The cellist's Traveler's Check frame arrived along with its FSA Orbit UF headset. I wasn't going to build it up right away, but she mentioned that she thought I was going to convert her old 'Check into a fixed gear for her spring training. That moves the project up the list. Fan that flame of interest!
Hmm. She has the leg length to handle a 175 crank. I have several of those kicking around, no use to me. That'll save a little money. I need a BB, stem, bars, pedals, wheels...
To build or not to build? That is the question. Whether 'tis nobler to swap out the axle in a pre-built fixie wheel from the local parts house or take wrench against a pile of spokes... The production wheel is probably cheaper than the hub and rim I would order. But it's my beloved wife.
Last year, the Blue project cost more than I intended. It ate my little cushion of shop credit used to purchase consumables like tubes and chains. I don't want to end up there again. But the biggest chunk after the frame itself was the traveling bag.
For the second Traveler's Check I was going to buy the hard case. That way our family arsenal would have both types. Cha-ching! I might have to let that slide in favor of the working parts of the bike.
Time to start shopping...
3 comments:
My favorite part! The building. OK, that's not my favorite part (the riding, of course, is) but the build is a lot of fun.
For wheels, I realize that they're not cheap, but I recently had a friend build me some Paul fixed/OP wheels -- truly, I had no idea the difference between a factory Shimano/Rolf/Mavic/whatever wheel and a handbuilt on something as high quality as a Paul. Dreamy...
Hand built custom wheels are indeed more expensive than a wheel built with comparable parts in a production line. You're paying someone to take more time (which is money, some say). But yes indeedy you will notice the difference both in initial quality and in longevity. Enjoy the rich, smooth taste, mile after mile.
you must allow your heart to guide you in this dilemma grasshopper.
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