...Bike Porn (decisions decisions)

Like all people "into cycling" I've recently come to the realization that I have far too few bicycles in my 'stable'. So scouring craigslist, ebay, and local shops for a new frameset, I became increasingly confused about what sort of bike to build [first].

As the winter months approach, I know a beater bike would be ideal considering the amount of salt, snow and grime brought on by foul weather riding.


My initial thought was that I could get a crappy Panasonic or Myata, ride it through the hell that is New York winters, and then repaint the frame and build it up into a nice ss/fixed bike for the springtime. Something like this maybe (disregard the 'colorways'):


However, I frequently fall victim to my own good taste and end up only perusing frames costing way more than I can reasonably afford or ones unfit to be ridden in anything but the nicest weather, like this one I recently saw on the 'Bay.

Also, growing up in a mass-produced generation, I salivate over rare or custom things so I was elated when I found this website, that boasts a gallery of vintage bikes (of course, all exquisitely lugged, pantographed, yadda, yadda, yadda...) and a thorough history of the racing bicycle.

Now I want this 1979 Colnago Pista




yeaaaah, zero fucking clearance to the crown.

Or how about this Vintage Chesini X Uno:



Alas, I'll probably never be able to even come close to affording a bike like either of these, but fortunately, there are a few frame builders that make not so commonplace frames at more mass-produced prices.

I've been looking at Leader Bike a lot recently, And I think I'm going to settle on the 725TR as a base for an upcoming track setup. I know a couple of people with Leader frames who are quite satisfied with them, so hopefully I'll succeed in building a track monster that, while maybe not being the rarest bike on the road, won't fall into what I like to call the "nike bike" category.


I knew this was a good choice because upon opening an image of this frame on my monitor, Mr. Bernard stuck his ears up straight and gave a nose-wiggle of approval before hopping onto his throne.


While one should always have decisions blessed by a miniature bunny, I can't say I'll definitely get the Leader; who knows, maybe I'll find something good on craigslist one of these days...