And now for the little things…

Here’s the problem with riding with Albert. He’s so willing to check things out, and he’s so knowledgeable about the options when it comes to kitting out a bike that he gives a man ideas. Like the light nug that fits conveniently on the front fork side mounts of a bike and on which you can affix your (previously handle-bar-mounted) light. Think of all of that room I’ll be saving in my cockpit. Or the bottle-cage tool bag that he’s got on the underside of his down-tube. Or the Stan’s Dart tool that plugged my tire when I hit a metal pipe protruding from the sidewalk.

[PSA: Joon and I have flatted three tires between the two of us on these obstacles – pylons placed at intersections to keep cars from driving on sidewalks (in search of parking, no doubt) that get broken off and leave behind the base, which is murder on bike tires if you hit them.]

It’s bad enough riding with Joon – we both ended up with new bikes because I think we convinced each other that his idea of taking advantage of the current exchange rate to buy the Giant Revolt was a good one. But now, of course, I’ve got to make this the best machine I’ll ever ride. What’s a few bucks more, having sunk that much in in the first place?

So I guess it’s time for those new Salsa Woodchippers (see my first installation project here). Lighter and wider. And of course, I need one of those dart tools…even though the plugs cost 4 bucks apiece. Hey, peace of mind is worth it, and I really don’t think I’ll flat that much – and even if I did, 20 bucks a year on those plugs isn’t a bad deal (not to mention I should probably pay back Albert and Alex for using theirs to help me out). Then there’s the bar tape for the new Woodchippers. Thankfully, my brand (Supacaz) is super-discounted right now on Amazon (only $22.50!).

But it all adds up. And even though I think I’ve covered things fairly well, I’m sure I’ll think of something else later. Especially if I ride any more with Albert. And I know Joon just ordered a top-tube bag that’ll need a good looking at. And of course I’ve already ordered (through Joon) the light nug, which moves my light off of the handle bars, which, in turn frees up a bit more room for me, so I guess it’s time to get that quadlock for my phone. And isn’t it about time I got a new phone…?