Where to find tassels?

So I decided to start a blog to record my daily commutes to work. I tried another blog but that didn't work coz I have nothing to write about. But after getting my mirror popped off by a semi-drunk Mercedes Benz driver (who was driving in my lane, in the wrong direction) and numerous other run-ins, I thought I should document my life on the road. At least I know how I'm going to die.

Anyhoo here's what I ride to work:

Volkswagen Moose-stang frame (custom); XTR integrated shifter/levers, V-brakes, 8-speed cassette and chain; STX rear-d, LX front-d; Alivio crankset pedals and bracket; Deore hubs; Ritchey Vantage Sport rims; Rockshox Quadra; Vetta RT33 cyclocomp, the rest of parts hiked over frm my '94 Marin Muirwoods. What a beast.

Plus a cap to keep the sun out of my shades and gloves for when my hands get sweaty.

My other bike is a Harley.

In the works: A cycling trip to Malaysia. Don't know when this will happen. Maybe December. I'll write about it, and about my preparation for the trip. And life, love and all that jazz. GRIN!

But first, a short history of my bike. And then some bike porn.

It's not what it sounds like.


I started riding since I was old enough to get on a kid's bike. When I outgrew that, I rode on my brother's bike. He steered, I pedalled. Later on my dad bought us both new bikes. Then he bought a new one so I took over his. And then I sold mine (it was a blue bmx with white star spoke wheels, very bling; I sold it for 90 bucks) and moved up to a BMX stunt bike. I was 11. That's 5 bikes in as many years.

I didn't get a new bike for another ten years after that, and by then the Mountain Bike had happened. So my next bike was a 94 Marins Muirwoods. It had front suspension but the frame was too big.

So I sold the frame after a year and got me a custom job. The year was 1998. I shan't go into details of that here.

Suffice it to say, I'll probably never get another bike again because I'm attached to this one and can't think of owning a bike that anyone can buy and own too. I love my bike.

Here. Lucky 7. Bike porn. Glamour shots.

Enjoy.









Below: That's my raincoat/pants at the back, drying.



Below: I logged 1000 kilometres on my odo 3 months after starting to commute everyday. I must have logged 7000 kilometers on the Moose-stang in the preceding years, 1000 for every year I had it (since '98). So the 2nd of June, 2006, must have been the 10,000 kilometer anniversary. And all that time? Nary an upgrade.



Below: Which is why I decided to get the best brakes I could get, 2nd hand. Who wants to put new stuff on a commuting/touring bike?




Below: These XTR V-brakes were a steal, not literally but really close. A fantastic upgrade over my 10 year old Dia Compe 747s, which sucked hard and after rain had to be retuned every time I rode.



Below: I like the new look of grey on blue. So does the Moose-stang.



Below: I wish I could really have this much travel. But the Quadras are still wonderful anyway. Yet another component that doesn't need changing. Maintenance free, too.




A view from the cockpit. I have a compass, because, well it was only a dollar, and way cheaper than a Casio Pathfinder. I use it to orient myself in unfamiliar places.




Below: Well, that's the ride. Fresh in from the rain.



That's all I have for now. Seacrest, out!