Are you ready for an awesome post.
Because if you are…this may or may not be the place.
So lets talk about bicycles….
Because its so unseasonably warm, there has been a lot of talk about bicycles and what to buy. I’d like to go out on the proverbial “limb” here and define a few things here.
What I call a boutique bike is a bicycle that is made to have its tolerances in terms of frame straightness, travel and overall quality at a higher level than is set as a (good) “standard” by larger companies….whose bikes are still wonderful, ride well and provide the rider with enjoyment. Its that simple. A Turner frame is $2700 because 100 Turner frames are straigher than 100 Treks. Yes, I know Cannondale is a “high value” bicycle, but is not an Ibis…and if getting the best performing bike that you can is how you “value” your time, buy the Ibis….and put Enve wheels on it.
And your Niner, most certainly is not…a boutique brand.
Speaking of ENVE wheels, let me give you a piece of a little email I received….just in case you say “who the fuck spends $3000 on a carbon set of wheels”?
Man, those Enve wheels are awesome. I really put them to the test, bombing down stuff on Little Creek & Gooseberry, & rode some stuff that I hadn’t made before. It’s amazing how solid, sure-footed & planted the bike feels. I was a little dubious that I’d really be able to feel much difference, but you really can. Especially quick, short bursts. Checked them this evening when I got back, they’re the straightest wheels I’ve ever had. Even after a weekend of pounding through the rocks on Little Creek & Gooseberry, you have to get so close to the rim that the decals rub when checking for trueness. No pinging or spoke unwinding sounds at all.
I couldn’t agree more. I build wheels for a living, and the feel of the carbon rim is straight up goodness.
The flowers are up in Santa Clara…
And MRSDRE was moving earth
She stayed safe, mostly because the instructions for the bobcat told her what not to do…
I think some of the stickers is missing…the part where you drink 13 beers to think that standing on the bucket is a really good idea…but who knows?
Me, I rode a little…
Alright, off to work I go…
