Your latest bike purchase?

[dkel]

What was the last bike you bought? Why did you buy it?

My last bike purchase was a Cannondale Quick 2 that I got at the end of November. In September I had gotten my old 2001 Trek hybrid out of the back of the garage to start commuting by bike, and after really getting into it, I realized I needed something a little more dialed-in for the rigors of commuting. The Quick was a perfect choice, because it is much nicer than what I had been riding, but similar in style: a hybrid, upright riding position, very stable handling, and generally familiar territory for a newbie like me.

So here’s why I’ve started this thread: five months and 2000 miles after my Quick purchase, I’m starting to think I need another upgrade (I’m really looking at the Surly Straggler, but that’s for another thread…really, really looking hard at the Straggler…with jealous eyes and a covetous heart…). Am I crazy to want a different bike so soon? I’ve learned a lot recently: much from doing all that riding, and at least as much from being involved in this forum. I’d like to think I’m being sensible and purposeful about my needs, based on all I’ve learned, and not just succumbing to n+1 frenzy. So tell me: why did you get your last bike? What did you get?

Topic

[dkel]

It’s finally done!
[ATTACH=CONFIG]9448[/ATTACH]

Rear hub. That’s the bolt-on cog facing out; the thread-on cog is currently on the other side.
[ATTACH=CONFIG]9449[/ATTACH]

Front hub. I went with a TRP brake.
[ATTACH=CONFIG]9450[/ATTACH]

[dkel]

Belt drive! I just had to go with the orange pedals.
[ATTACH=CONFIG]9451[/ATTACH]

The bits of white tape pick up the white lettering on the downtube.
[ATTACH=CONFIG]9452[/ATTACH]

Soooo nice.
[ATTACH=CONFIG]9453[/ATTACH]

[Phatboing]

@dkel 122996 wrote:

Belt drive! I just had to go with the orange pedals.
[ATTACH=CONFIG]9451[/ATTACH]

The bits of white tape pick up the white lettering on the downtube.
[ATTACH=CONFIG]9452[/ATTACH]

Soooo nice.
[ATTACH=CONFIG]9453[/ATTACH]

I forgot to tell you – I went to Bikenetic. Saw it. Licked the frame. It’s mine now.

(but I’ll let you borrow it)

[dkel]

@Phatboing 122997 wrote:

I forgot to tell you – I went to Bikenetic. Saw it. Licked the frame. It’s mine now.

(but I’ll let you borrow it)

I’m ignoring you. And your gross tongue.

[GovernorSilver]

Sweet looking ride, dkel!

[ian74]

Sweet ride, I really like the wheels, and the color. I wish I had the confidence to ride a bike with only one gear. Also, what does the second brake lever do? I see no cable and no rear brake.

[hozn]

@dkel, that build is really sweet. I am jealous of all that orange. The silver and black components look great. Attention to detail top-notch. Impressive!

My only recommendation would be to swap out that TRP rotor for something that stops better (and whines/shudders less). I like my Avid HSX, but there are simpler versions of that pattern that will cost less. @KayakCyndi might have a recommendation too, not sure what she chose to replace her TRP rotors.

[dkel]

@ian74 123005 wrote:

Sweet ride, I really like the wheels, and the color. I wish I had the confidence to ride a bike with only one gear. Also, what does the second brake lever do? I see no cable and no rear brake.

Thanks for the compliments. The second lever looks pretty. Other than that, it’s just somewhere to put my right hand. Sounds stupid, I know. I just like drop bars with hoods.

[dkel]

@hozn 123006 wrote:

@dkel, that build is really sweet. I am jealous of all that orange. The silver and black components look great. Attention to detail top-notch. Impressive!

My only recommendation would be to swap out that TRP rotor for something that stops better (and whines/shudders less). I like my Avid HSX, but there are simpler versions of that pattern that will cost less. @KayakCyndi might have a recommendation too, not sure what she chose to replace her TRP rotors.

Thanks, @hozn. I remember hearing about the TRP rotors—probably right here on the forum. I have only ridden the thing a couple of miles, but I liked the feel of the caliper, and didn’t feel the stopping power was particularly good. It was fine, but not as good as the BB7s on my Straggler. I’ll get around to doing something about it, and I appreciate your recommendations, as always!

[notlost]

I was having extra trouble (noise and lack of grip) with my TRP rotor after switching to sintered pads on the front so I picked up one of the below. So far so good, and under $12 to my door.

http://www.aawyeah.com/ashima-airotor-mountain-bike-disc-brake-rotor-160mm/

[dplasters]

dkel – what did you end up choosing for your gearing/gain ratio/gear inches/choose the variable name? Eyeball tells me 50t on the front and the rear is ????

[dkel]

@dplasters 123044 wrote:

dkel – what did you end up choosing for your gearing/gain ratio/gear inches/choose the variable name? Eyeball tells me 50t on the front and the rear is ????

Gearing is 55×21 or 55×22. It’s not a big difference, but it’s enough to offset throwing on knobby tires (or studs) or adding additional luggage. Did I mention it will totally get racks and fenders? It’s no hipster fixie!

[jrenaut]

Not mine – we bought this from Powerful Pete for my wife (immediate goal of doing the Seagull Metric Century in October). She just got back from riding it home (plus 3 Hains Point laps). We’re very excited.

I mean, when your spouse gets a new bike, you can get a new bike, right?

Barb's new bike! by Jon, on Flickr

[GovernorSilver]

@dkel 123066 wrote:

Gearing is 55×21 or 55×22. It’s not a big difference, but it’s enough to offset throwing on knobby tires (or studs) or adding additional luggage. Did I mention it will totally get racks and fenders? It’s no hipster fixie!

You must have some strong legs.

Congrats on the bike making the Bikenetic front page. 😎

[americancyclo]

@GovernorSilver 123108 wrote:

You must have some strong legs.

Congrats on the bike making the Bikenetic front page. 😎

great pic, but Hella uncut steerer tube

[Author]

Replies