Archive for October, 2007

This week was dedicated to building a track frame that will be traveling halfway around the world to Hong Kong when it’s done. I was unaware of the fixed gear bike culture in Hong Kong but was made aware by Brian Fu who will be the proud owner of this Circle A. There was one non-standard request for this frame which was that he wants the bars to be able to spin 360°. This requires super long top tube, steep seat tube and head tube angles, and little to no rake on the fork. Exciting stuff but the challenge lies in the restrictions of it being a lugged frame. Lots of grinding and shaping to get the right angles. It’s made using Henry James’ lugs, Paul Components’ dropouts with integrated tensioners, and Columbus’ new Spirit for Lugs tubeset. Here are some pics of the progress so far.

 
 

So I should’ve mentioned this here BEFORE it happened but today was the big Nightmare Before Christmas Halloween Alleycat here in Providence, RI. I’m sorry I spaced. There was a great turnout nonetheless. Mike Bike won it and chose a Circle A repaint as his prize. Hannah was first for women. Congratulations! I brought out the cross bike and rode almost the whole race with Marty from Geekhouse. It was such a good time. Bobby runs a tight ship. Keep up the great work!

 
 
 

Emily wanted to see some pics of my built up cross bike on here so here they are. It’s only been raced once so far (unless you count the alleycat) but that will be changing very soon. Clearly built up with lots of Ritchey stuff and a Campy Centaur drivetrain.

 
 

Even though we only gave a week and a half of notice, a lot of people still managed to come out to the open house on Sunday. Thanks to everyone who came out and made it a great time. A special thanks to Alan for leading the group ride around Lincoln, RI in the afternoon. Definitely a great way to spend a summer-ish autumn day.

 
 
 
 


On a separate note, Brent built his bike up today at the shop and it is GORGEOUS! He did a great job selecting the colors. The black components go very well with the orange and blue. I borrowed these pictures from his blog.

And finally, mark your calendar as Circuit BMX is hosting a BMX Swap Meet and Footdown World Championships going down on November 3rd. If you’re a BMX’er of any kind and you miss this, you’re dead to me.

All right, sorry for the late notice but for all interested, Circle A is having an open house on Sunday the 21st. Here are the details from Chris:

“That’s right, it’s been six years in Providence, and after a few months we’re more or less settled at the new space on Charles Street.

Come by on Sunday and we’ll recall fondly our tales of road rash, homicidal drivers, tours de beer, and that time you got your cuff stuck in your crank and it pulled your pants off.

Oh wait that was me.

Garrett will be rocking out the fancy espresso drinks and I’m sure there will be beer and pretzels from Job Lot or something.

2 PM – weather permitting, come early with your bike and we’ll have a nice leasurely ride, maybe to Lincoln Woods or Blackstone or something.

4-7 PM This would be the actual event with the coffee and beer and stuff.

Tell your friends, bring your bike, and especially bring your Circle A if you have one, we’d love to get a good group grope. I mean photo.

523 Charles Street, just south of Branch Ave., walk past the garden and there we are. If you’re driving, park on Charles.

Questions, comments, etc, call us. 401-831-5221.

Thanks! Chris, Brian and Emily will be there too!”

On a separate note, Brent’s frame is done. Just need to add Frame Saver and polish the badge. Here are some pics and if you come to the open house, you can see it in person. More pics can be seen here.

 
 
 

Brent Wetters’ lugged frame is more than underway right now. I’m finally uploading some pics of it as it’s already mostly brazed together. Brent is planning on racing this thing up many a hill which I can’t wait to see how he does. You can stay up to date on his racing on it here

 
 

I also finished the paint on my cross frame and am building it up right now because I’m pretty eager to ride it this weekend at the A.N.T. open house. Here are some pics of the finished product and as usual, here’s the slideshow.