The Radavist

The 2012 Philly Bike Expo is approaching fast and one of my favorite bikes from last year’s show wasn’t on the floor in a booth, it was outside being ridden by Alan of Cycling WMD. This Hail Satan Porteur rack caused quite the stir and it wasn’t just its fluoro pink powder. Check out the HED 3 disk conversion! Alan’s always got something sneaky up his sleeve. Hopefully I’ll see him in Philly! Check out more of this Photoset Re-Up in the Gallery.

As I was backing up my photos from Interbike, I realized I never posted these. It’s a few photos I shot of Jason Clary’s new LOW track bike. He’s had the frame for a while but it’s good to see it built up. I’ve always liked the crazy custom paint and finishing schemes Andrew comes up with and this bike is no different.

Since moving to Austin and meeting Ross, all he’s been talking about was his 2012 Speedvagen build that he was ever so patiently waiting for. In the time he was sitting on the list, he began collecting parts. The Campagnolo group was a no-brainer, but the Clavicula cranks, Praxis rings, EE Cycle Works brake calipers and Alchemy hubs were above and beyond a standard kit, even for Ross. I have to say, I see a lot of balleur road bikes these days but this one is by far a favorite. See for yourself below!

I have met a lot of interesting people on the road. All through bikes. People from all walks of life, with various careers, personalities and ambitions. Sometimes those people become good friends. And that’s how Omar and I became friends. What started as a haircut, led to drinking, then more drinking, some karaoke, bad tattoos (have we even ridden yet man?) and finally, another haircut. Vinny’s Barbershop is my go-to spot for a trim when I’m in LA and it’s not just because Omar knows how to take 20+ years off with an hour-long session…

Today I swung through to see Ian at Icarus about a few things. One of which was to photograph a new frame that just returned from Fresh Frame, his painter. This frame in particular is headed over to Germany tomorrow and it’s stunning. The client wanted a blue and white track frame, inspired by Jeremy’s Classic Track. The subtle pearl coat’s blue reflection really pops in the sunlight and I can’t wait to see how this beauty builds up. Until Ian and I can figure out a way to display these frames, I just asked to hold it in front of his new shop. It’s gonna be a busy winter for Icarus.

Cross Vegas. One night during Interbike where the industry and UCI come together for a night of boozin’ and racin’. This year’s heats were bigger, faster and more beer’er than ever. How about less talk, more photos?

I’m fried from Interbike and about to head out to the airport. Once I finish post-processing everything, the posts will commence, until then, check out these photos I shot of Jen and Kelli from Ritte Racing at Cross Vegas.

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In a world where a majority of carbon fiber bicycle manufacturing is overseas, it’s rare to see someone not only building frames Stateside, but approaching customization in an entirely different way. That’s what Ben from Argonaut Cycles is doing with his custom carbon fiber road bikes. Everything from the weave to the molds is proprietary and made here in the USA. I got to spend 111 miles next to (well behind) this bike and I gotta say, it’s drop dead gorgeous in motion. Which is probably why I had a hard time photographing the thing at a stand still.

If you’re at the Dirt Demo today at Interbike, you can see this baby in person. If you can’t make it out, check out more photos below.

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For anyone that watched cycling in the late 80’s, this bike should look familiar. Before Merckx built the team 7-Eleven frames, Landshark and Serotta had built their fair share of “Huffy” team bikes. On a recent group ride in Milwaukee, Peter from COG Magazine found himself cruising next to Tom Schuler, of 7-Eleven fame. This 1987 National Champ still rides his team bike, which is in perfect condition. It’s hard to imagine someone holding onto a bike for that long in this day and age but when you were a part of a legacy, that’s all the reason you need.

Peter was kind enough to send over some amazing photos of this Serotta-built team 7-Eleven. Check out more below.

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So you’ll have to excuse the enthusiastic photos and copy here but since I got my new fork on my Icarus ViKing Track, I’ve been looking for a polished silver, non-grooved 31.8, 44cm wide road bar, but to no avail. Track drops on the street aren’t for me. They never come wide enough and I like having multiple hand positions on the bike while riding.

I couldn’t figure out why it was so hard to find that exact bar. Surely someone else wanted it? It wasn’t until a friend showed me the Ritchey Classic Logic Curve that I thought there even existed such a bar. Minimally branded and all of the above, these bars fit the bike perfectly.

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