Austin Trip Day One

The day in photos (via AC Blog)

 
first stop was Fast Folks to pick up my bike. To say this shop is amazing is an understatement. Just look at these photos.

 

all the unique signage in the shop was super rad

Bike Jerks sticker on the building

This pully system for the window bars is all made from bike parts.

Eric's Dropout, my Def Wish

we rode over to this swimming spot, but it was dry

 ran into our old MPLS pal Nick Sande, who now lives in Portland and works for Beloved. He was setting up their stuff at Mellow Johnny's

 Huge thanks to Puckett and Natalie at Fast Folks for putting up with me and showing me around.

MPLS at NAHBS: Speedhound & Dominguez

the highlights

Speedhound Only One in chrome

When I saw the Speedhound at the Cutter's ball with a road caliper brake mounted and the canti studs still in (this bikes design intent is to be able to do anything), it made me throw up in my mouth. Let's all just agree to only due classy stuff like this build from now on. So good.

Dominguez Track

the matching stem and seat cluster are played just right

MPLS at NAHBS: Peacock Groove

Ladies and Gentleman, the Liberace of Bikes



This is B-Rad's


light up dice. Erik is so OCC.




Johnny's Old Style 29'er


the Peacock Groove logo on the rack strut is so good





Erik's Ace of Spade's cross bike

Stickers

tagged Austin's new bike. Dudes got carbon wheels on a Gangsta, it's ridiculous.
His bike showed but he didn't. Catch you next time.

Bad Dudes

Big thanks to Eric for putting me up for the long weekend and playing tour guide.
(you too Jesse)



and thanks to the rest of the Sweathogs, Texas is my new favorite. (you too Dancakes)

Mike Schmitt Burro Signature Straps

One of the cool things I spotted at NAHBS were these Burro straps designed for/with Mike Schmitt. They're way wider than the standard Burro's. The Burro dude said "Mike likes them to swallow his foot."




Looks super solid to me.


Has anybody else blogged about this? Dude did I beat Prolly? OMG

It's Official

legit as fuck.

Zimbale Saddle Bag

The only things I bought at NAHBS was this saddle bag, a subscription to Rouleur (I love periodicals), and margaritas.

Zimbale is a Korean bag company, imported by some folks from Idaho. The stuff looks very nice and uses high quality (expensive) materials but it was impossible to not get a Chinese knockoff vibe from the product. Obviously this stuff isn't a cheap ripoff as they've added some unique touches, but the designs don't look exactly all that original either.

This saddle bag is their 2.3L model. I bought it because I've been looking for a larger saddle bag that wouldn't hit the backs of my thighs, and this classic black canvas model will look good on all my bikes and hopefully get better looking with age.

front


bottom

I wish there were more holes to shorten this strap. I'll probably punch some for those days when I'm carrying just my tools.

drawstring closure

I know you're probably thinking that my comment above about shortening the strap is bullshit because this drawstring makes that lid superfluous.
I'm crazy, I create my own hell, I want to know for sure that my stuff isn't going to fall out. I find this whole setup disconcerting and will probably have to get a bandanna or some shit to shove in last to make sure nothing comes out.

Waxed Canvas bag for 54 bones (show special). I have no idea what retail is, but I bet it's reasonable.

Circulus is Go!

DPow sends his regards from Portland

Circulus Teaser from PDW on Vimeo.

can't wait to get out there to ride it.