Amazing hanbuilt fixed gear for sale

Capricorn fixie for sale

After much thought, I’ve decided I’m interested in selling my hand built Capricorn fixed gear bike.  I’m looking at a couple other options, but want to make sure this amazing bike has a good home.  If you are interested in a very good quality, extremely well cared for, handmade in the USA bike, this bike will be sold for a great price for a bike of this quality.

Details:

• True Temper Versus steel, designed and built by Capricorn Bicycles (Brad Wilson) in Minneapolis, MN, USA.
• Bike is fast, fun, and versatile.  It has served as a one-bike-does-all from commuting, to errands, to fun rides, to pulling a Burley, to riding at the velodrome in Blaine, to fixed gear road rides (including a century ride).
• Red 56cm True Temper Versus frameset, silver fillet brazed
• F&R brake mounts (rear brake bridge recently added)
• Campy Record headset (1″ threaded)
• Nitto stem with Profile AirWing bullhorns, just wrapped in cloth tape with natural cork tape on top (and custom cork bar plugs)
• Optional/available Cinelli stem and Cinelli track drops with white cork (sold separately or package deal)
• Front sidepull brake with Salsa cross hinged lever (easy to remove if you go brakeless)
• Sugino cranks with 15t Dura Ace cog (19t Surly Cog available separately)
• Wheels: Surly hubs w/ Alex rims and Maxis Detonator tires
• 56 seat, 56 top, 74 deg head and seat angle
• Recently powdercoated, January 2011
• Never ridden in winter salt/slush/snow; rarely ridden in rain; stored indoors

NOT INCLUDED: Sale will NOT include pictured Brooks saddle, Thomson seatpost, or Speedplay pedals.  Substitute Kalloy seatpost and All City track pedals will be included; supply your own seat or I will include a saddle until you find one.

This is a “feeler” to see if there is interest in this bike, being sold complete.  Please submit an offer to Brad AT fixed Riders DOT com.

It will be sold for an amount substantially less than what you would pay for a new handbuilt frame and build kit, yet it’s age and condition is similar to what you would find new.  If you are interested, get in touch by leaving a comment or email to info AT fixed Riders DOT com with an offer.

Please let me know if you’re interested in checking it out, or post/distribute to someone who may be.  Hoping to sell in the next few weeks, so this opportunity probably won’t last.

Puma, Ducati, and Fixed Gear

What do Puma, Ducati and Fixed Gear have in common? 

The “lean in and ride” video series showcasing Ducati’s partnership with Puma, and Eric Hseuh of Livery Design Gruppe. (who happens to ride a Ducati and builds handbuilt fixed gear bikes)

Photo credit - Livery Design Gruppe

I recently received a nice email, announcing that the debut of a Puma video series celebrating the relationship with Ducati had launched, and that the fourth video features Eric Hseuh.

I had admittedly not heard of Eric Hseuh.  However, after checking out the awesome video, here: http://youtu.be/1DeFO1QVwYA, I promptly went to the website of his fixed gear bike building company, Livery Design Gruppe.  The Livery Design Gruppe bikes look amazing.  Personally, I have to appreciate someone who rides a Ducati and builds fixed gear bikes – here’s someone who appreciates fine engineering and how to make form and function merge as art.

Do any FixedRiders.com readers happen to have first-hand experience with Livery Design Gruppe (i.e., you ride one, have checked them out in person, etc.)?  These bikes look amazing  – capable of street, road, or track riding.  They appear to be well designed in both form and function, and showcase some amazing bike building artistry.  I’d love to ride one myself.

So, take a look at the cool Ducati and Puma “Lean in and Ride” series, and their contest, which you can find here: http://www.puma.com/motorsport.  Then, make sure to check out more about Livery Design Gruppe, here: http://www.liverydesigngruppe.com. Both are very impressive for fans of fixed gear, or of Ducati motorcycles.

Edina Bike to Work Day

For those of you who live in/near Edina, MN and commute by bike to downtown (or are interested in giving it a try) the crew from BikeEdina.org is organizing a Bike to Work Day.  The BikeEdina.org bike to work event is on June 9th, 2011.  Meet outside of Starbucks near Lunds just southwest of the corner of 50th and France.

The bike to work crew is meeting at 6:35 a.m. and departing at 6:45 a.m. for a group ride to downtown Minneapolis (Government Center Plaza). This ride is geared especially for NEW or BEGINNING bicycle commuters. Contact ride leader Kirk Johnson (kirk.johnson@LoganLogic.com) if you have questions.  All are welcome!

For more information about bike commuting and bike advocacy in Edina, go to BikeEdina.org.

Share the Road!

A common and recurring theme for cyclists, particularly those of us who use our bikes to commute, to run errands, or to log miles on the road, is that many drivers fail to have sufficient respect for the rights of cyclists.

Drivers, please recognize that the “share the road” chorus of cyclists is the result of too many motorists driving as if the road is theirs alone.  Cyclists have the legal right to use public roads as well, and drivers have legal obligations to understand, appreciate, and heed the rights of cyclists.

Poor interactions between drivers and cyclists are often (but not always) the result of inattentive or disrespectful drivers.  Although cars that collide sometimes simply leave each driver with some auto body work needed to bring their car back to its previous condition.  But when a car or truck collides with a cyclist, the result is often serious injury or death.

In Minnesota, there have been two separate car-bike accidents resulting in death of a cyclist, within the last week.  Just this morning, a 73-year-old Winona cyclist was killed in a collision with a school bus (http://www.winonadailynews.com/news/local/article_67b84c5c-6f59-11e0-ba72-001cc4c03286.html).

Last Thursday, the 21st of April, the life of a 25-year-old University of Minnesota was taken by a truck driver who collided with her while making a right turn.  Both of these women should still be living, sharing time with their family and friends, and riding their bikes yet today.  We mourn the loss of their lives,  and pray that their families may have strength as they cope with an unimaginable tragedy.

According to the Star Tribune article about the accident involving Kimberly Yeong Sil Hull (http://www.startribune.com/local/minneapolis/120353624.html), nine cyclists were killed by vehicles last year in Minnesota, with an average of eight car-bike collision fatalities annually, within the state.

Some accidents, particularly high-speed crashes with two cars or motor vehicles colliding, are difficult to avoid.  However, many car-bike accidents result from failure to yield, cars giving cyclists insufficient room/space when passing, turning, etc. and sometimes texting, distracted driving and the like.  Commuting to work, I’ve seen many motorists very distracted by their phone conversations, texting/email, and the like.

In the wake of two tragic and avoidable vehicle-bike fatalities, FixedRiders.com would like all drivers to heed the following message:

DRIVERS – PLEASE BE ALERT TO ATHE RIGHTS OF CYCLISTS, RUNNERS, AND PEDESTRIANS.  RESPECT OUR LIVES.  We have no seat belts, no air bags, no reinforced safety cage, and no protection from inattentive and reckless drivers.  Please respect human life and respect the cyclists and others on the road who trust that you will not gamble with our safety.  SHARE THE ROAD, AND ENCOURAGE OTHER DRIVERS TO DO THE SAME!!

Cyclists, this is a two-way street.  We also need to be respectful of cars, and abide by the rules and laws of the road.  Some deaths are caused by a cyclist’s failure to heed traffic signals or right of way rules.  We all must do our part – two cycling deaths in Minnesota in 2011 is two more than we should have.  Let’s not allow any more to occur.

Spring is almost here

In Minnesota, while many of us enjoy winter, we still anxiously wait for spring each year.  Last year, I resumed bike commuting March 15th, when all the snow melted.  This year, that day was March 18th, but there was still plenty of snow.

Our snowbanks are dwindling after near record snowfall in the 2010-2011 MN winter, and spring is most welcome for those of us who enjoy summer cycling and other summer activity.

I recently acquired a fatbike with nearly 4″ wide tires, and find that even snow riding is awesome with a fatbike.  I commuted by fatbike to work and have also enjoyed riding it on snow-covered trails.  While I’m a huge fan of fixed gear bikes, fatbikes are a nice alternative in winter (and you can even ride a fatbike fixed gear, though I prefer gears on a fatbike).

If you’re interested in fatbikes for winter riding or just want to learn more about them, check out our recently launched sister site, at RideFatbikes.com.  In the meantime, enjoy spring and happy riding.

North American Handmade Bicycle Show

Since 2005, an event called the North American Handmade Bicycle Show has featured the craft and artistry of American bicycle framebuilders, starting with an original six in the 2005 show in Houston, TX.  You can find a full history and more information about the NAHBS, here.

This year’s NAHBS is going on now, February 25-27, in Austin, TX.  Many amazing bike builders will have their coolest and best offerings showcased at the show, and those lucky enough to attend will get to see some of the nicest custom bikes available.

FixedRiders.com has the fortune of getting a few updates and photos, offered generously by our friends at Speedhound Design Bureau.

Speedhound is a Minneapolis handbuilt bicycle company, and one of several out at NAHBS this year.  Speedhound has some amazing bikes, and their innovative design allows a rider to build a road, cyclocross, fixie, or commuter with their unique “Only One” frameset with an interchangeable dropout system.  The dropouts (in the picture to the left) are a tremendous innovation, and very practical.

Speedhound should definitely draw some interest from the NAHBS attendees this year.  Check out Speedhound’s website to take a look at photos of complete builds, to learn about the versatile frame design, and pick your color.

For now, here are a few photos sent to us by Speedhound.  If anyone else at NAHBS would like to send some info or photos our way, please do so (info AT Fixed Riders DOT com). 

Thanks Speedhound, for giving us all a chance to see part of the action in Austin!

 

Handbuilt Capricorn for Sale

Well, I didn’t think I’d ever try to sell my fixed gear bike, which is a handbuilt Capricorn fixie with True Temper Versus steel, designed and built by Capricorn Bicycles (Brad Wilson) in Minneapolis, MN, USA.  This bike has proven fast, fun, and versatile.  It has served as a one-bike-does-all from commuting, to errands, to fun rides, to pulling a Burley, to riding at the velodrome in Blaine, to fixed gear road rides (including a century ride).

I’m only interested in selling this because I’m considering the possibility of a similar frame, but cyclocross style, to accommodate wider tires and canti brakes.  This Cappy has served me well, and since I purchased it less than two years ago and it hasn’t been ridden in the winter it’s a chance to get an almost new bike at a discounted price.

If you’ve ever considered purchasing a beautiful handbuilt steel fixed gear, or are looking for an affordable Capricorn sold as a complete bike, this might be a great opportunity for you.  After just rebuilding my orange Capricorn fixie with front brake mount only to a red Capricorn fixie with reinforced top tube gusset, rear brake mount, and brass serial number, this bike is in like new condition.  It has not yet been ridden since the rebuild (here), and it’s never been ridden in winter snow/salt/grime.

Here’s the lowdown:

• Red 56cm True Temper Versus frameset, silver fillet brazed
• F&B brake mounts (rear brake bridge recently added)
• Campy Record headset (1″ threaded)
• Nitto stem with Profile AirWing bullhorns, just wrapped in cloth tape with natural cork tape on top (and custom cork bar plugs)
• Optional/available Cinelli stem and Cinelli track drops with white cork
• Front sidepull brake with Salsa cross hinged lever (easy to remove if you go brakeless)
• Sugino cranks and choice of 15t Dura Ace cog or 19t Surly Cog (both are like new)
• Wheels: Surly hubs w/ Alex rims and Maxis Detonator tires
• 56 seat, 56 top, 74 deg head and seat angle
• Recently powdercoated, January 2011

Sale will NOT include pictured Brooks saddle, Thomson seatpost, or Speedplay pedals.  Substitute Kalloy seatpost will be included; supply your own seat/pedals.  Sale WILL include your choice of stem/bars: 1) Profile bullhorns with brand new natural cork bar tape over cloth tape and custom cork bar ends (pictured here); or 2) classic Cinelli stem with Cinelli track drops.

This is a “feeler” to see if there is interest in this bike, being sold complete.

It will be sold for an amount substantially less than what you would pay for a new handbuilt frame and build kit, yet it’s age and condition is similar to what you would find new.  If you are interested, get in touch by leaving a comment or email to info AT fixed Riders DOT com with an offer.

Please let me know if you’re interested in checking it out, or post/distribute to someone who may be.  Hoping to sell in the next few weeks, so this opportunity probably won’t last.

Favorite Blogs?

Knowing what a challenge it is to keep fresh and interesting content, we have learned to appreciate other good cycling blogs, and this post is designed to showcase/highlight some of our favorites.  If you have your own favorite, or believe we are missing an important one, please leave us a comment or email to Info AT fixed Riders DOT com.  We’ll update this post and add new blogs if you help remind us of some we might be missing.

Below are our favorite bike / cycling blogs, in two categories (bike blogs based in MN, and bike blogs based elsewhere or origin unknown).  If you see your own blog, or your favorite blog, please share the link to this post, or tweet it (credit to @FixedRiders on Twitter would be appreciated).

Favorite bike blogs based in Minnesota, in no particular order:

• All City Blog (http://www.allcitycycles.com/blog/)– All City Cycles (a QBP brand run by Jeff Frane) offers an awesome line of bikes and frames, and Jeff Frane (from what we hear, read, and the few email interactions I’ve had with him) is an all-around cool guy.  The Big Block and Nature Boy are particularly nice bikes, both of which are fixed or singlespeed only.  Their blog continually offers information about their bikes, the local bike scene, and cool things related to biking and Minneapolis events.

• Capricorn Bicycles Blog (http://www.capricornbicycles.blogspot.com/) — Brad Wilson, the framebuilder/artist behind Capricorn Bicycles is not only among the best local framebuilders, but his blog offers some good stories and insight into the craft of bike building.  Watching a frame “come alive” and seeing some of the artistry that goes into frame building is something the internet, blogs, and Brad Wilson all help make available to the rest of us.

• MNBicycleCommuter (http://mnbicyclecommuter.blogspot.com/) — Although I’ve never had opportunity to meet the Doug behind MN Bicycle Commuter, I admire his amazing dedication to bicycle commuting in Duluth, MN, a city not particularly “warm” to year-round cycling.  He is an inspiration to cycling commuters, proving if it can be done in Duluth, it can be done anywhere.  I’ve followed his blog for awhile, and appreciate the amazing photos he captures during winter rides (particularly cool shots on snowmobile trails taken while riding a Surly Pugsley) and his insight into how to successfully manage to ride through all seasons and all weather.  He recently posted that his nearly unbelievable streak of 22 months of continuous bicycle commuting every day of the work week just came to a close.  That’s amazing, and his blog is an amazing bicycle commuting success story and role model for those of us who’d like to improve at it.

• Hiawatha Cyclery Blog (http://hiawathacyclery.blogspot.com/) — There are many cool bike shops in the Minneapolis area, and some of them also have cool blogs.  One such blog is by Hiawatha Cyclery, a very cool shop run by guys who know biking, and are very personable and willing to share some of their knowledge and ideas.  Their blog reveals some great information about their insight on what makes certain bikes a good fit for certain riders or types of riding, and even showcases some of their unique custom builds.  It’s worth checking out.

• Milltown Cycles Blog (http://milltowncycles.blogspot.com/)– Although I’ve stumbled on this gem more recently, this is a cool blog.  Apparently, they also run a very cool bike shop in Faribault, MN (not the first place everyone has in mind when thinking “cool bike shop”).  I’ve not had a chance to visit the shop personally, but hope I can someday.  Many of the unique bikes and custom builds shown on the Milltown Blog are amazing, including some of the coolest Pugsley builds I’ve seen.  They recently revealed a handbuilt and custom designed snow bike / fat bike that is essentially a variant of the genre formed by the Pugsley, Mukluk, Fatback, and 9Zero7.  The Mike Pofahl built “Fatgo”, which you can see here, looks amazing!

• Bike Jerks Minneapolis (http://bikejerksmpls.blogspot.com/) — Bike Jerks is a great blog, with regular content from Jeff Frane (same Jeff Frane of All City).  It’s proof positive that there are a great many cool bike blogs in Minneapolis, which is an amazing cycling city, incidentally.  Check it.

• Behind Bars Bike Shop Blog (http://behind-bars-bicycle-shop.blogspot.com/) — One of my personal favorite bike shops is Behind Bars in NE Mpls.  They are top notch, from their service, to product selection, to know-how, to ability to do great work at reasonable prices, is all tough to match.  While this doesn’t mean they automatically have a cool bike blog worth mentioning here, they happen to have that too.  Check it out.  Although this post isn’t focused on websites, they apparently have a new website coming, which may also be worth seeing.

• Cycle Twin Cities (http://cycletc.com/) — Another one from the local scene.  Unless I’m wrong, these folks just showed up at or around the beginning of 2011.  There’s plenty of room in the bike world for cool blogs, so new and emerging groups helping encourage and promote cycling are always welcome.  These folks put together a fine blog, with lots of new content and Twitter feeds (“tweets” as I think the kids are calling them).

• Surly Bike Blog (http://www.surlybikes.com/blog/) –Surly bikes are cool.  They are versatile, they are capable without too much flash or pretense, and they have multiple options that individually represent all the bike someone might want or need, and collectively represent an arsenal of bikes that would be nearly the perfect bike garage to cover every cycling need or event.   It should come as no surprise then, that their blog is cool, and given that Surly is a Minneapolis company, we at FixedRiders.com appreciate their bikes, and their blog, a great deal.

Bike blogs based outside Minnesota, in no particular order:

• Prolly is not Probably (http://prollyisnotprobably.com/) — In the blog world, and perhaps in the bicycle scene much more broadly, John Prolly, and the Prolly is not Probably Blog is somewhat legendary.  It’s tough not to hear of Prolly in the fixed gear and cycling blog scene, and his blog is absolutely one to follow.  He needs no endorsement from FixedRiders.com, as he’s doing just fine on his own.  That said, we appreciate his blog.

• Fixed Gear Gallery (http://www.fixedgeargallery.com/) — Perhaps the first, and certainly among the finest blogs, photo galleries in the fixed gear world is Fixed Gear Gallery, based in Michigan.  Fixed Gear Gallery likely needs no introduction, but if you have just awoken from a long slumber and have heard about cycling blogs for the first time just recently, make sure to check Fixed Gear Gallery out.  Their posts of reader-submitted fixed gear bikes, with new bikes posted daily, is an awesome format that may be imitated but never duplicated.

• Fatbike Alaska (http://fatbikealaska.blogspot.com/) — if you like snow bikes (also known as “fatbikes”), you should check out Fatbike Alaska.  Fatbikes were born in Alaska, though Minnesota (with Surly based here) is certainly helping to advance the genre.

Clearly this is just a sampling of cool bike blogs we read somewhat regularly, though there are many we may have forgotten or don’t yet know about.  As mentioned, if you think there is a particularly great bike blog we’re missing, drop us a comment, an email, or a tweet to @FixedRiders.

Frostbike 2011 is this weekend!

Does everyone know Frostbike 2011 is this weekend?  Quality Bicycle Products (QBP) has an annual vendor/exhibitor weekend event, called Frostbike, and this year it’s February 18-20th (this weekend)!

Quality Bicycle Products is Bloomington, Minnesota’s own bike parts supplier / distributor to more than 5000 local bike shops, and home to amazing in-house brands such as All-City, Handspun, Surly, and Salsa.  In their words, Frostbike is the annual gathering of our best dealers and vendors. It’s an opportunity to expand business and technical acumen. A chance to renew personal connections in our community of dealers, vendors, and staff. And most of all, it is a time to have fun and let us thank you for your partnership.

While some of their workshops, training sessions, and so forth are “VIP” only, they also have a snowshoeing event, a tour, and even a scratch and dent sale that you might want to check out!  Find the Frostbike 2011 schedule here.  QBP is not only an amazing asset to the Minneapolis and MN bicycling community (with easy access and delivery to the many local bike shops we know and love) but they are also focused on environmental stewardship.  Read more about QBP, at their website here.

Check out Frostbike this weekend.  Better yet, if you are a vendor, exhibitor, or an attendee at Frostbike, feel free to send pics or comments to FixedRiders.com.  Leave a comment, or email us at INFO at Fixed Riders DOT com.  We’d be happy to throw up a few photos or comments about the event.  Have fun at Frostbike everyone!

Do-over (thanks Capricorn!)

There are moments in time that we all wish we could do over.  For me, one such moment was driving into my garage, with my cherished Capricorn fixie on my roof rack.

As a brief public service announcement, let me encourage you to find a way to remind yourself that your bike is mounted on your roof rack, before you enter your garage.  While I was able to do that successfully for 16 years of using a roof rack, all it took was a moment of forgetfulness to leave a lasting impression.

In a moment of oversight, an amazing handbuilt steel frame built by framebuilder/craftsman Brad Wilson (Capricorn Bicycles in Minneapolis), was inflicted with damage to the top tube that I wasn’t sure could be repaired.  Fortunately, the frame took the hit incredibly well, with the bullhorn handlebars absorbing much of the impact, and the top tube taking some pressure by way of a small ripple in the top tube.

Although I didn’t think a “do-over” was an option, I was hopeful that something could be done to fix/repair/salvage my frame.  I contacted Brad Wilson, frame builder extraordinaire and proprietor of Capricorn Bicycles in Minneapolis, Minnesota.  he encouraged me that the frame could be repaired, and took it back to his shop to work some wizardry.

Just this week I was lucky enough to retrieve my rebuilt/refinished frame.  What started as a beautiful Orange (“Capricot”) fixed gear frame emerged as a completely new looking red fixed gear frame, with an added brake bridge in case I want to add a rear brake, a brass serial number badge, a supporting gusset on the top tube where the damage had been inflicted, and a perfect new powdercoat.

The beauty of a handbuilt steel bike frame is not limited to its original craftsmanship.  Its beauty, functionality, and practicality are enhanced and further revealed when a bike, post-accident, can look as good or better than it did before, with improved functionality.  Capricorn Bicycles and Brad Wilson have been able to provide that do-over, and in turn demonstrate that a handbuilt steel frame offers character, function, and beauty that is tough to match with any production bike ever made.

For a nice write-up of the repair work, visit the Capricorn Bicycles blog and read Brad Wilson’s recent post.  Better yet, support your local framebuilders and get a chance to test out the beauty, longevity, and practicality of a steel frame for yourself.  If you’re in Minnesota, consider working with Capricorn Bicycles to have a bike built – I couldn’t be more impressed with the craftsmanship of this excellent local framebuilder.