Wednesday, March 31, 2010

Who can help?

I'm looking for some talented person to design a T-shirt. The Shell station around the corner from me has regular gas for 3.29 a gallon. The summer driving season has not begun and I'm certain it will go much higher.

I want a T-shirt with a back that reads: 3.29 a gallon. Non- renewable... So people sitting in traffic can read it as you whiz by them. The front could have a simple drawing of a bike. Who can do this?

Thursday, March 18, 2010

Why and WTF?

As mentioned in a previous post. Things are heating up now. My phone is ringing so much that people think I placed a fake escort add on craigslist. The door is starting to swing open constantly and it's not just those coming in to have a cigarette. Seems to happen every year, we get a little temperature bump and some think what a great day for a bike ride. This really bums out those of us who ride year round. The bike lanes now have traffic jams, commuter cross has begun. You are likely to see more cyclists doing stupid things. Like the moron I saw cut across the Ashland/Milwaukee intersection against the light. Cars speeding at him and he just cut em off. I'm sure he thought this was cool. "I'm a rebel, my feet never touch the ground. I made it all the way home without stopping!" All I could think was, would someone please end this idiots life , since he has no respect for it anyway?
Folks like that give cycling a bad name. It makes people in cars want to stay in their cars. Since associating yourself with some smelly cyclist would be whack.

I was talking to Stephen Maiseloff, my local parts sales rep. He went out to the nations capital last week for the D.C. bike summit. I really hope something good happened there, so far I've not heard or read anything significant. (typically happens when politicians are involved) I'm of the mind that, "Laws won't keep cyclists safe. People not driving will".

Speaking of people doing dumb shit.
I had a young lady in the shop last week who had a fellow she knew, assemble a bike for her. She bought the bike in to me because I had a new crank that crank,she wanted installed. I went remove the old one and noticed it was quite loose. I know the kid that assembled this bike for her. Talks kinda fast and uses the word (like) a lot. I figured instead of just tightening the bottom bracket for her , I would disassemble and re-inspect it. As I was taking it apart my nasal passages started opening and my eyes started watering. I also noticed the grease coming from the bottom shell was runny. When I pulled the spindle out it was covered in gook. It wreaked of Vicks Vapo Rub! Seems this dumb shit thought he could use it as a grease replacement. Let me tell you, It doesn't work. amazing what some folks will do to make a buck.

I spotted another dumb shit on craigslist the other day.

Single Speed 2008 SE Lager - 56cm - Totally Upgraded! - $450 (Lakeview)

Date: 2010-03-17, 10:16PM CDT
Reply to: sale-enpgv-1649250869@craigslist.org [Errors when replying to ads?]

I recently got my first car and just don't have the time to ride my bike anymore. So, while I don't really want to, I think it is best if I sell it so someone else can get enjoyment out of it.



My 2008 SE Lager Single Speed Road Bike is in excellent condition. It is a 56cm frame. The paint is brown (lager, get it?) with adjustable bull horn handlebars, in my opinion, the most comfortable handlebar set up for street riding. There is a little scuffing on the frame from general use, but absolutely no scratches, dents, or other damage. It was tuned up in November and then it went in the bike room of my building, where it has been ever since. The tires need a little air and it is ready to go.



I bought the bike brand new from Performance Bicycle March of 2009. New, it was $650. After the purchase, I added a bunch of upgrades to the bike, including upgraded wheels for better speed and traction, front and back wheel fenders, seat converted from quick release to hex bolt, and chain upgraded to anti-corrosion material. These upgrades ran another $200. I will also throw in my U-Lock, which is another $40.



So, I just want to get rid of the bike...I have put almost $900 into the bike, and I'd like to get $450 OBO out of it (now I need gas money!)



Below is a stock photo, but my bike looks identical, but with the addition of fenders.



Please let me know if you would like to stop by and check it out or if you have any other questions!

Location: Lakeview
it's NOT ok to contact this poster with services or other commercial interests

He put $900 into a Lager? Now needs gas money? He grabbed a stock photo of a bike he claims to have upgraded? It's sad what this country has produced. Lazy, stupid...Philistines.

Here is a picture of a nice bike:
I posting it just because it makes the blog look good.

Photobucket

Tuesday, March 16, 2010

Things are Heating up.

I should be on the reality TV show, The Biggest Loser. Not because I'm trying to lose my fat ass, but because I'm such a slacker to this blog. The weather is getting more to the liking of fair weather riders, so folks are coming out of the woodwork. I've never been a fan of seasonal cyclists. But alas, this year I'm ready. (somewhat).

Last time I posted. I listed the Next Girlfriend Bike Challenge. I have some challengers and I'm confident that I'll kick the balls off of all of them. The most serious challenge, I believe will be the one from Bean. She's re-doing an already hot Peugeot mixte, that will be one of the nicest rides on the street. It's Purple for gods sake. Hard to beat that color.
Ryan, got started on a bike and let Roseanna finish his project (of course), a Peugeot mixte as well. It's nice, but my next girlfriends bike should easily crush it.

I also got a challenge from Jesy G. a girl who this time last year rode a Schwinn Collegiate. Now she has a small collective of bikes. Not sure what she's gonna do. I don't think she's sure either. But as with the others, my NGB will kick her cute little ass. Mike Figueroa also sent me a challenge via email. I however see him walking and holding hands, more than riding, so his ass is kicked before he ever starts. Yes Mike thats right. Laura, is working to build her next girlfriends bike for herself. She's putting a ton of effort into it, which pleases this guy to no end. She has however asked for my assistance with assembly. Naturally, I'll assist. I will also make sure she doesn't win.

I built up this pretty Raleigh Sprite last week. The gem goes to Lane, who looks Divine in the saddle. For fans of "Chicks and Bikes" here it is:





Roseanna rebuilt this little guy on Sunday. It's a Raleigh Twenty folding bike. She even repacked the 3-speed Sturmey Archer hub. (impressive)I bought 100psi tires tires for it. They have a lot less drag than the originals. The little sucker really moves out.

Seems it needs a basket, perhaps a rear one. Gonna look in to that.

Here are some pics of recent work:


I'm really diggin the roadster setup.

This is a Nashbar frame, Bean built up.


Keep you posted.