New Frame!

Woke up to find out that I had won a frame on eBay.

I paid a little bit more than I wanted to, but it still leaves me enough to complete the bike I think. Like I've said in earlier posts, I have a stripped down road bike with some really good parts that should all fit.

Trying to post a picture, but blogger doesn't like iPhones, so a description will do for now.

22" Starnord frame, stripped down to the bare metal and all lugs etc have been cut down and sanded nicely for a nice look and finish. I hadn't decided what colour to spray the frame. Comes with the original forks, bottom bracket and headset, which have also been cleaned up.

Really looking forward to getting it an starting work!

Long weekend.

Just got back from a couple of days away in the motorhome. Was good to get away and into the countryside, just taking it easy. Took a bucket load of pictures, might upload some.

Dropped into Big Bear Bikes in Pickering. A few fixed gears in, but factory built and out of my price range. Plus it is not the kind of terrain for fixed around there, mainly MTB. I'm still gonna build one up, just struggling to find a frame for a decent price. I have got a bit of money saved up now and some more on the way I hope from eBay sales.

And I've just found out that my next-door neighbour has built a fixed gear and I didn't even know! There's a fixed rider right under my nose, ha.

Bike spot.

Literally 2 mins after getting off the train to work and walking onto the high street, a guy rode past me on a pretty damn nice Bianchi, all chrome with classic stickers. I'm pretty sure it was a freewheel, can't quite remember, had a hectic day.

Weaving through the mid-day shoppers looked pretty easy, not that is really busy in the town, but glad to see something about. Better than the local chav riding his small children's bike.

Got some more things sold tonight on the dreaded e-bay, more money in the pot.

Gonna hit the sack.

Getting there.

Hit a rough patch lately and I think it is starting to right itself.

Made some money this morning selling some stuff that I don't really need or use anymore. Hopefully there will be more money to come. This means the bike seems a bit more of a reality.

Got me thinking, do I buy new, buy second hand or build with a mix of old and new?

I don't think I'm gonna have enough to buy something really good from new, it still would be on a budget. Second hand is an option, but I don't know if it would feel like my bike and there's not many come up around here. I'm thinking that maybe building one will be the best option and I have some parts that I've collected up and that my old man has given me.

First off, work.

Day off work.

What else to do when off work on a rainy day? Scout the net for bikes, videos and drink tea.

It's just one of those evenings that is ideal for a ride. Nothing strenuous, just enjoying the late evening sun and stretching those legs.

This makes want to get my bike up and running asap. I get inpatient with these things.

I've said to myself that I want it up and running before I start back at work on Thursday. Might get the train in and cycle home if it is nice.

Gone fishing.

I've had a little break from posting for various reasons and now I'm back.

Trouble with work, money and other things have made my mind lose track of things and the balance is getting back to normal.

As for the bike, it is still in bits as I search for my ideal frame. Still limited on budget and I mean a budget. But that got me thinking - do you have to have the most up to date frame and parts to enjoy fixed gear? Or bikes in general? I think not, but we'd all like to be able to spend £800 on something nice. I'm sure people might disagree with me, but I've never had the most expensive parts, unless my dad has upgraded and I've been given something, but that's not often really.

I actually saw a guy ride last near to where I live on a fixie. I'd loved for me to have been able to speak to him and have a chat. Apart from that there's not many about in the teesside area still. That's why I'm eager to get up and running, then get something going. Just a meet up with even a few guys and gals would be pretty cool - have a chat, see what we can do. So many ideas buzzing around my head.

In other news - waiting for my Team Sky jersey and podium hat to arrive. I saw the update on their site to say they have been sent. Gonna get it framed and hung up somewhere good.