I axed him to take a snap for me! and to Lyle for referring Matador to the whereabouts of the Mutandem!!

Anyways, you should def take a look cause there's some other really great WTF?! type whips in there :-D

UPDATE: Holy Fuck! I'm on treehugger too!! <:-0

Krazy-Funny-RAD SHIT ahm lookin' right now and getting turned on and or off by..

2009-05-20T12:25:00.000-07:00

First of all- why, why, why, WHY! Must every sick ass MFing tandem be the wrong size?!!!!

I mean check out the bottom flat areo tubing with the dual down tubes- FRAK-KING GOOOORRRGEOUSSSZZ!!! I would pick that up without even thinking, kind of like everything else I own, if the captain were only a couple of CM smaller! FUCK, I just noticed the dual rear brake! KILLIN' MEEE!!!!

I ALMOST didn't bother posting this up here thinking- 2 1/2 inches over my preferred ride height wouldn't be that bad now would it?? Stupid 27" rims..

Anyways..

A beautiful Nago:

UGLIEST paint job EVAR!

One wickerd bike:

Hotta indeed!

Get your WRFF on!

..or you can just learn how to ride a skateboard and be like 110% less than a complete douchebag

Derpy derp Nago:

Then there's this:

Which lead me to this on their website:

Yeah, I used to have a poster of one of those hanging up right next to the Lambo..

After seeing that one I knew I had to satisfy my raging car hard-on with something even tastier. Which is when I feasted my hungry eyes on this Nitrous injected 800hp wet freaking dream of a whip:

Nothing would please me more than to beat the living piss out of that fucking thing!

Oh and am I the only one who's jaw dropped at what the ending price for this OG aluminum jammy went for that I mentioned a little while back?

Yeah, I could think of juuuuuuust a few things I'd rather do with nearly 8Gz...

Lastly, I found this site last night and they've got some really, really ridiculous and or gnarly bikes going on..

Ridiculous:

aaaand GNARLY:

..or vise versa. Take your pick..

Craigslist, Correspondence and yet ANOTHER Cuevas...

2009-05-13T12:24:00.000-07:00

It all started with this ad I found via Craigslist earlier in the week:

Then began the correspondence:

Subject: Cuevas Track Bike on Craigslist

Me: Hey man, just wondering if it's still available or not? Can you give me some more details about it if it is? Please let me know when you get a chance. Thanks! Alan

Him: Still available. This is a handmade cromoly frame with a chrome fork. Back wheel is very tight depending on gear choice and chain. I put on the crank that I used when I road this bike regularly. I will sell with a few additional chain rings. I believe that I have 44, 47, 48. I will sell with my best tubular wheels. They are campy record, tied and soldiered. 32 spoke front, 36 rear the rims are 165 gram. I have some old tubulars tires on them now, nothing special. I think one tire might be flat. Sprinters bars and track stem. The seat post needs to be replaced - it works but it is scared up from being modified to fit in my monarch ergometer. I will include a pair of my old look pedals (not the keo size, original size). The paint is dull and tired. The frame is true and rides fine. The rear stays make this bike more of a sprinters bike than pursuit. I will also include a few cogs for the rear. You can make up a bunch of different ratios from 44x19 to 48 x 14 if memory serves me. Can I meet you to show you the bike?

Me: Hey man, wow thanks for all the extra info! I'd love to come check out your Cuevas track bike sometime this week. I have a car so I can just meet you over by, or at your place. Please let me know when you have time to meet up and we'll try to schedule something soon! Thanks again man!

Him: Wednesday, I will be taking my truck to work. I can put the bike in the truck and meet you ine western Nassau or in Queens. If you plan on riding on the track, I can meet you there so you get a first hand feel for how this bike rides. One of the tires has a slow leak, but you could get a few laps in. Do you ride the old LOOK cleats or have pedals and cleats that you would want to put on the bike so you can test ride?

Me: Hey man, Thanks for getting back to me so soon. But yeah, that sounds great! About what time on Wednesday would you be available? Meeting you at the track would be cool too. I have a set shoes with LOOK cleats but I haven't ridden them in a while. I'll try to remember to bring em in with me. I'm sure the bikes rides great but giving it a try would be pretty awesome! Please let me know when you gt a chance! Thanks, Alan

Him: I typically leave work around 5 or so myself. I would be able to get to the track by around six. The look pedals on the bike are not the smaller (keo) cleat but the older cleat.
Just to be clear. This is a crome moly reynold 531 double butted frame. Built in the early 80s for sprinting - that means beafy rear triangle. The frame is very tight both front and rear. Old Cinelli allow track bars. Chrome fork. Needs paint - currently flat black. I am selling it with wheels, but you probably wouldn't want to ride them off a track. The seat post works, but it isn't pretty. I am basically selling the frame, headset, bottom bracket and crank. The rest I am selling as part of the deal because I won't be on the track anymore. I will sell all the track parts I have with the bike -- additional chainrings and cogs. The bike is set up to ride, but will need one tire. I have a few spare tires, but not sure what holds air. The frame alone is worth what I am asking if you know what you are looking at. Let me know if you want to meet. We can firm up the metting with a call on Wednesday, but I would need to know before Tuesday night so I can pull everything together.

Me: Hey man, thanks again for even more info! That really does sounds like a pretty great set up you've got going there too. I can easily meet you at the track after I get outta work Wednesday. I usually get out later but if 6 is best for you I can just split early to make the meet.. Quick question about sizing: You said it's a 58cm frame. Are you measuring Center to Center on the Seat Tube or Center to Top? Also, could you tell me what the CTC of the Top Tube is when you get a chance?

In any case, I'm def interested in meeting up with you Wednesday. Let's keep in touch and talk sometime tomorrow night to just confirm things so you can be ready and all packed up for Wednesday..

Thanks again man and I'll talk to ya soon!

Alan

p.s. - Here's my number BTW: 1.917.sorryladiez!

Him: Looks like 58 cm to the middle of the top tube. I am sorry, I don't know what you mean by the term CTC of the tp tube. I assume you want to know center of the seat tube to the center of the steering tube. That looks like 55.5 cm.
I checked the additional equipment: cogs 14, 15, 16 and 18 chain rings 44, 49 and 50. Additional rear wheel (double sided).
I cleaned her up tonight. Both of the better wheels have tires that hold air. Spare rear has a leak. I wish I lived closer to the track and could think about going back to train there.
Don't worry about cutting out of work. You can get there when you can as long as there is light out enough to ride. Just confirm that you are planning on showing or I am liable to get re-hooked on the track and think better about selling the bike.

Me: Hey man, Yeah the measurements I was referring to are the center to center of the top tube which would be measured from the center of the Head Tube to the center of the Seat tube. Sounds like you got that right though. And the other is measured along the seat tube from the Center of the Bottom Bracket to the Center of where the Top Tube intersects with the seat tube.. All the other rings and cogs are awesome man! Lots of great gearing combos to be had.. Is the crank, BB, chainring, cogs, and headset Campy as well?

As for Kissena, its pretty bumpy. I mean, I ride in the street a lot so I'm used to it but when you're rolling at mach 2 on a track it's kinda not cool. Someone needs to open a proper wooden indoor Velodrome around here somewhere. Granted it's free and better than nothing but it's a bit of a bummer. Lots of people still go so I guess they're just used to it..

Anyways, I'm looking forward to checking the bike out along with the other parts you have for it. I'm into just about anything cycling related so if you've got any other memoribilia I'd love to have a look..

Thanks again man and I'll ttys! Alan

Him: bb, headset, cranks and hubs are campy record. Chain rings are Sugino, they were compatible and just as strong at 2/3rds the price. Gearing for warm ups and racing without having to break the chain. Racing at 88, 90 and 92.
As for the track, it is in much better shape than it was in the 80s when I raced. They took a good deal of the bump out of turn four and put a railing up so some kid on a dirt bike can't just fly across the banking. 400 meter is much too big and it wasn't banked enough to really race on. Back in the day when I used to motor pace to train, we couldn't consider the track. The indoor track has been a dream forever.
Kissena was actually built as a concession because when they built the original Shea, they destroyed the City's last track. At one time there were a few tracks around the City. Kissena was built on landfill, so they couldn't build it out of cement because of some crazy ordinance that says it has it can't be a permanent structure until the ground finishes settling - 100 years or so.
Call me tomorrow. I will assume that you are coming and bring the bike with me to work unless you tell me otherwise. I will check my email tonight.

Me: Hey man,

Sugino rings?! Oh well jeez, I'm not interested anymore- hehe, naw, that's totally cool man! I have a couple of sets of Sugino 75 cranks/rings and I love em'!

Yeah, from what I've heard from racers and friends who lived in the area that track was pretty jacked up for a long, long time. I actually remember seeing the report on NY1 when they first completely rebuilt it and was pretty stoked! Though by the time I got out there it was already cracking and bumpy..

It's sad when you think about how rich the track racing scene was here in our area and now all we have left is Kissena. God I'd kill for there to be a proper concrete track like in Trexlertown PA! I've heard that someone is going to build an indoor one a bit closer but it'll still be nearly 2hrs away. I actually live in Jersey near Fort Lee and have heard lots of stories about all the local tracks and races etc.. Actually there's this great article I found online a while ago that you might get a kick out of:

http://www.jimlangley.net/spin/alfgoullet.html

I actually went to the site of the brothers shop from the article and it's now THE gnarliest ghetto ever. What I wouldn't do to go back to the early 90's to hang out and shoot the shit with those old timers!

Anyways man, you can count on me to be there tomorrow! Just give me a call at some point to let me know what's going on and when you think you'll be there.. Here's my number again: 1.917.NODICE

Thanks a lot!

Alan

Him: OK. I will give you a call.
In the early 80s I raced Kissena every Thursday from mid April/May until Labor Day. I worked at Queens College and trained at the track a few night a week. I road more than a few Madisons (named after the six day races in the Garden). I trained with Leslie Moore the year after she divorced Harvey "Leonard" Nitz. He was the most decorated male cyclist with 17 national jerseys. Leslie was the number three woman in the country at that point. I road a 1:17 kilo on Kissena when the nationals were being contested on good tracks at 1:09. Mike McCarthy was a junior on my small team - he went on to ride the Tour de France for a year or two. I raced as a Cat 2 for two years against Davis Phinny, Eric Heiden and a few other notable people and had the opportunity to get my doors blown off in LA at the Nationals in 84. Cycling was grass roots at that point. Nelson Vails went on to get a silver medal in 84 at the Olympic games. The boycot tainted all the medals. I left the sport in 85 after becoming discouraged about all the roids in the game.
I feel fortunate to have been a part of the big time for a while, even if I was always struggling to keep it together.
See you tomorrow night.

---------

Last night I found myself spending about an hour on the L.I.E. to travel all of 7 miles to get out to Kissena. Yeah, I'm sure there's some wonky ass back roads way but 1) I HATE Queens and 2) If there was, everyone would undoubtedly take it.. Anyways, I finally made it and there was a very good turn out at the track as far as people actually riding goes. The dude was a super awesome guy and was cool to bull shit with for a bit. He dropped a bunch of old school names and talked about how they had to cut open and patch the sides of their jeans to get their thighs to fit, hehe.

Sometimes the best part about finding these old bikes and parts is hearing the story behind them from the riders themselves. Something about hearing the history straight from the people who lived it gives me a better sense and connection of what it was really like during that time. I think it's what makes fixing them up and putting em to good use after years of neglect that much more rewarding. Not to mention the fact that I am now only the second owner of this bike! But enough of that shit cause I'm sure you're just wanting to just see the fucking thing already:

Here's everything I got:

A Zeus wrench, two more Sugino chainrings 49/44 and cogs 16/14 all NJS:

Along with an extra rear wheel with an old Suzue dual fixed hub. Spokes also tied and soldered laced to a Chromo tubular rim..

Parts run down:

Early 80's Custom Cuevas Track frame and Chrome fork
Campy Record hubs laced to tubulars (can't remember the name) tied and soldered
Campy Record Cranks
Campy Record BB
Campy Record Pista Headset
3ttt Alloy stem
Cinelli Alloy bars
Saddle, pedals, chain and post are all junk..

More pics on my flickr..

For whatever reason I just KNEW deep down that it was not a 58cm and would fit me. Even after I asked him about it. The first thing I did was measure it when he pulled it out of his truck. The exact measurements are 56 CTC ST and 55.5 CTC TT.. pretty much absolutely fuuuucking perfect for me! Just check out how freaking tight the geo is:

Soooo zexy!

So for all that I paid a measly $500 bucks- YESSSSSSZZZZ!!!!! Which is fuuucking retardely good seeing as how I paid $500 for my first Cuevas Track frame I bought a while back frame and fork only!

Not too sure what I'm going to do with this one yet. I haven't really had time to inspect it thoroughly since I got home kinda late last night. It felt a bit crunchy when I rode it around but should do very well with a complete overhaul. If I keep it I think I'll most likely keep it as original as possible. Maybe find a couple of NOS replacement parts if I need em along with a repaint possibly.. So yeah, now I have TWO Cuevas builds to work on. How hard is my life???

Bicycle Fetish Day! ..and other shit you probably won't give two frak's about

2009-05-12T12:22:00.000-07:00

I started Saturday off by going to my nephews communion which was interesting to say the least.. Probably one of those things I could easily go overboard in discussing but DEF fraking won't.. Wait, yes I do! So I mean what in the f- wait.. no I don't.. WOW I really don't!!

ANYways it was some pretty fun family time at my sister's place afterwards that took quite a bit of effort to pull myself away from. When I finally was able to knew that if I didn't hustle I wouldn't get there in time or be caught up in some wicked hellacious traffic. I'm probably the only person who showed up to BFD who'd done about mach 2 on the way there BUT.. I got there at like 3pm which wasn't bad at all. Most of the people I talked to (which was WAY too many for my comfort level BTW) all said that they just got there as well. Though I def would've liked to have gotten there sooner cause by the time I did it was CROWDED as a motherfraker! It was at least double as many people as last years BFD easily! Which made photographing certain bikes a bit of a PITA. That and there was so much coverage going on. I feel like I saw more cameras and iPhones than bikes! Enough with the bullshitting tho- Pics now:

Lots

and

lots

of

BIKES!!!

There was also Live music:

and synchronized dancing:

Though I'm still not used to the fact that my camera has HD video recording. I'll be sitting there thinking- oh this would be awsome to recor-DUH DUMBASS, shit's built in! Hence things only getting half recorded a lot of times..

BTW, not sure if you noticed how unconscionably TALL the amazonian chick playing the sax was in that video, but she really is something else. I'm 6' 1" which isn't bad, but she easily towered WAY over me by like 6-7 inches AT LEAST. You could climb around and hang off that one like a gods damn jungle gym! Ha, here's a pic of her behind Lyle and I's bikes that I just spotted on Gothamist.. Kinda sorta but not really gives you a bit more perspective..

Buuuuuuut.. as far as bike go, I wholeheartedly approve of this build:

With the exception of the saddle, post and rear tire. NOW FIX THAT SHIT STAT!!!

Dom's NOM-NOM-cusTOM-specTROM:

Did you say you got that front HED wheel for $40 bones you lucky fuck?!

This bike was SO RAD I could barely stand it! It later won for best in show..

I was also super stoked because Lyle won for best "What's the point? bike" for his tall time trial bike he built:

Alas, the Mutandem unfortunately did not take home any frilly ribbons. Due in part to the fact that they didn't want to place people who'd won last year. That way it would give others a chance in the spotlight. I'm sure if it was a more serious competition people would call bull shit but it's totally just like the most super laid back family and friends type fun event ever. It doesn't really matter who wins cause everyone's just super stoked to be there and have a good time..

More via my flickr set..

Afterwards I went on a ride with some friends to the Greenpoint dump to throw rocks at bottles etc.. Here's a snap Stas took of Belinda and I cruising along:

I have to say that the Mutandem is totally awesome for lackadaisical cruising around on relatively flat surfaces. Def need to make some more mods to it soon though! That is if I don't kill myself first for looking like the biggest douche on the face of the planet while riding it..

Then of all things I was talked into going to this bar called Legion and hung out for several hours while being peer pressured into consuming alcohol beverages of all things. It took a couple of hours but I eventually gave in for giving in's sake. If I haven't already made it painstakingly obvious that I don't drink, well.. I don't. Why..? because for whatever reason some I was blessed by the heavens above with something called being a 'Super Taster'. Yeah, I know it sounds stupid BUT.. it's true.. and for this I was endowed with the unique ability of being completely disgusted by any and all things with an alcohol base.. Please note the very first item on the top of the 'Problem Foods' section...

The highlight of my time at Legion was when my friend Leslie told us this story about some Hollywood producer a friend of hers knew who used to cut the crotches out of various womens' jeans. When we all speculated about why he was doing with them we began to think back to Silence of the lambs and the whole skin suit thing. Some of them conjured images of sweaters and scarves but it was my suggestion of a swine flu mask that brought looks of great disdain and joviality all at the same moment.. Why drink alcohol when you can foster simultaneous love and loathing while sober?!

Instead of enjoying the good nights sleep that I was SO looking forward to, I found myself having disturbingly lucid dreams. Namely being held in a prison that I was able to come and go from at the same time- DON'T START WITH THAT ANALYZATION SHIT EITHER.. I've got enough of those marbles running around in my head as it is!

The next day I drove back up that same stretch of highway, though not quite as fast this time, as the day before to enjoy the fam yet again for mothers day.

aaannnnnnd like any good son, I kept myself busy in the driveway by changing my oil:

Old oil BAD! New Royal Purple goooood!!

Oh and what do ya know my little niece took off her training wheels for the first time today!

See, wasn't that worth that whole boring lead up?! Okay, fine- don't answer..

She's turning 4 the 26th of this month which also happens to be the same day I turn 33.. Well, not that anyone really gives a shit about me anymore since there's an adorable little girl to fawn over now. Which of course totally fine seeing as how the fawning over me stopped loooooooooong ago, hehe.. ug..

In other news this video these kinda sorta completely SLAYED ME:

TRUST ME, just stick with it til the part where Katie Couric comes on I SWEAR it's AMAZING!

This one with Obama is pretty fraking amazing too:

Now if that didn't slay you enough and you haven't seen these already, check em' out:

That's just a compilation I made of all my favz..

You can watch the rest on auto play via youtube..

I remember when Fensler was first doing those about 5-6 years ago we could not stop quoting them in nearly EVERY. SINGLE. SENTENCE. Shit we still quote them to this day! That and waiting for him to make new ones was met with nearly the same anticipation as each episode of Battlestar Galactica- NO JOKE! Okay that def is a joke because I didn't feel the same dark and infinite void in my life then as I do now with BSG having come to an end.. WHEN IN FRAKS NAME CAN I DOWNLOAD THE NEXT EPISODE OF CAPRICA???????????????

The Mutandem LLLLIIIIVVVVVEEEZZZZ!!! AND FREAKS THA BEACH!!!

2009-04-30T12:21:00.000-07:00

Only from the fields of muck and hazardous grime known as the Jerz could something so horrifying arise!

Each bottle it carries contains a different biochemical cocktail that will mutate the shit out of you!

One of them can morph a Pinarello Prince and it's matching spandex rider into one of those topless hippie chicks riding a float at the Mermaid Day Parade. Shit, one of em' will fuck you up so bad that you'll have to get high to feel sober!!

..and to think this all began with a ridiculous doodle:

Which BTW is the ONLY thing I put down on paper when building this fucking thing!

More to be seen on my flickr set..

To give you a better idea of how I built this monstrosity, here's a photo of it after I had completed welding up the superstructure:

..aaand this'll give you a better idea of what it was ACTUALLY like while welding up the superstructure:

What it's REALLY like working in my shop.. from CyclingWMD on Vimeo.

mucho retardo no?

So yeah, the photos pretty much suck.. BUT.. I've got a few other ideas for different configurations for this beast of all beastly bicycles.. So you can expect to see a lot more from this monstrosity in the near future..

I was a bit rushed with this build because I knew I would get untold amounts of shit from the Canadians if I didn't complete it in time for the Freak tha Beach ride this past Saturday. So, like any responsible adult, I took the day off Friday to work on a fucking mutated tall bike tandem thing. I ran some errands and I spent from 2pm to 3am building it up and working out as many kinks as possible.. Then got up at 8:30am and worked out a couple more before heading out to meet the crew..

I noticed that Morgan was documenting our journey so I decided it was enough that I pilot the Mutandem alone. Fucking thing weights in at 47.8 lbs!!! You don't even want to know how much I wanted to die climbing on that thing with a strong headwind.. I'll post his photos from his post once he posts them (?!!)

To properly arrive in style, I saw it fit to totally crash the Mutandem and pull a scorpion whilst sliding on the pavement and sand.. Fortunately there just happen to be a small child at the ready who was kind enough to help me to my feet. Which is more than I could say for the rest of my cycling compatriots who all thought it would be in my best interest to burst out laughing instead..

The one photo Morgan got between chuckling:

After having a nosh on the sandys and other tid bits we brought we went ahead and took some snaps..

The Mutandem was nice enough to BUST down the fence for us so we had an adequate place to photograph and putz around:

THA FREAKS:

Myself getting rad on the Mutandem:

I prefer the first shot despite being too closely cropped in. Mostly due to the extra special level of ravishing my beard assists me in achieving..

Morgan taking his turn to get a bit of that radness as well while also looking very seductive at the same time..

Morgan looking slightly less seductive, but possibly more ravishing on my other tall he's been riding around this past week:

Well.. Haley was amused anyways..

Until of course my dumbass fell on her later on during the ride home and smushed her rear wheel- oops! Replacement CXP33 is on it's way STAT (THANX BENZZZZZ AGAINZZZZZ)

So it was a wonderful day with wonderful people and there really is no way in shit's name I am EVER riding that fucking bike more than 40 miles in one day!

For all intensive purposes the build went as well as can be expected. So I'm pretty fucking stoked on it! ..and slightly embarrassed in a weird- Wow WTF am I doing with my life to make me want to go to such great lengths with building something so ridiculous?! -kind of way..

Anyways, a big shout out goes out to Lyle for technical advice and coming up with the actual name of all names for it! Along with Lady J for inspiring me to get off my ass and just complete the freaking thing already.. and OF COURSE.. To Andy at Ben's Cycle for coming through with all the juicy parts as per usual..

EXPECT MORE FROM THE MUTANDEM AND FREAK THA BEACH RIDES IN THE COMING MONTHS!!!

I hope to never be this happy...

2009-03-03T14:40:00.001-08:00

...EVER

Having said that I would have absolutely NO PROBLEM being as cliché as possible by owning one of these and being from the Jerz:

I mean, really.. TRY and tell me that she ain't a beaut!

Although I have to say, 215hp out of a V8 made totally made me LOL big time! Shit, I'm pushing more than that right now out of a 2.4L four banger!!

With any luck I'll break my goal (and transmission) of 250hp with my next upgrade...

Speaking of cliché Jersey stuff, you've GOT to love a little Bon Jovi action ESP when he's not actually singing it..

Oh and these really, REALLY made me wish my car was black and not purple!

I was actually throwing around the idea of rattlecaning the entire car until the spark of reason washed over me and said: If you're going to do it at least buy a fucking spray gun!

Oh wait, I'm sorry.. This is a BIKE related blog isn't it? Shit.. Sorry about that!

Hmm.. Let's see.. Well these are super gay:

This 72' Paramount is still giving me a good chubby every time I see it:

as did this, this, this, this, this, this, this, this, and DEF this...

Ahahaha, well not so much that last one but hopefully having it up on your screen earned you some questioning looks. You really have NO IDEA how much weird shit I see on the internets while scouring for cycling related amusments..

Oh and speaking of orange things.. I've got two good ones for ya:

First off, this March 1990 issue of Bicycling Magazine that fucking esnipe missed due to a bad connection with ebay or some shit the fucking fuckers!

Which obviously bears a striking resemblance to one of the photos of my Jackson Phoenix:

Now that's just weird isn't it??!

ALSO..

I realized that my first 'real' bike was an all black, orange and red 88' Haro Invert:

That's right people, I'm still that 14 year old boy who's so infatuated with fire that I have to own things in a similar color range. That's the best photo I could find unfortunately. Here's the original 1988 Haro catalog. I KNOW I have it somewhere at my parents house. The catalog though, not the bike. I WISH I still had that bad boy. Some fucking asshole stole it while I was attempting to steal some cigarrettes or something. Oh shut up, you know you did stupid shit when you were younger too...

Lastly, something for all the Atheist meat eating metal punks out there:

No Gods, No Vegetables...

AWESOME fuckin' title man!!

Introducing Vallie Components: BEEFIEST FUCKIN' TRACK HUBS EVAR!!!

2009-02-27T00:05:00.001-08:00

As most of you know, I've been tossing Lyle's name around here and there over the last few months. Aside from using me for my shop space and abundance of free parts (u no I luv u), Lyle's spent the better part of a year designing a GNARLY new set of track hubs that could withstand all the pain and withering abuse one could possibly ever take...

Oh and for all the studio wankers out there: I'm not a studio photographer! So I'm sorry if using something as inconsistent as a MIG welder for a light source horrifies you. Fuckin' pansies.. Anyways I suck at that shit so I figured, why not make it that much more challenging?! I think the photos came out fairly decent with a little bit of guess work:

More photos on my flickr set..

The hubs are easily the strongest, most solid ones I've ever seen for built for tracks bikes. Sitting one of them down next to a Phil Wood hub really shows you just how brutal they are. The flanges are taller, thicker and the bolts are HUGE! Bearings are wicked smooth too! I sincerely doubt there's any other track hub out there right now that's anywhere near as durable as this one..

For more information you can get in touch with Lyle to find out every minutely anal detail about these fantabulusly new hubs via his website:

Vallie Components

The hubs pictured are in Beta test phase now. Though I've been told that the revisions have already been made and are just awaiting further trials before the second wave are ready to be put into production.. More info on them as I get it!

For those of you attending NAHBS this weekend, you can meet him and see his hub in person. Be sure to say what's up and drool over their magnificence!

Also, I gave him a stack of promotional Monster Track DVDs that I got in the mail to hand out to people for free. He doesn't have a lot so the password is: 'Rocky IV' if you want one...

What I just saw walking to and from my lunch spot today...

2009-02-24T11:06:00.001-08:00

First there was this fleet of bike car thingies:

Then on my way back I saw this sweet Panasonic funny bike locked up in the street:

The bike belongs to this dude Erin who came back to it as I was making some snaps. Nice guy! I seen him fly by me on it over on 6th ave a couple of weeks ago but I didn't have my camera out. He said it was something his friend 'just had sitting in his garage for years'..

Beauuuuuuutiful 'King of Mercia' Mercian SS frame!

2009-02-24T11:05:00.001-08:00

I would SO be all over this if the ST wasn't so goddamn tall..

Built up:

Imagine if Bike Kill lasted three days...

2009-02-24T11:04:00.000-08:00

...well you don't have to cause there's Mini Bike Winter.. 6!:

Minibike Winter VI [2009] from AllenInk on Vimeo.

Beauty and the Beasts! ..and finding out about a new skatepark by my house!

2009-02-17T09:15:00.001-08:00

First off, a super lovely all chrome dream 72' Paramount roadie:

Franken Merckx:

and a Pegoretti with a SUPER ugly paint job:

It kind of reminds me of how I described an everything bagel to someone: Basically, they sweep the floors when they're done making all the bagels and just toss everything on the last batch...

Also.. I went skating since it was so nice out. Last week the kids who assemble in little groups across the street that periodically play ring and run at my building despite the fact that THEY LIVE ACROSS THE STREET saw me with my board. The little rat bastards asked me to do some tricks for them because you know, I was wearing my Ask me to do some tricks for you asshole t-shirt, so I obliged them by pulling off a clean nollie 360 flip first try. Surprising not only them but myself as well having not been on my board in over a month.. Anyways, they told me there was a new skatepark in Fort Lee and I was like: 'No way!'

I decided to go scope it out real quick before heading to Home Depot to buy some supplies to build my shop up with. What went from a having a quick roll around turned into a 3 hour shred session. I was stunned to learn the place had been there for like a year already- it was so mint!

Pretty fun park. My main gripes is that there's no big bank ramp and the concrete isn't polished. Which makes getting speed is a bit of a bummer.. At least if all the ramps had been set up with the grain instead of against it..

The most precious moment came when this fat little Turkish bastard on a razor scooter looked up at me and was like: 'What the heck- how old are you?!'

Yep.. Nothing like hanging out somewhere with a bunch of little kids less than half your age.. I mean some of those kids weren't even born yet and I was already sitting there trying to learn kick flips by watching Jeremy Klein do them on Skate TV and getting high in the woods behind my parents house!

Ugghh.. Anyways, my aging fat ass managed to have a good time none the less:

Please note that slam was actually BEFORE I landed the 5-0..

Walking away from a sesh with a double limp- Priceless! I totally went straight home and just laaaaiiiiiiid the fuck out...

and noticed someone was selling one of Sheldon Brown's bikes:

There's something about his bikes make me not want to hurl when I look at them. Probably because he always struck me such an overtly nerdy dude that I would expect nothing less..

More of his bikes here

Thankfully I did manage to get a bit done in the shop yesterday. Hopefully I can finish it up this coming weekend in time for Lyle to enjoy coming over and not having to start his day there by cleaning up...

I'M BAAACK!!! ..and boy has there ever been a lot going on!

2009-02-12T14:41:00.000-08:00

Back from my little sabbatical from the blogishpere I hath returned!

Ya'll missed me didn't ya? Yup.. that's what I thought...

Welp, first things first... The Renny.. she is built:

From Japan to the Jerz.. yeeaaahh- that's right!

I decided it would be a good idea to lug it, along with a 40lb bag of camera gear up Dirtbag Mountain BY MYSELF for the photos.. It's this awesomely shitty/sketchy playground for motocross fans, burnouts and photards (another word for burnout) such as myself. As you can see it was a harrowing experience filled with many perils and super shitty light. Though both the Renny and I made it through unscathed..

More snaps on my Flickr set..

Specs:

3Rensho frame and fork
Dura Ace 7710 all around!
Araya gold tubular rims
Tufo Tubulars
Turbo Saddle
Nitto Slider stem and bars
Fizik wrap
MKS Royal Nuevo pedals and toe clips
Errebi straps

Thanks once again to Ben's Cycle for making it happen! Loooooove getting boxes full of goodies from them!!

(wheels weren't going to fit in there unfortunately)

As you could imagine, even despite my 'taking a break' I was unable to tear myself away from the all consuming thing that drives my daily existence.. eBay.. Okay, I'm not THAT much of a loser but it kinda feels like it when I see my watch list break a 100 items, hehe... UG..

In any case, there was many a luscious item that caught my attention. Such as this, this, this, this, this, this, this (3rd photo), this, this, this, this, this, this, this, this, this, and OMFG this!!!

Wait a minute, did you send me a coupon Buddha?! I'm going to kill you!! If no one buys it, I'm totally going to have to take it off your hands.. AFTER I send Kiochi my 2k down payment. If he ever gets back to me of course.. I would do evil, evil things to that white and gold cherry of yours!

But THIS is the one that nearly made me break my self imposed vow of silence. I mean, COME ON.. REALLY???

WIFN is NOT going on with that thing???

Oh and this one really pissed me off something awful! Not just because it's an all white bike but because it's an all white BMX bike. Why the fuck would anyone put together and all white BMX together is BEYOND me...

As if that wasn't bad enough, fucking Macy's went ahead and set this shit up:

If you don't live here what you have to understand is that there's like 3 ghost bikes within two or three blocks of the building. I can just imagine one those silly display twats hopping in her cab to head back home to the upper west side and thinking- 'oh, well now that's pretty'..
Nothing would please me more than to walk in there with a big squeeze bottle full of red paint and squirt it all over the manikins. I figure at least then having the white bike would be more appropriate...

Let's see , what else has been going on

My mind is still being boggled by the prices that USED Pista Concepts are going for...

I heard a rumor that a Velocity rep on an aussi board just let it slip that they're making a deeper rim than H+son.. Whoop-de-do!

I listened to the Bad Religion discography I downloaded like 10 times..

Oh I also made some snaps of the ALAN (uh-lahn) finally- cracked HT lug and all:

I didn't go overboard with the build or photos on this one due to the small HT lug crack. That and it's a cm too small for me. Still super fun to just ride around my hood to run errands etc.. Super easy 44/16 gearing and a bunch of random parts from my bins along with the sweet deal on a set of local wheels.. Actually, the one thing that's interesting is the cranks. The drive side is actually a Campy pista tandem stoker crank. Meaning that the pedal threading is reversed. So I took apart a couple of MKS pedals and switched the axles to make it work. Not the safest/smartest thing but again.. Just cruising around town and it's on there tight enough to not warrant concern over it popping off. I suppose I could've just set it up as a left hand drive but that may have been a bit too weird.. The other side is a campy strada arm that matches it perfectly desite being a road crank arm...

Another interesting thing about the frame is that it was originally part of the collection I got my hands on a while back. It came with a vintage Stronglight crank, Phil BB and Campy Pista Headset for $100. When I spotted the crack in the HT lug I was kinda bummed and mention it to the seller in passing. He actually felt bad and gave me a $100 in credit towards other stuff! SO GOLD!!!

I also got interviewed for a story about bike pornography. I was hoping it would be posted by now but it's still being edited last time I checked. Of course after it was all said and done I felt like a bit of a douche seeing as how I've never been interviewed before. Not to mention the fact that I'm way too honest and forthcoming for some stupid reason.. Well, it is what it is I suppose. The dudes were cool as hell and I'm sure I'm just being super paranoid as per usual. I'm writing this not actually having seen it yet so I guess we'll see what happens when it's up...

I also went ahead and scanned the rest of the Rossin Calendar photos:

Yeah, I know that last one's fucked up. Don't worry I'll fix it soon enough...

aaaand the first one and two I scanned a while back again..

As you can see the original two are def the best ones. Not to say that some of these aren't but still...

Anyways, I'm hoping all of that makes up for my little vacation from the blogisphere.. I've got a lot of neat and or fun and or stupid projects coming up so stay tuned suckaz!

p.s. - remind me to never take another vacation away from this shit. this post was a bitch to assemble! damn.. time for another break!!

One SUPER HOTT Hobbs of Barbican fixer!

2009-01-28T12:03:00.001-08:00

I wholeheartedly approve of the use of fire in these photos!

Very, very sexy...

via the the gallery...

For the love of christ can we PLEASE have one of these events here!!!

2009-01-26T21:36:00.001-08:00

I've been wanting to have a sort of dapper gents and elegant ladies ride here in the city for a while now. This looks like it would've been a real gas!

***
Proper attire will of course be expected, so dapper gents and elegant ladies, polish off your lugged steel beasts and prepare your best outfits. Suggested attire: woolen plus fours, harris tweed jackets, flat caps, fair isle jumpers, alpaca coats, merino wool team jerseys, cycling skirts and perhaps a jaunty cape for the ladies, cravats or ties for gentlemen, and of course a hip flask of brandy.

Be sure to dress with a bit of panache, there will be prizes awarded for:

Most dapper chap

Most dashing dame

Best moustache (open to both men and women, of course)
Most enviable period bicycle
The Doff of The Cap award for most civilised behaviour on the day

***

Flicker sets here and here...

As seen on trackosaurusrex...

p.s. - Phil, I'm going to murder you if you didn't go to this!

I FUCKING FOUND THEM!!!!!!!!!!!

2009-01-24T12:24:00.000-08:00

OMFG I've been searching high and fucking low all around my disastrously awful conundrum of an apartment for these god forsaken Cuevas decals. They somehow slid down, between and through a bunch of other junk where they hadn't seen the light of day in over 6 months...

Still debating on how I'd like the frame resprayed. I'm kinda diggin' on this one's paint job:

Only maybe with some white parts instead of black.. hmm..

Regardless, I would def like to attempt to keep it true to form some way or another. I have some Zeus track cranks that would go on it nicely along with a few other tid bits. I've already built it up and it rides so redonkulously nice it's not even funny. DYING to have this one repainted properly!

Any realistic suggestions and or links to photos are of course much appreciated..

Apparently 'street cred' really doesn't go for very much..

2009-01-24T12:23:00.000-08:00

...because the auction I posted recently has finally ended with an outcome of all of:

$7.00 + $5.00 shipping..

I was going to toss a bid in there at the last second just for shits and giggles but then Lyle made the good point of: Street cred, or a tasty lunch.. When it comes to being cool or having a full satisfied belly, there really is no choice at all...

In any case, out of the 46 questions the seller of street cred got, these were my favorites:

Q:	Des it come with a side of fries?	Jan-23-09
A:	Really?!? That's not even a appropriate question. Nor is "Des" a real word.

Q:	How much to ship to Adelaide Australia for a triathlon association forum that is in desperate need of it? Cheers	Jan-21-09
A:	I would trade for a one way ticket and just bring it with me I would really love to try a vegiemight sandwich

Q:	I'm interested in your street cred and have a question. I'm an overweight guy that wants to start riding his bike again without people throwing things at me. Will this cred do anything for me since I am not a bike messenger nor do I race?	Jan-21-09
A:	Weight is not going to be an issue, I have a great fizik but I do love slightly overweight woman

Q:	I'm from Australia - we use the metric system here. Is your street cred easily converted from Imperial to Metric?	Jan-19-09
A:	Their might be an adjustment period but it would come around like a wild stallion that's being broke

Q:	Is there a certificate of credibility? also. Define "street"	Jan-19-09
A:	Yes their will be a certificate...Street is a presents all around you almost like a guardian Angel a very fast angel

Q:	How much for shipping to the UK? And would it work here?	Jan-16-09
A:	First off mate I love fish n chips. Not only would it work their it would spread... do you remember the monkey in outbreak?

I'm not exactly an NJS Fetishist...

2009-01-23T20:42:00.001-08:00

...but I just HAD to have this:

Just won it on ebay moments ago along with some Dura Ace Cranks, BB and seatpost a couple of days ago. The first time I bought parts in anticipation for something that I KNEW I was going to win...

Anyways, don't think I'm going to go too bat shit crazy with this build but I am SUPER FUCKING STOKED to have finally found one of these gems in my size and in such good condition. Fast back model too! But yeah, def not planning on going all NJS with this one. The DA gear was all in good cond and cheap...

Now if you don't mind, I'm going to go put on some lipstick before I give Ben's Cycle a call. Hopefully my eyeshadow won't be too runny afterwards...

YYYEEESSSSSSS!!! BEST EBAY AUCTION EVERRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!!!

2009-01-15T08:55:00.003-08:00

Oh man, this is the one I've been waiting for!

I have too much street-cred and need to make a little extra cash.This is a great opportunity for anyone just starting out in the messenger world that doesn't really know how to fit in, or what city is the most hard-core. You will be able to tell people that we are bros, that you are down with real-life bike messengers, that you have totally partied with us, and be able to boast wild stories of how gnarly a ride was. I will even include spoke-cards and descriptions of races so that you can tell wild stories about being there,broken toe straps,well worn raceing shirt,waterproof socks friend invite on myspace and a broken frame(raleigh team frame that has been mashed way to hard) This will undoubtedly help you build even more street cred! Happy bidding and let me know if you have any questions about my cred

Street cred, Bro-ing down AND spoke cards?!! SIGN ME UP!!!

I'm totally welling up of course from the excitement of knowing that there's a slight chance I could be seen as 'cool' amongst my peers.. Too bad I'd have to move to Cali to actually get my street cred finally.. Anyone here in NYC willing to do the same for me..?

Let's see, it's 10:01 am right now.. You can expect to see this on the snob's blog within the next few hours.. Tomorrow latest...

I TOTALLY just lost my shit...

2009-01-15T08:55:00.001-08:00

...to this scene in Transporter 3:

Best of Fixed Gear Gallery Nominees for 2008!

2009-01-07T21:33:00.000-08:00

I just wanted to throw these four bike numbers out there as top contenders:

6,573

6,572

6,571

and 6,570

Yes.. I'm that asshole who casts more than one ballot for himself...

Others I really enjoyed are:

6,678

7,072

7,149

7,166

7,223 - BEST fucking girls bike EVERRRR!!!

7,219

7,238 - WTF???

7,252

7,258

7,422

7,489

7,633 - Barfed in my mouth a little..

7,669 - Whaaa?!

7,746

7,883

7,919

8,015

8,144 - My pick for most grievous..

8,143

8,163 - Best wooden contraption..

8,320 - Best pseudo LES hipster goof troop..

8,357 - Best I got way too fucked up, built a bike, yet have no recollection of actually doing it..

8,604 - Best Tall tarck..

8,696

So I'm pretty positive I missed an assload of other great bikes. Please feel free to let me know which are your favs! Just keep in mind I don't want to see any fucking flat bars and especially NO conversions- NO, AHP.. SHH! JUST, DON'T- K PLZ THX!!

UPDATE:

So I just went through looking for some post worthy Paramounts and spotted quite possibly the sexiest one over:

6,987

Only in my wettest of wet dreams will I ever own that frame.. Dude lives at the Jersey Shore and I've seen him post various super tasty whips.. I may have to make his acquaintance.. or at least find out when he's away on vacation, mwahahaha!

7,453 - I'm sorry but if I lived in Waikiki I would not have a problem owning a bike like this...

7856 and 7890? Okay, so the bike is pretty meh but that first picture made me LOL a bit...

7,932 - and one sexy Mercian...

The Dark Concept...

2009-01-05T03:17:00.000-08:00

A while ago I took this photo of my Pista Concept for the thread on Bike Forums devoted to all black bikes. I didn't realize how much people were going to be into it or how that photo of the bike somehow makes it into every thread everywhere about concepts. So weird.. In any case, on more than one occasion it's been referred to as 'Batman's bike'..

With this in mind, I awaited the first real foggy night and went to work taking some new photos of it in all it's sexy matte black glory..

More on my Flickr set..

Specs:

2004 Bianchi Pista Concept Frame and Fork
Hed3 front wheel
Phil Wood rear SLR option hub laced to a Velocity Deep V
Dura Ace Cranks
Easton EC90 bars
Ti post - unknown maker
Selle saddle
Continental Gatorskins front and rear

All those shots were hand held too!- lllllllLOVIN' That image stabilization!!

I can't think of a better way to start the new year...

2009-01-01T17:30:00.000-08:00

...than coming home with not one but TWO + car loads of free bike parts!!!

and now I've got MAJOR storage issues.. amongst others of course..

Oh and BTW, I'm dedicating this photo to all the people out there with 'CARS SUCK' stickers on their bikes :-D

It's like, I'm glad you live in a condense, heavily populated area and can boast about riding everywhere when you're not taking mass transportation, but there's this thing called R-E-A-L-I-T-Y that you tend to come across more often once you travel beyond the city limits...

Though the reality of my situation is that I'm a sissy ass bitch and despise riding in inclement weather cause I hate it when my toes get all cold- brrrr!

Pretty much THE most rediculous example of great timing during a news report EVER!

2008-12-18T11:25:00.001-08:00

BE SURE TO WATCH THE VIDEO!!!

New Andel cranks out from Ben's Cycle!

2008-12-18T11:24:00.000-08:00

Some of you may have seen my review on the previous version of these cranks. These look to be even radder!

As seen on the Ben's Cycle blug-blug-blug...

Onward Christian Rollers Event!

2008-12-11T21:50:00.001-08:00

I went to scope out the Roller race event last night and it was pretty gnarly! There were a bunch of falls but no one really bought it. One of the rollers bought it though I wasn't there to bear witness. Apparently one of the guys shattered one of the drums! It was super awesome to see Bike Works roller set-up in action..

Since there was like two billion flashes going off I thought it would be more fun and or exciting to shoot some video:

Okay, it's like 10 minutes of strung together footage but there's some good parts..

So here's where I bitch out and just copy and paste what people on NYC fixed are saying.. I need to get ready to go to the job...

Al: god damn that was fun.
Talkin to Christian Vandevelde and racin against Bobby Lea was pretty cool too

Mattio: Al you got to the semis? Nice! Say more...

Driver: I think the best part may have been when buddy SHATTERED the blue roller while warming up.
...either that or the roadie in sunglasses going back for more, again, and again, and again...

Al: Alan, CyclingWMD, has some video which will give people a better idea of the races, but a good number of competitors showed up, mostly beefy track racers. The rollers took a bit to get used to. They are substantially narrower and a bit more jittery than my rollers at home. In the warm up time prior to the races, one of the racers was spinning up and one of his rear rollers catastrophically failed, with the tube completely ripping off from the axle and him shooting back into the bikeworks sign. Watching that gave me second thoughts about competing.

The races were set up with a 500 m time trial for seeding then a three up 1,000 m roller race to decide who moved forward. There were some heavy hitters competing, including current Olympian Bobby Lea and Andrew LaCorte.In the Semifinals, I ended up riding against the Bobby Lea and some other guy. I came in second in that. It was fun simply competing against an olympian, even if it was just a roller race.

The finals came down to Bobby Lea, LeCorte and some fast dude sponsored by Van Dessel. It was a tight race between LaCorte and Bobby Lea, but halfway through LaCorte lost control, crashed and somehow ripped three spokes out of his front wheel. Almost each race had someone crashing/falling off the rollers. One dude smoked his tire as he fell off.

Edit: Driver was my spotter throughout the night. Thanks Driver!

CyclingWMD: Yes! Alex killed it riding against those fuckin' track monsters!! Here's some video I shot. It's like 10 min of strung together footage but you get the idea:

Quote: driver: ...either that or the roadie in sunglasses going back for more, again, and again, and again...

I felt slightly guilty watching that guy looking forward to him spilling.. but only slightly.. The best was when he got all wicked squirly (as seen in vid) and SUPER rubbed up against the wood and smoked his rear tire- you could TASTE the burnt rubber in the air it was so thick!

Great job Alex! Remind me to hang with you and Cooper (who also did a great job!) so I can get my racing chops up to par...

Remember those Dura Ace Track cranks from the previous post?

2008-11-30T18:44:00.001-08:00

yyyyyyyyyyeeeeeeeeaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhaaaaaaaa!

oooooo, I know this one's gotta sting the majority of you wankers- mwahahaha!

But what-the-fuck-ever, they were used and not super pretty. I decided to toss em on on my Concept when I was swapping out the Phil BB for a Miche. NOTE: Steel BB rings aren't exactly the best idea for aluminum BB's. I actually knew that before I put em in there but since I'm slightly retarded I did it anyway..

I'm pretty psyched about the cranks cause they weight 230 grams less than the Andels. Also because I know it'll annoy people to know that I rattlecanned dem bitches up!

Update: If you think that hurts, check this shit out:

Bike Repair from Stegnco on Vimeo.

I can't even begin to describe how much it WOUNDED me to let this one go...

2008-11-30T01:30:00.001-08:00

I mean, come on, not only does it have a pavement licking front 24" wheel but a REAR 24" as well? How fucking sick is that?!

I really, really wanted to get this thing and mount some long monkey bars on it with a banana seat- KRATE TARCK BIKE!!! Alas.. I did not...

BUT.. I did however get a couple of awesome deals on some very good condition Paul/DT/DeepV/Gatorskin/EA wheelset and used Dura Ace cranks for all of four hundy! Local buy too so zero shipping $$$

A piece of advice to those of you on the bay: NEVER sell anything and have it end on major holiday when people aren't either at work, or traveling to see family etc.. Also, if you're a loser like me and have the time to spend looking around on ebay that day, sort your searches by 'ending soonest'. Chances are you can get some good deals on stuff due to the slight drop in activity...

Well, as you can imagine it was a 'productive' morning. Satisfied with my purchases, I went about my business. I eventually headed over to see the fam and gorge myself with yummy 'Thanks for giving us your friendship before we eventually decimate you race once we don't need you anymore day' food. After which I spent the next couple of hours wanting to sleep, barf and drop a deuce all at the same time. Instead I made yet another creepy self portrait to add to my collection...

Lyle came over the next day and after a brief visit to Home Depot for some supplies, got back to work on his new tall bike:

I don't know about you but looking at that sort of shit melts my fuckin' brain. Pretty bitchin' though right? Def the only time I think anyone's ever done a detailed CAD drawings for a fucking tall bike!

More info on his build here...

Just to give you an idea of what level I'm working at in comparison:

Yep.. Not feeling slightly retarded or anything..

Anyways, just a sneak peak at the original sketch. It's def looking a lot different now...

More to come!

LET THE GAMES BEGIN!!!

2008-11-25T22:29:00.001-08:00

Lyle from Projekt B Came through earlier today to sift through my pile of junk to begin work on his new freak bike...

I was busy working on some photos of stuff I'm selling on the bay. Though the second I caught a whiff of burning paint and steel I dropped what I was doing and set to coming up with something new. I actually surprised myself with quite an awesome design and got to work on it right away. With any luck we'll both move a little further along with things tomorrow...

And no, we're DEF not making any engraved fucking coat hangars...

London Fixed Gear Forum shirts!

2008-11-25T22:03:00.001-08:00

The Philinator was nice enough to bring me back a couple of shirts from London:

You gotta love the rearview mirror 'what a cunt' one!

Thanks a lot Phil you phancy phuck!

Since we're on the topic of shirts check out the difference between my old Metallica ...And Justice for All shirt I've been wearing since I was like 14 and the NOS one I got last year off ebay:

The one thing you def can't gauge from the photos is the near transparancey of the old one. Never mind all the tears..

BTW.. For those of you who aren't aware, ...And Justice for All was THE LAST viable Metallica Album. The ONLY reason for this is because Cliff Burton had written half of the songs before he died. Once he died.. The band officially died.. You would do well to avoid arguing this point with me because I'll totally bust out some ninja throwing stars and whip em' at your face!

So at this point I was just going to hit the publish button but then I thought it might be awesome to photograph some of my other rad old Metal shirts that I've had for fucking ever...

Another Metallica shirt from the same 'Justice' tour:

Metal up Your Ass was actually the bands original title for their debute Album but Elektra killed it for obvious reasons and they went with Kill em' All instead. Thankfully, they still made the shirts:

Megadeth's Rust in Peace tour shirt. That raddest part of which was for the first few years I owned it the back would actually glow from that green light absorbing stuff:

This is the only slayer shirt I could find that didn't have a MASSIVE photo etc on the front. More of a recent purchase too. I used to have a few more but they got lost in some luggage during one summer trip...

I totally used to get mocked out for this one in high school but it never prevented me from wearing it:

Quite possibly my favorite one is this Misfits shirt my old buddy Jon gave me a while back because it was too big for him at the time. I totally cut the sleeves off and did a lot of shreding and partying in this one. Hence all the holes...

Well, now that I've gotten that out of my system I promise I'll get back on topic shortly. I've got some 'junk' I'm going to post up on the bay soon me thinks...

Two words: Trailer, Racing..!

2008-11-18T23:14:00.001-08:00

Dude the check points are REDONK!

The rest of it is pretty rad too. It's kinda like the original Bike Kill/Critical Mass gang..

The ingenuity factor of this set up just destroyed me!!!

2008-11-18T23:10:00.001-08:00

Talk about some wicked tinkering to get things just right! Nice Job Morgan!!

This of course is a precursor to some freak bike building action about to go down over the next few weekends...

Some daylight photos of the new Jackson..

2008-11-10T20:22:00.001-08:00

I took this beast out for it's first glimpse of daylight on a ride to the Far Rockaways yesterday with Lyle of Projekt B. It was a harrowing experience filled with many perils. Such as mounds of glass and hooked bars- D'ho! Though photos were taken, chairs were thrown and we made it back alive... and there was much rejoicing. Looking forward to the next ride!

Seen on street!

2008-11-06T20:23:00.000-08:00

Aero KHS and Bilenky Cargo bike as seen on the corner of Kingsland and Beadel Street this past Sunday afternoon:

Mofo's are lucky I didn't have a long crowbar at my disposal- ssssSKOINKS!!!

...and the DKNY bike saga continues!!!!!!!!!!

2008-11-03T06:39:00.001-08:00

Like a Phoenix rising from the ashes it hath arrived!!!

BEHOOOOOOLLLLLD:

Cast down from it's earthly fire, the DKNY bike burnt and broken reemerged from the depths of 3rd earth and awoke stronger than ever! With a burning hunger for vengeance it molded itself into a formidable adversary to do battle with the forces of man...

No more fat white walls and curly soft tube geometry here:

Custom Bob Jackson Track frame, Matte Black paint with Orange Decals and lug lining, Paul dropouts, Dimpled rear ST, Straight forks, and S+S FUCKING COUPLERS!!!

EC90 Bars, Stem and Seat post..

Chris King Headset..

Sugino 75 Cranks and 47t Chainring..

Bright fucking Orange NOS Selle Turbo Saddle..

Converted HED3 road wheels I got for next to nothing otherwise I would NEVER have painted them, with some Gatorskin Tubulars...

Def not my best work photographically (sold my 5D and am currently one of the first in line for the Mark II). Though I can tell you from personal experience that photographing in mount doom is nerve racking at best! Not to mention hott- WOOOO!!! Doesn't help that the DKNY bikes minions were all lurking about in their tinted out Crown Victoria's...

More photos to come once the bike has emerged from the darkness into the light...

..if you have no idea what the fuck I'm talking about, check this out first, then this...

Big thanks, ups and high fives to Dennis Stone, Andy at Ben's Cycle, Lyle, J.R.R. Tolkien and Tommmeeeee!!!

Suuuuuuuuper sexy 3rensho!

2008-10-16T21:29:00.000-07:00

Not quite what's going on with those bars but the frame is pretty bitchin'

Just a liiiiiitle pricey though...

An Obama themed track bike?.. Really??

2008-10-15T15:43:00.000-07:00

I mean come on.. The Bikesnob is SO going to be all over this thing:

Thanks Lyle!

UPDATE: That didn't take long now did it?

08' Light Roadster by ANT

2008-10-14T09:19:00.000-07:00

I actually spotted this last week but totally spaced on posting it:

Can you say bitchin'??

THE most brutally badass Panny Farthing I've seen on the bay yet!

2008-10-10T19:32:00.001-07:00

God I would so totally be all over this if I had the money to burn...

wwwWICKED!

As seen on street...

2008-10-08T09:19:00.001-07:00

So I saw this dude roll by the corner of 39th and 5th as I was walking to my office in the morning. I remember thinking I could use a rack like the one he has. Then i get to my office and there's his bike. A fucking Colnago Master Olympic Track frame- AWESOME!

I love seeing sick bikes all torn up and locked up to poles and shit. So rad!

UPDATE: The bike belongs to an NYC messenger named Morgan and apparently he can carry a lot of shit:

Thanks Chocobot!

Rat Pack Hustle II: MEET TWO!!

2008-09-16T15:59:00.001-07:00

Fortunately I remembered to bring the proper equipment to last night's meet. Which means slightly better photos. HOWEVER.. I still think I can do better. I just need to get my filthy mitts on a couple of quantum batteries and radio slaves. That and I need to compensate for the color distortion since the pixels tend to fall apart at higher ISO ratings. Oh and set my camera to rear curtain sync. Though I may need to buy a Canon 580 EX II flash first... Yooouu really don't care about all that do you..? Fiiiinnnne.. on with the semi decent snaps:

I mean, check out that stretch we're sprinting down- Fucking PERFECT!

More snaps here...

As with last week, last night was super fun. I even brought the gooch out since I'd been wanting to race on it since I got it. Despite it's radness and the unbelievable amount of attention it got, my times were actually a little bit worse. Which goes to show it def isn't always about the equipment. I think that's partially because I went out there cold with no real warm up. Next week I need to get there earlier to get the creek out mah bones...

Rat Pack Hustle photos and video!

2008-09-09T15:01:00.001-07:00

Around this time last year I was working late nights over at RS which prevented me from attending the first Rat Pack Hustle meet. However, now that I'm working a slightly lesser late shift at this new sucky job, I'm able to attend this years meets...

I rolled over there after work excited to finally take part in a race that didn't involved crossing intersections or 180 degree turns around gravel ridden columns...

The space picked for this event couldn't be better. A super long stretch of green way along the Hudson flanked by a fences on both sides. Not to mention suuuuper nice smooth pavement...

The photos and video I took are pretty meh overall. I totally spaced on packing my second flash's slave unit and extra batteries. It's pretty dark out there too. Anyways, enough with the BS excuses, here's what I gots:

and a little sequence of the deciding race:

Like I said, pretty meh. Same with the video too:

I mean, you get the idea but it kinda looks like shizah...

More crappy photos here...

As you can see the racing was SUUUUPER fun and Dan Bones did a great job holding this event! I'm DEF looking forward to the next one this Monday. If you're interested in checking this event out be sure to scope out the Rat Pack Hustle Blog for updates and results from the previous meets...

ROBOTIC Bike Parking?! aaaAWESOME!!!

2008-09-08T14:24:00.001-07:00

This is really fuckin' AMAZING!!!

Too bad we'll never see anything like this in the States...

BTW, for some reason Blogger's not letting me upload the uncropped version of this video. Check out the larger version here...

Thanks Jason!

RAT PACK HUSTLE 2 TONIGHT!!!

2008-09-08T11:10:00.000-07:00

My shop REALLY needs to not look like this much longer...

2008-09-06T20:32:00.000-07:00

So I'm having a little BBQ bike building swap meet style party this Sunday Sept. 14th to help get rid of a lot of it...

While there are a few really nice frames and parts I would say most of it is better for everyday use and abuse. BUT.. If you're looking to build up a roadie or polo bike super cheap for yourself or a friend to beat on/lock up, this is your chance...

I'll be selling most everything for wicked cheap and am def down for some trades if you've got something I'm interested in. I'll probs even give a lot away!

Proceeds will go towards a ~~couple~~ few cases of beer, wine, burgers for the meat-a-tarians, soy products and whatever veggies I don't already have growing in my backyard. Though if no veggie people are coming WE WILL ROAST AN ENTIRE COW, EAT MEAT RIGHT OFF THE BONE AND WASH IT DOWN WITH LAMB'S BLOOOOOOD

I live in lovely Cliffside Park NJ. A quick jaunt from the George Washington Bridge if you want to ride. If you don't, I can pick a few people up from the PATH station in Hoboken...

There's an elementary school playground directly across the street from my house where you can engage in polo, frame toss, foot down and whatever the fuck else. Just don't fall cause the pavement kinda sucks...

As far as getting stuff home if you're riding and don't feel like slinging a frame over your shoulder, I can toss it all in my car and bring it into the city afterwards or bring it to my office where you can pick it up another day. Whatever...

Also, for those of you with a similar problem, feel free to bring your own swag to trade and sell so we can have a true swap meet. As opposed to me just getting rid of my own shit. Obviously I don't want people showing up with two tons of stuff (unless it's stellar) cause my place just ain't that big...

PLEASE NOTE: I obviously am not looking to have a rager or 50 weird/schetchy/dirty people hanging out at my place. If you're interested in coming, send me an email with your blog/flickr/myspace/etc.. so I can see what you're all about. If I deem you to be worthy of my company (what an asshole!) I'll send you directions/address info...

Most importantly, let's keep this shit classy and fun people! Be sure to bring some fancy pants bikes for everyone to drool over if ya got em' too!

To Deep V, or not to Deep V.. That is the question...

2008-08-27T21:28:00.001-07:00

It all started for me about 5 years ago with the purchase of a new set of Velocity Spartacus road wheels. As you can see, they're built with a set of Deep V's. It was the first time I'd ever heard, seen or ridden a pair of Velocity Deep V's. Back when they only really came in silver or black. They were the first Velocity product I'd ever used. Overall the wheels were great! I loved the sound they made when cutting through the wind and they were nice, strong and fast. Only going out of true, slightly mind you, was when some mother fucker turned right into me nearly head on while I was crossing and intersection (ahaha! I just remembered that I blogged that accident on my old myspace blog in 04'!). A couple years after, I ended up passing them on to a friend who still rides them to this day. When I was getting parts together for another build, I got a set Deep V's without even thinking about it. Along with the next set of wheels I had built. Before you knew it, EVERYONE seemed to have them in every crazy color imaginable. Which made sense to me. Combine with a 32 hole high flange hub they're fucking INDESTRUCTIBLE. Which obviously keeps wheel maintenance at a minimum. Is it slightly annoying and trendy for everyone to be riding them? Maybe. But this is what generally happens to well built dependable products. You know, like Levis. Now I'm not saying there aren't a fuckload of other really great rims out there. They're DEF are. In my case, I'm just brand loyal. When I find something I like, I stick with it and make it a point to recommend them to everyone I know. I would assume that anyone who spends a lot of time riding on gnarly city streets would feel the same way about their preferred rim of choice. Having said that, is it annoying that people are buying them purely for their looks? Maybe. But here's the thing, what they're buying is a great reliable product that will more than likely stand the test of time. They're not buying into the type of lame fad that just gets tossed aside when the next new hot thing that comes along to replace it. They'll always have a use and value (unless Prolly gets his filthy mitts on them). So now that they're trendy what are people supposed to do? Stop riding them, or not even buy them just because everyone else has them? Please... What kind of a waste would that be? Don't ride them if you're not into em, but drop the hate. In this case, it's totally undeserved...

In my opinion this is a rare instance where the trend is actually a good thing and shouldn't be hated on. And to be perfectly honest, the bottom line is this: If the only reason you have to hate on Deep V's is because you're sick of seeing them around everywhere and that they're trendy etc.. Guess what? you're actually just part of another trend.. Go figure! Sorry, but if you can't beat em', join em'...

Update: While Deep V's are indeed Indistructable as stated from my expeirince with them for the most part, if they get run over by a car, much like anything that finds it's way under TWO TONS of pressure, they're going to get BENT really badly. This is called the E-X-C-E-P-T-I-O-N...

Worst Bicycle Theif EVAR????!!!!!

2008-08-22T11:06:00.001-07:00

Wow this dude is fuuuucked up!

"What exactly was he planning to do with 2,865 bicycles?"

I'd be all sorts of tempted to rifle through all the shit he'd hoarded but probably wouldn't for fear of any bad bicycle karma rubbing off on me...

My gods what is the fraking world coming to?

2008-08-19T00:06:00.000-07:00

I wanna know who was the douche in charge of set design on this E-Trade commercial. If they were truly hip, they would've had a fancy pants Pista Concept in the background instead of the Chrome one...

I don't care how hard they try to sell: you can trade stocks and still be a cool 30 something hipster... You're still trading stocks... BTW, does anyone remember the original 'online' type commercial that's spoofed here by Bill?

Also, would someone please tell the Sci Fi channel to resume the 4th season of BSG before I break down and watch all the previous seasons AGAIN...

When too much is NOT a good thing...

2008-08-18T10:09:00.001-07:00

Okay, I think I'm going to need a bike part intervention or something because now I've officially crossed the line. The line after the one I crossed already... ug...

As you can see, this time I walked away with lot of components. Hopefully I'll get some wheels this coming weekend...

Rather than going through all that shit, I decided it would be in my best interest to go skateboarding instead:

I know, not only am I lame but I'm also that guy who makes weird noises on squirmy landings. I was much better like 10 years ago when I wasn't old. Anyways, I thought it would be amusing to make a self filmed video like I used to when I was like 14...

Sunday:

Okay, so earlier today I went through the stuff:

YUM!

More here...

I started seting up the C4 Joker temporarily to see if I would like it or not but the fucking BB is proving to be a miserable cunt to remove. More on that once I get the fucker out...

I think I'm going to list a few things on ebay tomorrow but the rest I'm going to try to get rid of locally...

Also, more people should really try selling their pista's with 70's style porn shots of their ladies straddling the TT...

What was wrong, is now right...

2008-08-05T21:42:00.001-07:00

As seen on 38th bet/5th & 6th...

Whenever I see a bike knocked over, I always make it a point to stand it back up. You should too!

Rad rack!

2008-08-03T23:17:00.001-07:00

Bike rack that is. I saw these while I was exploring around today. Pretty awesome huh?

They're made by a company called Dero based out of Minneapolis. I checked out their website which has a large selection of awesome commercial and custom racks!

yyyyyyeaaaahh.. don't ask...

2008-08-03T23:16:00.000-07:00

Well, I've built a tall bike. Now what?...

Holy crap wireless shifting???

2008-08-01T09:11:00.001-07:00

I feel like I may have heard about this before, but it's def the first time I'm seeing photos:

Holy mufuckinshit these bitches are LOUD!!!

2008-07-31T05:42:00.000-07:00

Oh man, I can only imagine what snobby would have to say about these sherbet whips!

More here if you don't mind burning your retina's...

Daaaaamn good designs man!!!

2008-07-17T12:35:00.000-07:00

So another update on my previous post about the alleged Bilenky copy cat bike. Turns out the dude is really cool and an EXCELLENT designer/builder! Check it out:

Nice...

NNNIIIIIIICCCE!!!

Killer concept car project too!

I wanna know what he plans on stuffing under the hood...

So I guess that would make his Rog a Bilenky tribute-Hetchins tribute?, hehe. Reguardless I know Steve and the boys will get a wicked kick out of it...

Be sure to scope out the rest of his site for more good shizah...

Olli man, you can use my workshop anytime you like when you come visit the states...

Someone's bitin off mah mufuckin' steez!!!

2008-07-15T00:39:00.001-07:00

I just saw this on the NYC fixed forum:

Before:

After:

and mine:

Not really sure what to make of it. No idea where it came from or who built it either. Kinda crazy how the person went to all the trouble of rebuilding the frame to mimic mine. I mean, they must've seen or been inspired by my Bilenky. There's NO way this one's a coincidence...

UPDATE: Turns out some Finnish dude is the one responsible for the build. Google translation didn't really work so I was unable to read up on it much...

NOS Phillipe Adjustable Stem!

2008-07-14T23:56:00.001-07:00

Yep.. Another one. Sorry, I just couldn't resist!

aaawww yeeeaaaahhh...

As if I didn't despise TREK enough already...

2008-07-11T13:13:00.000-07:00

...Now they're stealing ideas I have that I would never act on only days after conjuring the thought!

via Bicycle Design

Past Reviews column added!

2008-07-02T15:12:00.000-07:00

I added a column of reviews I've done in the past for my other blog. Check out the column on the right if you're looking for more info on Andel Track cranks, Zipp T2 Track hubs, Brooklyn Machine Works Gangsta Track forks, HED 3 front wheel, Easton EC90 Track bars and Ben's Cycle Crusher Guard...

I DEF have plenty more ideas of other coming up in the next few weeks so stay tuned suckas!

Custom Bob Jackson Track frame built up!

2008-07-02T09:33:00.001-07:00

Here's one of the Bob Jackson frames I was selling built up by it's ecstatic new owner!

More pics on his flickr set!

More Bob Jackson Track frames available here. If you're interested in any def let me know... No, they're not cheap...

And so it begins...

2008-06-23T08:51:00.000-07:00

Not too long ago I noticed that FGG added blog links to their page. I emailed Dennis about how I could go about getting linked. We got to talking and it turned out he was looking for some productive correspondents for FGG. So here we are! I'm looking forward to contributing to a great site that I've coveted for many a year now. Hopefully I'll be posting reviews on new gear and events real soon for FGG. In the meantime, be sure to check out my other blog for lots of in depth reviews I've already done. Not to mention ass loads of great bike porn!!!