West 5 Cycles
Cycling, fixed-gear bike building and life on two wheels onlyNew fixies from Jamis and Titus
Interbike is in full swing and the first photos are emerging online of just what goodies all bike manufacturers have got in store for us all for next year. White is still everywhere and graphics are going more retro too - I’m looking forward to the Bike show in Earl’s Court in October to get a flash card full of cool pics to inspire my upcoming bike projects, and perhaps even another purchase.. I know, the house is filling up quickly with bikes and frames, but then - if you love what you do..
Here’s some pics of the new rack bike from Jamis - all white, and with a lovely curving seat tube to wet your appetites and one from Titus sporting disc brakes and a more matter-of-fact urban look:
Fixie check one two: pedalmafia
Scouring the net looking for some serious fixie inspiration? Been up and down fixedgeargallery already? Want some more? Good news is that fixie riders everywhere are one media savvy bunch - not only do we pedal without stopping, we manage to take pictures of our rides too and share them with friends all over the world.
Today the price for the wickedest, most amazing fixie has to go to this most stunning creation I found on Pedalmafia’s most excellent site - their bike check one two is a great collection of fixies from near and far, slightly biased towards carbon aero wheels, either by Zipp, Hed or Aerospoke - but hey if that’s your thing - go looky here.
Zipp/Tune 'NZL' Kudo from Pedalmafia
Tune into training fixed - music or no music?
Wanted to find out from you all - are you listening to tunes when you are training or do you prefer silent runnings? Me, I do both depending on mood and how familiar I am with the route I’m riding, unfamiliar routes mean I like to have my wits about me and listen out for early warning signs. On familiar rides, like laps around the park, they are only bearable after a while when listening to some good tunes.
So what tunes keep you going is my next question? I’m pretty much an omnivore when it comes to music, but when riding fixed I seem to have drifted into listening to electronica, most specifically Drum & Bass, which is the perfect accompaniment to rapid pedalling. 165 - 180 bpm tracks help you keep a pace of 90 -100 rpm pedalling I find.. I sound like an anorak I know so please someone tell me that you are listening to Jazz, choral music or something laid-back?
The Hospital Music podcast on iTunes is just getting better and better - and I will post some non-stop mixes here too soon, mixed and matched, stitched and stretched for your listening pleasure - provided you like Drum & Bass of course.. stay tuned! In the meantime - let’s hear your confessions about music you train to - go on..
