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!

Building a Bike using eBay

I finally joined the rest of the world and learned to shop and sell on eBay. In the past week, I have won auctions for:

park crown race setter
selle italia srl gel flow saddle
xrp carbon handlebar
velo vie vitesse 300 road frame
cannondale caad9 road frame (stupid purchase, but a great price)
carbon seat post

So I am on my way to building a new bike for the trip to France. I am currently bidding on a carbon triple crank, as I hear the climbs will be epic. I am going to need a granny gear. I have an old frame that I will strip for the rest of the needed parts. That frame was bought from Performance as a quick replacement after an unfortunate bike on rack/garage door frame accident!!

I have also sold a few items:

tacx vr trainer
sierra designs baku tent
orvis fly reel

Those three items netted over a thousand, and those fund are being used for the new bike build.

Why Cycle Through Life?

Well, what could be better???

I started cycling way as a hobby way back when I was in my 20's. I road pretty regularly up until I got married and started to have kids (I didn't actually have the kids; my wife did). But now, with the kids almost grown, I am able to take it up again.

So I commute, club ride, etc. This is a picture of my commuting bike, a 2006 Jamis Aurora.

This summer, I will be going to France with Thomson Bike Tours to ride the legendary climbs of the Tour de France for 7 days. There will be plenty of race viewing and exploring the local cuisine (my other biggest hobby is eating great food).