Wednesday, October 7, 2009

A Kite flying teaser, and new reads.

First things first:
Carbon fork.

daaaamn! Singular Cycles Kite cyclocross prototype.

Reynolds 853 main tubes, 4130 stays. Investment cast Henry James style drop outs. Center mount brake posts. Its got all the right things going for it. This is a 60cm version, and built up as you see, its all of 21lbs. Lightest bike I own. I took it out for a spin this morning at La Riviere. You'd think that there wouldn't be all that much of a difference between two high end steel bikes, but there sure is between the Kelly, which I've owned now for......5 years I think, and this new Singular.

Prototype Kite, fresh build

Thing is, there was. Its not that the Kelly felt dead on the last ride, its just that this Singular felt sprightly on this ride. I rode the same wheels on both bikes, so it sure wasn't them, it had to be the frame materials. The Kite was an easy, eager climber. It got up to 'sprint' readily. Changing direction was a simple matter of thought and movement. I've got high hopes for this bike on Sunday at CamRock. Look out 4's! Sam has got another hit on his hands here.

And since I know I"ll be getting the question; I don't know when, and I don't know how much. But its likely next season as my best guess. If you have questions, keep and eye out for the Singular kit at the WI races this fall. Hey, I may even make a MN race or two as well.

On the reading part, I was directed to a new blog by my friend Jason. He has thsi cool blog focusing on two of my favorite passions, bikes and photography. He's been getting awesomer at image making, and finding neat blogs out there in the web-o-sphere, including the Adventure Monkey. I've been reading it this morning and am quite impressed with his photographic style, and his choice of riding. Gravel is good! I look forward to keeping up with him, and maybe take some inspiration from him too.

The other is EcoVelo. Its kind hard to tell you what its all about with sounding like a cheesy rip off of their about me page. So I'll just quote 'em:
Welcome to EcoVelo. This site is the public expression of our personal commitment to reduce our impact on the environment by employing bicycles as our primary mode of transport. By sharing what we learn from this endeavor, while also providing an aesthetically pleasing experience that celebrates the beauty of the bicycle and the joys of everyday bike riding, we hope to inspire others to make a similar commitment.
Its a well laid out page, with what is becoming a common thing here, beautiful photos. This will be interesting to follow their adventures too.

Lisenting to: The Current, Minnesota Public Radio. Drinking; rich dark coffee and feeling good.

5 comments:

frankenbiker said...

Nice understated frame,nice build,awful garrish handlebar tape!Why neon green?Oh, no EBB? I thought that was kind of a trademark feature of Singular.

Head Honcho said...

Thanks frankenbiker - Neon green? Its apple green! Wait till it gets the Fizik white/green saddle! Over the top obnoxious! Cross bikes are inherently a bit ridiculous. I see no problem in taking it a bit over the top.

You're right, no ebb, but the drops are semi horizontal for the SS loving amongst us. Case in point: http://www.flickr.com/photos/singularcycles/3989841977/

Guitar Ted said...

Saw this on the Singular site. Nice! Good steel well done is very fun to ride. I suspect you are correct that this will be a popular model for Sam.

Sam said...

Agreed - ditch the bar tape Marty :-) Nice looking build. Decals and headbadges are on their way.

FixieDave said...

Damn thats a cool ride!