February 5, 2012

It's a....

new bike.

I figure it has been 3 years since I bought a new bike, so I'm overdue.  My last bike was the first custom frame I've ever had and was really a revelation in that I finally feel comfortable on my bike.  I've always made do with stock frames that really weren't large enough for me.  I feel somewhat normal riding that frame.  It is a road touring frame that I use for commuting, and hopefully for a short tour late this Spring.  The bike above is obviously a hard tail mountain bike that better fits my style of XC trail riding than the full suspension frame I have now.  I also suspect having the right size frame will make a difference in my comfort for longer rides.  I have visions of bike packing and finally using the Revelate Designs seat bag and handlebar bag I have this Summer.  The above drawing is just for the preliminary design and doesn't show the shaped tubing that will be used for the down tube and top tube or the tapered head tube.  If all goes well I should have my hands on it by the end of March or early April.  Congratulations to me!