New Bike On-One Scandal 29er Singlespeed - FINISHED!!

It's done, it's finally complete. My On-One Scandal  is after an agonising six months of planning and buying, ready to ride and be shown off to the world.

Whats killing me know is the amount of snow and bad weather we are having so I'm not sure when its going to get its first outing, but the weather forecasters have mentioned some milder weather next week so I've got my fingers tightly crossed.

I've included pictures below for you to view.  There are a few small things that I will want to change when I've got the money, the main one being to ditch the dual shifter brakes as they are a bulky eye sore.  I also am still thinking of getting some horizontal dropouts for it too so I can get rid of the messy chain tensioner.  Lastly the red anodised skewers have got to go.  I had bought some nice ti silver ones but the front was on the short side and I just didn't trust it so its been sent back. 

Anyway, enough talk.  Here's Nymeria.

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Want It Wednesday - Engin Bikes

Yes I know I've just got my bike built and I'm already looking at other bikes but I came across this company by accident (forum site).  Engin Bikes ( pro. en-jen) aren't out there making space age carbon bikes but ones even the most modern bike designer could look at and appreciate.  They are a Philadelphia based company who build there bikes one at a time to suit each riders needs.  They deal only with steel although some Titanium frames are due for 2013. 

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder as they say but I just can't see how anyone would put off by them.

Anyway I'll let you decide and have a look at some example shots or you can link up to their website here.......before telling you the price.

 

 

 

 

So are you in love like me?  Do you have $2500 (£1500) for the frame alone?  One for my dreams......

 

Have you got anything to share that is bike related then start your own post starting with the title Want It Wednesday and I shall add you to my Want It Wednesday Page for others to see!!

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The Year Ahead 2013

Firstly,

Happy New Year!

I'm not big on making new years resolutions but I have told myself that I need to give my blog a bit of tlc as I'm not writing or updating it as much as I used too.  I guess coming to the end of 2012 I was going through a lot of stress with trying to sort my job out and certain things have fallen by the wayside as stress took over.  Well my job is now secure and so life can go on once again.  Obviously, my blog has also lacked content as I have neither been racing or training.  I still don't have my mtb and my road bike is suffering from endless mechanicals which is putting me off long rides out.

Still this is all to change.

The Bike Build

How patient have I had to be for this? I am so close to getting this done.  So close in fact it was due to have been finished this weekend but I was let down with an order on spokes and sent the wrong length.  More delays....Arrggghhh.  So maybe, just maybe it'll be next weekend and I'll be posting it up here as soon as I've got some pictures in place.  Watch this space and expect many a report on my new 29er.  In the mean time here is a little teaser shot to give you an idea....

 

 

Training

 

So it begins.  I've kind of enjoyed not having to slug my guts through the wind and rain of autumn and part of the winter.  The rain here has meant the ground is so muddy and it's going to take a lot of dry weather before it improves. My main target race which is an XC 100 miler in September has meant not having to rush into my training. However, some XC races are starting from March and I don't think I'll have any fitness by then, which is a shame but it'll not rule me out from trying them.  I'll just see how I feel at the time. 

 

I'm taking a whole new approach to my training this year which is something to do with having a mixed need of abilities.  I want to do the really fast races in the summer which are only an hour long but also have a long race to aim for at the end of it all.  I'm going to really concentrate on building strength this year, including core work and upper body strength to help with my rather poor technical abilities.  I think people often neglect strength training too much in the fear of bulking muscle but the reality of it is you won't really gain muscle mass unless you eat the right diet to go with it.  There is growing evidence against long hours in the saddle when building your foundations and I've always believed in being specific to what you train for.  Long rides have never made me a better racer so I'm going to just try something different this year and see.

 

Back to trail running for me too.  I miss running and it's time to get the shoes out and spend my January on the trails.  Its a great work out building my leg strength which is good for out of saddle climbing on the bike.  It also does a damn good job of strengthening my core.  By February, it'll start to be much more about the bike.

 

 

The Blog

 

I've got a few things planned to write about in the next few up and coming weeks including my write up on Bjarne Riss book, some more want it Wednesdays but just as importantly giving my blog a little lift and updating some pictures and altering the layout.  I also want to expand my audience so will be looking for more followers via blogger and twitter.  I love making good connections with cyclists on here it often makes the whole thing worth while.  I may never get to meet any of you in person but I love sharing and hearing your views and ideas on a hobby we all love and enjoy.

 

Here's to a fantastic 2013!



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