A Preview and a Review

The Preview:

As some of you may have recently heard, Kristina and I are expecting a child on Dec. 20th!!!  We are so excited and extremely stoked to be parents.  I've been a bit preoccupied lately with the thoughts of being a dad.  As well as reading lots of books and pamphlets, I've been doing quite a bit of research on the internet regarding what to expect as we get further along in pregnancy.  While doing this internet research, I'm easily distracted, though; and, as I cruise a handful of bicycle blogs that I like to read on a regular basis, I found the two videos below.  I suppose there is some new meaning to these now.  Something for me to look forward to teaching and watching my son or daughter do on a bicycle.

I think I'd get this kid some pedals, but he sure does stylee maneuvers without them.



This kid amazes me as well; i can only dream of shredding the gnar like this.



The Review:

As I had posted a few weeks earlier, I finally broke down and bought a high end freewheel for the Surly 1x1.  My initial, pre-ride thoughts regarding the White Industries 16 tooth freewheel were very positive and encouraging that I had made a great purchase.  After several rides using this new, thread-on freewheel, my initial thoughts were confirmed.  It is so reminiscent of when I got my first set of Chris King hubs.  The engagement action is great, it rides smooth, and it's everything I ever wanted in a freewheel.

I'd give it thumb's up as well, Chuck.

Christmas In July

White Ind. Freewheel, Ready to Roll

Yesterday was like Christmas in July for me.  My much anticipated White Industries freewheel arrived at Absolute Bikes on Friday, so I dropped in and picked it up yesterday after my ride.  With an ailing ACS freewheel that makes more noise than I care to deal with, I decided on Tuesday that it was time to get the real deal and order up a higher-end freewheel.  The initial appearance was enough to tell me that I'm getting into something pretty sweet.  The machining is sleek and smooth without a single flaw.  After installation this morning, I could tell that there will be a world of difference between this one and the previous...  even by just spinning it with my fingers, I could tell this will be a pleasure to use.  I'll give a full review after a few rides, but I think it will likely get five stars from this guy.

Since we're talking about Christmas, I thought this might be a prime opportunity to pitch a local frame builder here in Flagstaff.  If a custom mountain bike frame is on your wish list this year, I urge you to check out Steve Garro at Coconino Cycles.  Steve builds some of the sexiest frames I've ever seen that stand the test of time as far as durability and dependability is concerned.  Please check out this link to the Flag Live article on Steve.  It's definitely a good read.  Beyond building some of the world's finest mountain bike frames, his life story as a pioneer in mountain biking in Flagstaff and what he has overcome to get to where he's at today is truly amazing and inspiring.  I often see posts from Garro on the Arizona forum at mtbr.com, and he truly is a wise man in the sport, the environment, and life in general.  If you want one for Christmas, you should call him up right now.  This one-man show has a waiting list at least three or four months deep.  If you do order one, I'm sure that he'll even let you come observe him in action as he welds your frame in his shop in Flag; but, if that's not an option, you can always watch the progress on Steve's blog.

Well, like any kid at Christmas, I'm eager to hit the singletrack and try out my new toy.  Happy trails.