Crank Brothers Speed Lever

When you hit the little "whatever" and hear that tale-tell hiss, you know that another tube change is on its way. Struggling with the little levers on the side of the road can be a pain. You hook one on the tire and put the other end onto a spoke. Then you have to hook the other and work it down the tire. But, then the first one pops off, and yo have to start the process over again.

Well not anymore! The Crank Brothers Speed Lever solves this problem. Hook the tire on one side using the curved end of the lever, and then extend the arms down to the axle. With a little (and I mean very little) muscle, you just push the lever around in a circle to release the tire. After changing the tube, the neat little lever below the hook allows you to seat the tire using the same process.

When I bought this lever, I assumed that being plastic, it would only work a few times. But this thing has help up very well through several changes. Tube changes take less than five minutes now. Now if only I can find a better mini-pump!

Been a year since I last posted

Well, this has not been a good year for the bike. My travel schedule for work has interfered with any commuting rhythm. But, October is here and I don't have another trip until mid to late November. So I think the Jamis Aurora will see some commuting action over the next few weeks.

This winter, I plan on starting a weightlifting regimen. I will be using light weights, as I don't really want to pack on any weight onto my body. I would really like to lose about 20 pounds before spring cycling starts. Right now, I tip the scales at about 188lbs. So, on a 68 inch frame, one can easily tell that I need to lose weight. My goal is about 150 svelte pounds.

Wish me luck!!

Building up the Bike

I almost have everything I need for the new bike, built from eBay. I picked up a VeloVie Vitesse 300 frame and fork the other day. I am waiting on a ControlTech Carbon iPost and an XRP handlebar to arrive.

I started building up the frame, but managed to screw up the left TruVativ crankarm. So its back to my old Shimano Ultegra BB and triple crankset. But no matter, the bike should be light enough.

I am debating on whether to buy a fork cutting guide or just using two hose clamps. I am totally out of money after my latest online shopping foray, so hose clamps may be the only way.

Yes, Rapha kits are as good as they say!

Received my order from Rapha today:

lightweight jersey - simply great. Fits great, nice pockets
black socks - right one is a little tight, but they both feel good
winter hat - great. I was worried about the one size fits all as my head is big. But no problem.
sleeveless merino base layer - jury still out. No matter what they say, 100% merino still has a slight itchy feel
rapha cap - black w/white stripe - A large fit my enormous coconut just fine.

I have to say, sometimes paying more is the only way to get true value!

My Other Bikes

I have three other bike in addition to the Jamis Aurora commuter:

1. REI Safari - this one is used sparingly for rides on the C&O canal. I plan to add some grocery bag panniers, and use this for local grocery shopping come spring.

2. Tirreno 3000 from Performance Bikes - this is an all-carbon speedster that I bought on sale last year. It had a combination of DuraAce, FSA and Tekro gear, and weighs in at 16 lbs with pedals. Fast, light bike for a cheap price.

3. Scattante XRL - also from Performance Bikes. This frame was bought as an emergency replacement for a Cannondale 2000 triple that I smashed against my garage door frame. Cheap and it works. I will probably be replacing the frame and some components when I get a new Velo Vie 300 frame from eBay.

Obsession with Rapha

Ok, so the stuff is a marketer's dream. But what the hell, it looks so cool. Rapha puts out a beautiful, artsy catalog, filled with what looks like great cycling gear. I have ordered a few items that should be here in a few days.

• summer jersey
• socks
• baselayer
• winter hat

We will see if the stuff is as good as it looks on the web site

TruVativ Carbon Triple Crankset

Just picked this up on eBay for $127.51 (+$10 shipping). Great deal!

Lovin' the eBay!