I picked up an old (1999?) Specialized Hardrock from Stamps-With-Foot’s uncle a couple weeks ago.  She somehow agreed to let me have another bike.  I figure she is either having an affair with a non-cycling Adonis and her guilt has allowed this acquisition OR she has come to understand that my bike addiction is not like heroin or gambling or video games and as long as I don’t spend the mortgage or dip into the spawn’s college fund then she will tolerate all the frames and wheels hanging in the rafters.

Anyway…  My new whip will be used as a winter commuter and CycloCross bike.  It is an 8-Speed and the derailleurs and chain are not as finicky about the water and gunk as my regular 9&10 speed training and race bikes.  It is all Aluminum and tough as a coffin nail, so it will not rust and should take the beating that my lack of CycloX skill will subject it to on race days.

Shortly after bringing it home, I stripped off the knobbies, flat bar, grip shifters, scary seat, and brake pads.  I had a set of drop bars, some 26” slicks, and KoolStop pads waiting for it and dropped by Recycled Cycles for some used shifters, grip tape, a shorter stem, and cables.  I hit gold while there and as set of PAUL Cross Lever in-line brakes just fell into my basket…  They looked BRAND NEW and I got them for ½ of retail!  The Wife was not amused at the total for the shopping trip, but to her credit there was no beat down, no yelling, no sleeping in the garage threatened, etc…  She may have picked up a pair of shoes at equal cost though…

I spent a night after work rebuilding and tuning and I must say that I am VERY happy with the results.  The day after I finished, I took her on a shake-down ride home from work, my normal 16.3 mile commute.  It poured on me the whole way and the bike felt solid, the ride and shifting was smooth, gearing was just right for carrying all the additional cold/wet weather gear.  Like all the rest of my two-wheeled mistresses, this bike also has a woman’s name: Christina.  I named her after the actress, Christina Hendricks because she is not some effete tofu-munching, carb-dodging runway model.  She has curves and muscle, and is sexy in an Olivia De Berardinis sort of way.

Yes…  The shop is a mess.  I have a couple things in-process.  No funny quips required.