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

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!

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!

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!!!

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!!!!!!!!!!!

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..

...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...

...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!!!

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...

...to this scene in Transporter 3:

More BMX Videos ->

Trust me.. Wait for the rail!!!

..and yeah, I know, it's a beyond horrible movie series. But even mind-numbingly guilty pleasure entertainment does has it's strong points. I haven't even finished watching this 'film' yet and I have to say it def ranks up there with 'Wanted', 'Hellboy' and any movie Will Smith makes. Oh stop it! You KNOW you can't get enough of that mutha fuckaz smile!!

I'll be sure to mention The Wrestler next time to make up for this atrocious post...

Best of Fixed Gear Gallery Nominees for 2008!

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...

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...

...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!

BE SURE TO WATCH THE VIDEO!!!

New Andel cranks out from Ben's Cycle!

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!

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...