Gonna do this in April

Sorta like this, but different.  I promise I won't be an ass.  Join me, won't you?

Another bike quandary

So, now the LHT is gone.  And I have some cash burning a hole in my pocket...

My intent was to take the proceeds from the bike sale and add some gears (gasp) to the Cross Check.

And, in addition to the gears, I was planning on buying a tent, a front rack and maybe a bag or two in anticipation of a S240 or 2 or 3 this summer.  Sounds like a plan, right?  So that leaves me with the Steamroller (fixed), the Jonny (fixed), the Riv (geared) and the Cross Check (fixed).

Then the spousal unit, in an unexpected surprise, says that she thinks maybe I should leave the CC the way it is.  I mean, it is nice having a fat-tired, fendered and racked fixed gear hanging around.  So that sets the wheels turning (pardon the pun) and the bike scheming portion of my brain fires up.

Now I'm thinking perhaps another Cross Check in the stable might not be a bad idea.  With gears.  Ideally, I'd love to pick up a used Cross Check, but those don't come around very often and believe me, I have been looking.  I like having 2 geared bikes, as the Riv isn't one that I'm comfortable locking up and having out of my sight for very long.  Not that a Cross Check isn't worthy of such worry, and I do tend to be paranoid about the well-being of my bikes, but it would be slightly less of a blow if something did happen to it.  And ya can't go wrong with a Cross Check (or a Surly of any variety), as selling it will never be an issue.  I can't believe the prices they bring on the secondhand market.  As a recent seller and prospective buyer, I'm both pleased and annoyed.

My intent is to press the geared CC into light touring duty, although the Riv would certainly be capable.

I know, this is not life or death stuff.  Just checking in with my 5 readers to solicit advice.

Or I could throw it all out the window and buy a Pugsley.

Fare thee well, LHT

The LHT went to its new home last night.  The new owner mentioned a potential bike trip in Europe, so the bike will have bigger and better adventures than it ever had with me.  And that's how it should be.

Time to go

I'm selling my Long Haul Trucker

The deets:

2009 56 cm LHT.  Green, stock build with the exception of the addition of Albatross bars with cork grips.  Includes SKS fenders, Jandd rear rack and MKS Touring pedals.  Saddle is not included but I do have a black Brooks Champion Flyer that I will include for an additional $50.  Bike is in excellent condition, stored inside and ridden lightly.  $950.  I prefer to sell this locally, as packing and shipping the bike will run $200.   

More pics here.

Rivendell, shmivendell, I'll take one of these

Saw this at NAHBS...Breadwinner Cycles were actually unveiled at the show.  I was really excited to get a look at these bikes up close, and they did not disappoint.  The booth was lovely and I really wanted a t-shirt but I will not allow any more t-shirts in the house at this point.  So I had to settle for a pencil.  A really cool pencil.

Breadwinner is a collaboration between Ira Ryan and Tony Pereira, two of Portland's best-known builders.  No doubt about it, these are beautiful bikes.  And, given the experience of these builders, it's well thought-out and a delight to ride.  The bikes are tig-welded and are delivered within 8 weeks of order placement.

At $2145 for the frame and fork, it doesn't come cheap (the above bike as shown is $5500 complete with Ultegra components).  A custom, lugged Ira Ryan runs $2850 f/f, so tig welding affords a custom bike at a lower price point.  The Aufderheide is the touring model, and I'd be more than happy to put this bike through its paces via a long-term test ride.

Better yet, I'll take an Atlantis and this bike and do a head-to-head review.