Ack I need a new bike. Bought my first one a couple of years ago (Trek 7000 commuter bike) and I've grown to hate it. The frame is so big and heavy it's not worth it to me to try and upgrade its parts. I just learned of a local bike shop that deals with used bikes and rebuilds - looks like a cool place owned by a dedicated bike mechanic. Sorry for the long cut & paste, but it's a pretty good read - I'd rather give this guy my business than to go through one of our "upscale" bike shops:
I live like 3 blocks from Bike Club. I've had mixed experiences there, one good, one not so good. They recently remodeled and I have not seen the new setup. There is another new bike store in Falls Church near the corner of West and Route 7 called Bikenetic. I've had best luck at Bikes at Vienna and Papillon. The later is less upscale, Bikes at Vienna has branched out and is designed to do more recumbent, trike business but got my Breezer there and have got great service from them.
I have a Trek 8000 that I picked up about 11 years ago. Over the years I have replaced just about everything but the frame and the front wheel. I usually tried to buy upgraded components when I needed to replace a broken/worn part.
I got a WadePatton.
2.5 actually-the CX bike is "on the bench" nearly ready for main triangle brazing. paul brakes, ss.
Neat! How did you get into frame building? In the photograph, the welds on the headtube look amazing.
Good luck with your venture Wade Patton - framebuilding is a wonderful skill and you have my respect I've read some great articles recently on the resurgence of hand made bicycles. Dirt Rag had an article on the NAHBS in Sacramento and http://singletrackworld.com/ often cover small framebuilders. Shoot Chipps at singletrack an email and you may get some coverage in the mag or online. They really appreciate craftmanship.
I got a WadePatton.
2.5 actually-the CX bike is "on the bench" nearly ready for main triangle brazing. paul brakes, ss.View attachment 264078
My 2008 Novara Safari now has a cracked fork after about 6500 miles on it. REI is replacing it for free although the color won't match. Glad I uncovered the cracked fork before a catastrophic failure.