It’s a challenge to maintain the proper levels of inventory in a bike shop. It’s even more challenging when your shop is remotely located yet frequented by folks who may need something while out riding or visiting on vacation. However, it’s impractical to carry everything to fill that once in a couple year need. And […]
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A per the previous post, I was closed last Sunday to hang out, er, attend and display a bike at the somewhat annual Una Pizza Bike show organized by Sean Walling of Soulcraft Bikes and Anthony Mangieri of Una Pizza Napoletana. Ten bucks got folks in to talk bikes and eat as much of Anthony’s […]
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The shop will be closed this Sunday, December 14, for the somewhat annual Una Pizza Napoletana bike show with the Bay Area’s finest frame builders and parts makers. If you’re in the area stuff your pockets with some cash and come on over. Noon to 5:00. (What’s playing: Elvis Costello What’s So Funny About Peace, […]
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Recently, I had occasion to pull bottom brackets out of two different bikes. Both bottom brackets were Shimano’s Hollowtech II external bearing models. One bike was a custom titanium Seven with full Dura Ace. The other was a Norco (or was it a Novara?) steel framed touring bike. The Seven has low miles and is […]
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I’m personally not a fan of Black Friday. I have no desire to grapple for $50 flat-screen TV sets (my old CRT TV works fine – as long as it gets a sharp slap to the side to coerce the screen to light up). Pretty much, if I can’t get it at a bike shop […]
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The MUSA cross frames are coming along nicely. I got an update from Cameron Falconer yesterday. Frames and forks are welded. The fiddly bits are next to be brazed on. They should be going to the powder-coater by next Wednesday. When they get back to me, several are already spoken for, but there will be […]
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One thing is for sure here in West Marin – no two days are the same. One day it’s overcast and the next day it’s clear as can be. A side benefit of the variety of the weather is that even if you do the same ride day after day, it will feel different. Sunday’s […]
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While the window to order your choice of frame size, canti brake, or disc brake is closed now, there are still some frames available and you can have your choice of color. Here’s what is available: 56cm or 59cm frames for disc brake only. Forks will be segmented style and there will be hourglass shaped […]
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One phone call last Friday to the tucking company who will be delivering frames, “Yes, the frames will be delivered on Monday. Please call back on Monday before 10:00 a.m. to get a delivery window.” Monday morning arrives. I think I can get out on the bike at 8:00 a.m. and get a 90 minute […]
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I love building wheels. Feeling the tension slowly increase. Seeing the wheel become round and true. Checking the tension to confirm it’s ready. Installing tires and cassette. Fitting into the frame. The wheel goes from a collection of loose parts, (roughly 66 individual parts, sometimes more, sometimes less) that are useless by themselves, into a […]
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There’s still a bit of time to get in the queue for a US made cross frame. Cameron Falconer will, once again, be making these frames for Black Mountain Cycles. Cameron’s been getting some well deserved recognition recently, including this post on The Radivist. Well done, Cameron. Here’s the skinny on the frame particulars. We’re […]
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The boat carrying the newest run of monster cross frames was docked in Oakland on Monday. The customs bond, import duty, and dock fee have been paid. I’m assuming they are clearing customs now and should be on their way here soon. Based on what I learned with the last shipment, the trucking company who […]
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