Only One Speed .. slow !

In order to assist the the winter fitness programme I decided to go monocog. The latest, updated member of the stable is now back-together and comprising of cheap, functional bits - some left over from other projects - draped on the re-sprayed XTC 860 frame. I got my inspiration from the beloved Yeti ARC (er, a straight copy actually) and the painting has been done by fellow Tribe-member Jamie at DoobyDoo Designs (jamie.brockway1@btopenworld.com). He does some very cool custom helmets too, so check him out.

I went cheap by design and opted for laser-cut, stick on graphics with a laquer coating, instead of the airbrushed graphics that would have been my choice on one of the long-term rides.

Looks sweet doesn't it ?

The whole exercise was a useful one as I put the bike back together with only basic knowledge and a bit of reading. However, I now have a bit more skill and a few more tools. I replaced the headset with a new one from FSA and updated the cockpit with some Nuke-Proof gear. I don't have a problem spending good money on CK headsets and the like, but I struggle with spending on Thomson, when lots of other stuff is arguably as stiff, light and good - for me anyway. I thought I would give the Nuke gear a trial over the winter and perhaps use it on the ASR 5 come the Spring.

The single-speed gubbins came from Charlie at http://www.charliethebikemonger.com/ (+44 1929 475833). Charlie is a most helpful chap and has a few sensible videos on YouTube to back up any gaps in your knowledge. I have started with the 16t out back. The kit came with a 17t for 'hilly' conditions - I'm not sure where you draw the line ?!

The first ride resulted in some minor fettling on the trail and another chain-link being removed a good few miles from home, but the adjustments appear to have worked. No problems since.

Molly and I rode yesterday - an easy 16 miles with the sole intention of staying clean and enjoying some coffee - and then she kindly drove off to a pre-arranged RV so I could have some 'turn and gurn' time. I only did about six extra, uphill miles but managed to ride the whole way on a route where I had been taking the 'granny' option in the past. No choices now. The idea is that I will either a. get much fitter over the winter or b. I shall be put off biking altogether.

By Easter there may be a Giant SS on E-Bay or I'll be saving up for some gears!

The next question is whether to take it out on Friday for the night ride with Mike and Stuart ? We are all off-the-boil after Christmas, so there may not be a better time to try it and not get my ar$e kicked too badly .... but I may change to 17t before I leave the house :-)