i was able...

version one.two
Originally uploaded by divine_gear

to take the gristle out today for a short ride. i was hoping to get out to the trail, but it was way too muddy.

what we have here (not only a tribute to the slider and the smoothie but shot the other way) is a new version of the gristle. it now has a rear brake for when i use the freewheel. and because of this i was able to get a better sense of the bike as a whole, because i'm not used to fixed mtn, yet.

first off, i played with the cleats for the crank brothers pedals (i switched the cleats around to allow greater degrees, and put the little plastic piece under that, and i enjoy the pedals much more), so they get an 'a'.

second; that two-niner front is a bitch to get rolling, esp. with the thirty-eight/sixteen gearing, but once you get that turning...it goes.

climbing was a joy with the custom geometry. i also notice this with my i.f. there's something to be said for custom geometry.

my first time with a carbon bar; which feels so nice. it took out a lot of road vibration.

i was also taking 'risker' turns on this than i would on the smoothie. i could feel the twenty-niner just carve the turn, keep going, and the twenty-sixer said 'oh, o.k.' and followed right along (like it had a choice in the matter). it is a quick, but stable bike. i can't wait to really test it off road.

the bike will go through one more transformation once the cinch post gets here, and moots claims that they are being shipped out. then i'll be able to get the proper height (this is the seatpost off of the i.f., and is not really set up for the gristle, and the saddle is a selle itallia gel flite which is good on the i.f. too, but not here) then with the cinch there will be selle itallia yutaak; which i've been waiting about a year to try. then it will be complete.

i did realize something though that sucks. my front wheel could use some tweeking with the true, but the damn thing won't fit in the stand with the tire on. bastards. so either practice with it still in the fork, or take off the tire, or to hell with it.

until next time; which i hope is a 'review' of it off road...

namaste...

upon further consideration...

upon further consideration...
Originally uploaded by divine_gear

i built up a freewheel wheel for the gristle. i figured i needed a rear brake.

be aware...

namaste...

got out...

winter in the park...
Originally uploaded by divine_gear

again today for another fifteener. i couldn't decide where to go, so i just took the route from yesterday; but backwards, and added a little on like getting into the tremont area. don't know why, but i love riding in tremont on sunday.

heading south i had a nice headwind. that was fun. and now i've got to clean my bike. damn.

yesterday, and today i tried the motor tabs in the water. i had these free samples in my bag since the show back in sept. the company states that they turn 'ordinary water into a smooth, refreshing sports drink.' bullocks. i didn't like them. it wasn't smooth. it wasn't refreshing. they were too effervescent for me; which made it unpleasant to drink. the taste was weak, and i really didn't feel any benefits to the drink.

however...

get out, and enjoy the weather...

namaste...

was able to get out...

who needs a trainer?
Originally uploaded by divine_gear

the other morning for some city fun. hit a park near the zoo, then headed north a little and down into steel yard commons, and then home. just a quick fifteen miler. not bad for a cold ass saturday morning.

who needs a trainer anyway, when you have snow/ice covered streets; to the point where there is no black top? that's fun. that's honing your skills. in-door bike park? for what? icy, slippery streets of cleveland. that's my park. i may not have speed, but i stayed upright; and that took some skill...

namaste...