A word about my new bike

A word about my new bike?  Happiness, I’m sorry but I just have to say so myself this time.  I love having a dedicated single speed, this is my first “real” singlespeed and I think I’m definitely addicted.  I’d spent some time on an older, converted  geared frame I made a long time ago.  After that came my 1X9 Orange 29er which was truly a nice compromise.  Little did I know, the desire to eliminate another level of conscious thought and unnecessary gadgetry would eventually overtake.  I know this experience has already been reported by first time Single Speeders around the world, but I still need to talk about it:

I ride my mtn bike to forget about everything else.  I’ve become instantly in love with the feel of grabbing  the handlebar,with  arms, hands, and brake levers all in a perfect position for both climbing and descending.  I’m currently running a Salsa Whammy Bar, which is their widest flat bar, and among the widest bars on the market (785mm).  A true “flat” bar, 31.8mm clamp, 11deg back-sweep.  Paired with a Thomson 70mm stem this provides just the right amount of room for pedaling out of the saddle – all day long.  I don’t need any more hand positions because they always want to be right where they are, I don’t need gears because,….I don’t need gears.  The bike has the same three climbing speeds as every true single speed ever made, seated pedaling, out of the saddle pedaling, and pushing.  I’ve really been surprised at what I can climb on this thing, just because there’s nothing to lose,  just pedal.  If I make it, I’m a beast,  If I don’t make it, then hey, I’m on a single speed and what a great time to stretch out my legs.  I still feel happier than my buddy who’s always messin with his shifters looking for that perfect gear.  I’m always in the perfect gear.   For descending the bike has only one gear, FUN, that’s right, just plain fun.  I have no idea if it makes me faster, but I do know it makes descending more fun.

So there’s that.

As for the rear fender, I love that too.  It keeps the frame clean(or clean-er), especially down at the bb shell/downtube junction .  Most people say they like the aesthetic, and it reminds them of an old speedway motorcycle.  In my opinion, if I’m going to braze on the mounts, the fender should stay on year round.  It weighs nothing, doesn’t rattle, protects the frame, and just happens to look sweet.  I cut it out of a Planet Bike Cascadia 29er fender.  Each fender set could possibly make 2-3 of these fenders, but there will be some labor involved in filling some unnecessary holes from the original mounts, and getting it painted.  It stays firmly in place with two mounts and the cut-outs for the seatstays, which I line with rubber.

Here’s some quickie shots of the permanent paint job.  Featuring work from my new painter,  Jeremiah Thiring, who just happens to live 1mile down the road.  He’s an airbrush super-freak, and his pinstripes and spray masks are equally impressive.  These were taken after a full buff.  I let my friend Michael take it out for a test run, on some of our favorite local dirt, he came back smiling.  The bike was covered in mud, but I needed a good reason to give it a full detail anyway.  It still shines up like brand new, and one ride got me an order.