I think it's rather funny that after helping to start up this blog with nothing but cars and motorcycles on the brain, my interests have lately been revolving almost entirely around bicycles. I must admit, (though I hate to) that gas prices have had a huge influence on this fact, especially after I made the decision to park the 142 indefinitely. I say indefinitely, but what I really mean is that I am somewhat suddenly and painfully aware of how much it costs to drive and keep up a car, and I haven't decided yet when I will be willing to insure and pour money into TWO cars again instead of only the necessary one. Of course I plan on keeping both of them, and I still have visions of supercharging the two-door and installing a Mustang 5-speed; but for now building bicycles is just easier and a whole lot cheaper.

The bikes that have recently held my attention are the so-called 'fixies': track or road touring bikes that have a fixed rear cog (you can't stop pedaling). This might seem a stupid and/or uncomfortable setup, but I rather like the simplicity, (no gears, no brakes) and there are a number of cool tricks that can only be done with a fixie--- like track-stands, skid-stops and wheelie-balancing on the back wheel. My current project besides finishing a new bike for AC is trying assemble one of these beauties out of a 1984 Trek road bike that I found abandoned and destined for the trash. Also in the mix is a friend's old Takara that I am basically putting together as a beater/cheapo experiment.

Next thing on the list for both these bikes are some wheel builds. Gotta use a track hub and all, you know...I plan on writing a post about my first attempt to lace my own wheel, so stay tuned!

If, by chance, you share my interest in fixed gears bicycles, you should check this out: fixedgeargallery.com Some pretty nice bikes and lots of ideas for your own...