Stuff that works- tried & liked 2011

When I started this blog I planned to do a 'Tried and Liked' blog every year, but in the world of vintage bikes there is not much new stuff to report on, so it generally didn't happen.
For 2011 I had a change of direction, and lo and behold, there's a whole lot of new stuff I find myself liking.

As you can probably tell from this photo, I am very happy with Evil Genius, the road bike I built for myself late in the winter. The frame is a concoction of '90s Columbus muscle-bike tubing, equipped with a smorgasbord of metal Campagnolo 10 speed components. I was still happy even though Gayle made me stand in the rain for this photo.

I could have done it without my Anvil Journeyman 3 frame jig, but I wouldn't want to.

My liking for Brooks saddles is well known, but I got tired of them going out of shape due to the crooked way I sit. According to Wired, the Fizik Kurve Chameleon is like a Brooks from the future, and my arse agrees. Ritchey Classic components look the part on steel bikes too.

The Mopha tool roll is the most stylish way to carry your tools and spare tubes ever. There are two tubes, a couple of Campagnolo tyre levers, a Crank Brothers multitool and a bit of tyre boot material in there.

My Rainshield Calhoun rainjacket has sleeves long enough for my monkeyarms.

Velocity A23 rims are cheap, light and, so far, strong enough. Better yet, a 25mm Conti GP4000S mounted on an A23 measures 26.5mm wide.

The best thing that I  did on a bike in 2011 was the two editions of the Race of Six Friends, devised by Stu Hill, and run by the Auckland Central Cycling Club.

Our team is the Axis of Mischief, and has included Jay, Emma, Gayle, CTB. Gaz, Adam, Kate and me. I am looking forward to riding the next edition with them on March 4.

Happy New Year 
DB

R6F v1. Jay, Emma, DB, Gayle, CTB, Gaz

R6F v2. DB, Kate, Adam, Gayle, Jay, Gaz