My Birthday Came Early...

[Rolf]

I sheared my rear derailleur cable during yesterday's Cordova Bay sprint. Dave S. graciously helped me tie it off and I limped to the bike shop. Where they were good enough to point this out:

End of an era.

So after 28 years (20 with me alone), my dear White Tractor has given up the ghost.

It's going to take a little time to piece together something new (I'm already eyeing up Ti cross frames). I'm curious if any Tripleshotters might have a standard 56 loaner I could ride for the next few weeks? PM me and I'll make it worth your while, including a full tune-up on return.

I'll also probably start posting component wish-lists, once I do some research. All opinions welcome...

[stevierooks]

Sorry to hear about the Tractor Rolf. She obviously meant a lot to you. I told you on Sunday that I am as excited about seeing you on a new bike as anybody is. Some fine pedal machine will soon be lucky to have you as its master.

You are welcome to use my red 89 Trek for any length of time you need if you dont get a better option. It's about a 56.

Here is my # 250-858-9989 Phone or text.

Happy Birthday and happy hunting

Rooks

[BikeGuy]

If this fits and is till forsale, a hard deal to beat:
http://www.pinkbike.com/buysell/1404485/

If you have lots of money to spend:

http://timetogetnaked.com/the-bikes/cross-adventure

If you have not so much money to spend:

http://www.evertibikes.com/odyssey.html

[Stéphane Tran]

C'mon Rolf, you could totally weld that.

[Paul C.]

Rolf...If I where you, and had your job...but no wife or kids,
I would go for the hi- end Naked bike with Di2 electronic(Dura Ace of course),
an 11 speed cassette and maybe disk brakes.....for no other reason than
being able to say to non cycling friends ," I have a naked bike " good luck, Paul

[Rolf]

Well, it's not like I didn't ask, Stéphane! I was told scary things about bubbling brass and compromised butting. My choice to continue riding this old bike was more pragmatic than romantic. So it's difficult to rationalize unloading big bucks on a fix that has risks. And really: it's kinda time for an upgrade.

BikeGuy and Paul: if I had the money, I'd totally get Naked! But that's more for when the kids are gone and my mortgage is terrestrial instead of ridiculous. And Ms. Berg's bike looks great, but it's probably a touch small. I'm looking at the Odyssey and the whole Everti line. And possibly building up a Brodie Romax Ti frame. But it's early days...

Buying a used Ti frame/bike seems sensible, given their longevity. The flipside is that there seem to be few for sale—probably a good sign.

[Lister Farrar]

Not to take away from the fun of a project, but I thought this looked attractive if you're looking at titanium cross bikes.
http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/mot ... _ti_xi.htm

Would save enough money for a score or two of breakfasts.

[Rolf]

Wow, Lister. Titanium, carbon fork, Ultegra groupset, 17 lbs., for $2K? Sounds too good to be true!

They appear to be sold out and there are a lot of invitations to join their mailing list and expose myself to their marketing. Hmm... "full payment at time of ordering." Have any Tripleshotters ever bought from BikesDirect.com?

[Lister Farrar]

Mark Ford has their titanium road bike. And iirc, dealt with them for a new fork or frame when he had that bad crash. Should be able to tell you about their service, etc.

Mark?

[Alan]

Also Tony Wakelin who rides with us on Sundays bought his Motobecane from those guys. He too got a smoking good deal. They seem to be nice bikes but the 'fork failure' that Mark experienced resulting in a broken neck would make me pause as to whether I'd trust their forks.

[shawnc]

Rolf - I'm very sorry to hear about your tractor, but there's an upside: you now have one less reason to neglect your green bike!

[AlW]

I'm looking at the Odyssey and the whole Everti line.

I don't think you can go wrong with an Everti. It's a great product for the money.