We all wait for the day to select a new bicycle hopefully and equip it the way we like. It’s truly a holiday to celebrate and remember for bicyclists.
This past week I had such an experience and I am deeply grateful that I had the means for it. People say if you keep up the ride the means will follow and they always have for me.
After the smoke cleared on Friday, I found me with an FX 1 SL4 essentially fully loaded for commuting. The bell has a nice sized compass on its face to always know the direction we are riding. It was the steal of the batch at USD 10.
I also went in for reversing the upward sloping steering mount to a downward slope for far better aerodynamics on the wheel.
Further, I went in on steering extensions crucially for another position to keep my hands fresh and ready as well as a different position for arms and shoulders to reduce soreness.
Finally I also added a rear rack for panniers, aluminum fenders and bottle cage. The aluminum fenders are extremely durable and will outlast plastic and are worth USD 112. Fenders are critical in commuting because they keep dirt, mud and water off our clothes.
Interestingly this Trek bicycle included neither a kickstand nor a quick release on the front wheel. I had these items added back.
Trek’s rationale included safety and security reasons for the lack of a QR on front wheel. I’ve never had issues as I lock wheel to frame and check QRs condition pre-ride.
I had the LBS put QR back on because when I travel I oftentimes take the wheel off the frame for more compactness. This is easier and faster without a separate wrench.
This past month solar surpasssed coal for volume of electricity produced for the first time. Wind has done so several times.
Impressively surging totals for renewables come in the wake of growing hostility from Trump 2.0, including the recent investment of USD 700 million to subsidize and promote the dying deadly coal industry with our taxpayer dollars.
And Trump 2.0 continues to fight the construction of wind farms across the country but is losing in Court in all cases.