I Need to Upgrade My Bike

A few years ago I built up a fixed gear conversion, painted the frame black and bought some gold wheels. It has proved a pretty bomb-proof commuter in all weather for the past two years, but all the components are pretty mediocre. I bent the original fork's head tube, and broke the replacement. The frame is 1" threaded with non-horizontal dropouts currently has fuji cranks from a dumpster, a Nitto quill stem, mismatched fork, ancient BB, and a no-name brand headset. It's getting harder to find upgraded parts (like a durable new fork) so i'm thinking about getting a new complete bike, and selling my conversion. I want a cool fixed gear commuter.  I don't do 'tricks' but I want to be able to hop curbs, ride in snow, etc. I ride vigorously and enthusiastically.

Ok, first things first, I'm pretty broke. I looking for a steal. One bike being sold on deep discount right now through BikesDirect.com is the SE Bikes PK Ripper Fixed for $499 w/ free shipping.

Through GiantNerd.com the Tommaso Augusta Pro Track is being sold for $399.95 with free shipping.

Absurd Urban Downhill Bike Race

Kilroy Bikes - Video

I think that this video has a lot to do with defining a new bike category, the all around urban bike.  Wonka is crazy good at what he does...



KILROY from Gorilla Bicycles on Vimeo.

Fixie vs. Flatland rider skills

Via http://www.iminusd.com/


Free Styler 2 from ryo ubota on Vimeo.

Fixie vs. Skatepark vs. 180's

I believe there was a fixie with a peg in one of those shots!  Insanity.  killin it like i wish i was



A few clips from the weekend from Erik V on Vimeo.

FORKS - I need a new one bad!

My fork is very very bent, and unrideable. This is a bike injury that has been long in the making. My headset is also kaput, with an unsettling amount of very fine cracks in it.

I'm thinking about a straight fork because I think they will have more impact durability, and I like riding aggressively.  I want to be able to bounce up and down curbs with no problem, or ride a dirt trail every once and a while.  These dudes at Gorrilla Bikes jumps stairs and whatnot, and they rock straight forks so I think they got something right.

This one is on sale at Spicer Bikes for $85.

This beauty here is a fork from Soma, retails for $150

Some info I found on the straight vs. curved debate from Performance Bike.

• Straight blade. This style has the fork rake incorporated into the crown. The blades angle outward and are completely straight all the way down to the fork ends (dropouts). This style has a reputation for having a stiffer, more responsive ride characteristic and is preferred by some racers and/or aggressive riders.
• Curved blade. This style has the rake incorporated as a gradual curve from the crown to the fork ends. Traditionally, this feature is designed to absorb road shock. This style is generally preferred by riders looking for a smooth, comfortable ride for long distance riding and racing.

Check this post over at Prollyisnotprobably and see the new crop of "Luxury-Straight-bladed-tubular-mountain-messenger-fashion forks"!  Sweet.

http://prollyisnotprobably.com/2009/01/forks.php

Fast Cyclist running from police.

$99 6-spoke mag wheels from Backward Circle

Check this out at Backwardcircle.com. Pretty nice looking regular wheels here too.  Rear wheel $84, Radial laced front wheel for $65.

Incase Messenger Backpack

New Incase offerings!  I want one.