Monday, June 11, 2007

Monday Vacation

We get a day of vacation for our birthday each year. My birthday was yesterday, so I took today off. Over the weekend, I got the new frame built up with the parts I stripped off my other frame. A few posts ago, I talked about how I went for a Wobble-Naught fitting and Kevin at KGS Bikes determined that the top tube of my frame was too long. I found another frame with the proper top tube length that was a left over from 2006, so I got a good deal on it. This morning, Kevin did all of the adjustments and got everything dialed in. I went out for a ride this afternoon and the bike felt great. The most dramatic difference in my opinion is the handling. It just carves through the corners and is very steady on the straights. I am very impressed with the final product.


Here is the frame. It is a Fort which is made in the Czech Republic (where all great frames are made - HA!).


The finished product. The only parts I changes were the wheels and the post/seat. I yanked them off of the bike I bought for my brother. It doesn't appear that he is coming back to TX afterall. I will see if I like the American Classic wheels better than the Ksyriums that I usually ride.


I rode at the Veloway today. It is a closed course that is 3.5 miles long that is only open to cyclists and roller bladers and only flows in one direction. There was nobody there today, so it was a great experience. I did two 12 minute intervals and was unbothered by traffic or people. The great thing about the Veloway is that it is full of corners which are great for crit practice.


The face of someone who hasn't been into the office in over 2 weeks.


Aeriel view of the Fort.

19 Comments:

Blogger Unknown said...

Happy B-day; you can legally drink now! :^)
Cool looking bike. I have heard of Fort but I thought they only built mountain bikes. I ride the American Classic's 420 wheelset and have been very happy with them.
Northwave shoes; nice!
How's the Bug; did he remember you? :^)

6/11/07, 2:13 PM  
Blogger ~ lauren said...

happy b-day.

you're looking a little tired in that pic.

6/11/07, 2:27 PM  
Blogger Sweet Cheeks said...

Welcome home, and happy birthday!

I start building my new bike Tuesday. yee haw!!!!

Nice you got yours together.

let us know how the new fit works over time!

6/11/07, 2:35 PM  
Blogger Unknown said...

Happy Happy. Another Gemini. No wonder we get along so well in blogland. Between us we have four personalities! Glad you're enjoying being back home.

6/11/07, 4:31 PM  
Blogger Unknown said...

This comment has been removed by the author.

6/11/07, 5:47 PM  
Blogger Unknown said...

Congrats on making it back home from the mega trip....just in time to get that new bike rolling. Some east coast speedy CX racers are on Forts.
The UofM crew will love the colors too (alicia).

Way to get back on that back.

I love the ride of the Am Classic 350s and 420s.

6/11/07, 5:47 PM  
Blogger Unknown said...

Okay, I give. Still have a typo in there and option is delete or retype. I'll leave the typo

6/11/07, 5:49 PM  
Blogger Chris said...

Oldman - The Bug still digs me. We had a good reunion. I picked him up from daycare this evening and we got to hang out. Dad makes (buys at a window) better dinners too. HA!

Lauren - thanks. And yes, I was. 94 degrees does that to you.

Sweet Cheeks - thanks. And FINALLY you get to build your bike! Best of luck.

Mallie - someone else told me about Geminis having two personalities. I think I have about 8.

6/11/07, 5:50 PM  
Blogger Chris said...

Speedy Chick - don't worry about typos on this blog. :)

The 420s seem to ride well today, but the surface is very good there. I need to get them out on my tar and chipped roads out here and see how they do.

I hadn't even thought about the U of M thing, but it does match well. You and Alicia should take a road trip to TX this winter for some riding.

6/11/07, 5:52 PM  
Blogger Eclectchick said...

Happy, happy birthday!!

I'm diggin' this Veloway idea. I want one! Glad you're enjoying the new ride. Wheee!

6/11/07, 6:05 PM  
Blogger bluecolnago said...

happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you, happy birthday brother chris...... happy birthday to you!

i dig the northwaves. best shoes i've ever worn, by far.

the fort looks sweet!

geminis rule!

peace out, yo!

6/11/07, 7:32 PM  
Blogger Itinerant Rick said...

Wow, a birthday and a birthday gift to yourself. Big news all around. Happy day after birthday! Probably felt good to get out and sweat out all those toxins from Thailand ;-) Will you be on the Fort in this Thursday?

6/12/07, 7:02 AM  
Blogger Here and there said...

Hey Happy Birthday! Nice looking bike. I'd love to get a custom fitting someday, I sort of winged it with my latest Cannondale.

6/12/07, 9:31 AM  
Blogger Unknown said...

Chris: I with you on the Daddy dinners! I make a mean spagetti and meat sauce. But nothing says lovin' like a J.D.'s pizza hot out of the oven!

6/12/07, 1:11 PM  
Blogger Chris said...

Eclectchick - thanks :)

Blue - The Northwaves are great so far. I was a Shimano shoe fan before these. I may change loyalty.

Rick - the plan is to race the Fort this Thursday. We will see how it holds up.

Oldman - absolutely. Sonic grilled cheese and tater tots are a Bug favorite.

6/12/07, 6:14 PM  
Blogger chatterbox said...

Happy b-day (sorry I'm late and all)! I hope you enjoy your races coming up.

6/12/07, 7:55 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

La vieja wishes you a happy birthday! How old are you? Have you even hit 35 yet?

It's amazing how effortless it feels to be on a bike that fits. Good luck at the crit.

6/13/07, 5:01 AM  
Blogger Chris said...

Fendergal - Just turned 35. Not really feeling old yet :)

6/13/07, 9:14 AM  
Blogger Michelle said...

You are a younster....Happy Birthday!! The bike looks great! Veloway...that sounds soo cool!

6/14/07, 3:28 PM  

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