I’ll Make It Simple

Okay, not that simple. 

Back when I mentioned that I had a decision to make, I think most of you knew where this was heading.  I did, and that’s why I made some preparations in advance. 

A package showed up da udda day from Canada.

Yeah, it says Misfit Psycles on it, but I wasn’t sure what to expect. 

Was it some smuggled Tim Hortons coffee? 

A Canadian Tuxedo?

A handwritten invitation to join Cap’t Dicks SourToe Cocktail Club?

Whatever it is, it looks like Customs tried to sneak a peek.

Actually, it was a couple of odds and ends I needed to convert my geared bike to a single speed.  Yeah, I said it.  Y’all knew it was coming, and obviously I did too.  That’s why I had Peter send me some genuine Canadian single speed conversion parts.

Space age aluminum spacers and a couple of half-links so I can find the “magic gear” instead of using a tensioner.  I’m ready to get this party started, but I’m not sure when it will take place.  I’m actually considering one more geared cross country race as a proper send off, but of course I’ll get into that another time.  But, the plan is to get those damn gears off very soon.  I’ll let you know.

Also in the package, I received a sticker that reminded me of the fate of that once glorious cycling company to our north.

Indeed.

And since I like stickers so much, I took the liberty to “alter” my bikes to help me get through the tough times.

Before:

After:

Oh, I will.

So yeah, the circle is now complete.  It is my destiny to go full on to the dark side.

A Review Of Sorts

Back on Saturday when I rode at Uwharrie, I finally got a chance to try out my new Lizard Skins gloves. The G-Love to be exact. I didn’t want to test them under race conditions during the Winter Series (mostly because it was really cold), so I wanted to wait until I had a prime opportunity.


This would be my first time ever wearing these gloves.




They are really lightweight, which makes them a good, year-round glove for the most part. For as thin as they are, they have just the right amount of padding in the palms to make them comfortable. The grippy stuff on the fingers make it much easier to hold on to the grips and grab the brake levers.



The verdict? I really, really like them. In fact, I’ll go as far to say that they are the best gloves I’ve ever owned. Do you want some? Well, it looks like the new website still doesn’t have them listed. I don’t know what’s going on, but I’m sure you can have your local shop order them for you if they are a dealer.

Next up is my seat.



Back when I picked up my new WTB Valcon, I wasn’t sure I would like it. After riding on it for a while though, I’m hooked. The wiener slot makes it very comfortable, and the seat fits my buttocks very well. My sit bones sit on the saddle in just the right place, making my rides more comfortable. That’s good, because I will be spending a lot of time in the saddle this year.

My ass will thank me later.

This ass thanks for you reading about my ass (and wiener slot.)

Finally, another piece to the puzzle that is Little Miss Sunshine’s new single speed has arrived.




Yes, it’s a box. Cardboard is the newest bike part material.


I kid. Actually it was this:





We went with the Cane Creek 110 headset because well, it’s the best headset you can get (and they're made right here in North Carolina.) Little Miss Sunshine wanted a red one, which is pretty easy to get. I like red. I guess she does too.

And the grand finale…

(drum roll please)

The frame has arrived:



The B-43 Worldwide Headquarters is now equipped with a dissent AL Singlespeed 29er frame from Misfit Psycles.

Now I can get to work and build this thing.

I should stock up on beer.

See y’all tomorrow.

Shiny And New

I love getting new shit. Even if I don’t need anything, there’s something cool about getting stuff sent to me in the mail. I guess it’s kinda like being a kid at Christmas, except that I can celebrate all year.


A package showed up here at the B-43 Worldwide Headquarters da udda day:





After a full season of wearing shit out, it was time to get something new. You can only wash smelly things so many times before they become immune to it.





New gloves, and they are the cat’s ass. I’ve been wearing Lizard Skins gloves for quite a few years now, and I can’t see that changing any time soon. When I spotted the new G-Love gloves on the website, I just had to have them. They are very comfortable and lightweight, and of course I dig them because they are red. I like red. Reminds me of kitties.





No product review is needed, because you really don’t have to like the same shit as I do (but you should.) If you must have a review, then check out what Mountain Bike Action had to say about them.


For some reason they don’t show any gloves on the Lizard Skins website at the moment, but I’m looking into the matter. They recently did a makeover and made it all fancy schmancy, so I’m sure that the gloves fells through the cracks. Either that or I have the last pair in existence.



I also got some cool new bar end plugs for my single speed:





And a bunch of stickers for my beer fridge:





Speaking of new shit, I did a little shopping at the race on Sunday. One of the local race teams obtained a new tire sponsor, so they were selling the old (yet new) stuff on the cheap. It just so happens that I only ride the stuff they used to ride. Confused? Good.





While I don’t have any affiliation with Kenda tires, it’s the only tire I like to ride. Mostly because I am a creature of habit, and probably because I’m too afraid to try anything else. I got some great bargains on spare tires, and this way I can ride the shit outta them and never worry about not having replacements on hand.


In other news, we got rid of one of the bikes in our stable.





Yup, Little Miss Sunshine’s little-wheeled squishy bike has moved on to greener pastures. She’s decided to never again ride small wheels, so we sold it to someone who will put it to good use. She’s already taken the money and got herself a single speed frame. Last night she ordered a dissent AL Singlespeed 29er from Misfit Psycles. She test rode one on Sunday and seemed to like it.


The good news for me? I get to build another bike.


Now if only Lunchbox and I can get rid of our “other” bikes so we can get more new shit.