New Bike Giddiness

"When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments. Here was a machine of precision and balance for the convenience of man. And (unlike subsequent inventions for man's convenience) the more he used it, the fitter his body became. Here, for once, was a product of man's brain that was entirely beneficial to those who used it, and of no harm or irritation to others. Progress should have stopped when man invented the bicycle."
~Elizabeth West, Hovel in the Hills



Saturday was a beautiful day as my loving in-laws dropped off my beautiful new bike to me. I am so thankful to my friend Mike for picking up the bike for me in Airdrie and my in-laws for bringing it here from Alberta (thanks guys!). I have been looking for a new bike for over 2 years so as you could imagine it was a very good day! It's a new custom built Jamis Dragon Team. I bought it from a former bike mechanic who builds custom bikes for people. I saw the ad on kijiji and it sounded like everything I was looking for: a steel hardtail (hard to find these days) with very decent components. Ironically because my weekend was so busy I haven't had any time yet to ride it yet, but that will change today. Anyone want to go for a little pedal?

For any bike geeks out there, here's the specs:

- 2007 Jamis Dragon Team frame made of Reynold's 853 Cromoly.
- Shimano XTR (M952) shifters and derailleurs.
- XTR crank set (M960) with 175mm arm length and Shimano (M959) pedals.
- Avid Juicy Carbon disc brakes with 160mm rotors.
- FSA carbon handle bars with ODI Ruffian grips.
- Thomson seatpost with Selle Italia XO saddle.
- Mavic 717 rims with Shimano XT center lock hubs.
- DT Swiss 6 bolt center lock adapters.
- Maxxis Crossmark Tires.
- Race Face Deus 110mm stem.
- Chris King Headset (Black).
- Manitou Platinum R7 100mm travel front fork.

I really like the red flame paint job, it makes me smile everytime I look at it . . .