Biking: Summer 2017 Edition

After a good solid year of getting back on the bike, I decided to upgrade my ride. Last year I was rocking the Trek 820 (c. 1991); this summer I picked up a Surly Cross-Check (c. 2015). What a difference two-plus decades of frame engineering makes. The Cross-Check is a whole lot lighter and generally rides like a dream.

After riding it for a month or so, I started making changes. I ditched the drop bars and threw on the Nitto Albastache bars from Rivendell. Sweet thing about these bars is that they worked with all the Surly's default components. The bars have a 26mm stem clamp and also allows for the drop-bar brake clamps....meaning no new brakes (at least not yet). The bar-end shifters also fit into the Nitto handlebars—bonus! I got a more upright and angled stem...after all, I saved money by not having to get new brakes or shifters.

The next upgrade was the saddle. I found a slightly used Brooks B17 saddle on eBay for about $50. Attached to this is an Echo Trail Seat Bag from Frost River. This thing holds way more than you think it would. Lastly, at least for this year, I found a bargain on a Velo Orange Porteur Rack.

The bike is a great commuter ride.

Ultimately, I may want to spruce up the rack with some wood slats. There are several folks on Etsy that craft these (~$50 for parts, hardware and shipping). Or, I could make my own if I am feeling extra crafty. I might also get some colored tires down the road....maybe white or whitewall tires. I might upgrade the brake levers and put on some fenders as well.