Since my move back in February my commute has gotten MUCH shorter. I have shaved 11 miles off my commute that I normally did 3 times a week. With the week on/week off visitation of my son I bike even less now. I quickly realized how impractical it was to commute how I was used to. Kitting up and clipping in took longer than the commute did! Something had to be done and now it has...with Turd.
Turd is a 70's Fuji Sports 12 that I have converted to a single speed. When all the parts were stripped to nothing, I discovered that the gearing was 53-22, and that the 53 was welded to the spider. Just north of absolutely fucking ridiculous. Every time I tried to get started, my knees felt like they would snap. So I shelved it and rode my 12 speed. Then Brie decided that she wanted a single speed cruiser and suggested that I should actually ride the Turd with her. Presented with that challenge, I sought help and support from Mike over at The Bike Cave.
Mike and his crew are a bunch of good guys just trying to make the world a little better, and cheaper, for us cyclists out there. They like fixies and bike polo but any problem is no problem for them. They have a full shop and will offer guidance and support. Do it yourselfers like me are welcome to borrow tools, donations always welcome. Mike set up me up with a set of mismatched crank arms, perfect for the Turd! Exchanging out the Fuji's which are weapons grade and kinda nostalgic.
Rode in this morning for the first time since the swap and I must say that the Turd is absolutely charming. Ugly as sin and stripped down, can't help smiling and shaking my head in disgust. Gearing at 44-22.
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