Author Archives: zundel

Shogun Prairie Breaker 2

NicholasCarman1 1033

The Craigslist ad reads, “Draire Breaken 2: $100”. Even through twisted English and a low-res cell phone photo, I know what I’m looking at. Just to clarify, I inquire: “I am very interested in your mountain bike. Do you know what the model name is?”

Hi Nicholas,
The Model Name is Draire Breaken 2. It has Shamano Deore XT Derailer, Shifters & Tarney XT Crank. Cr-mo Steel Tange M+B Forks. I have had many people interested so, first come first served. I’m sorry. Thanks.

Armed with $100, we arrange to meet at the seller’s house near the Tacoma Mall. When I arrive, he is attempting to remove a square taper crank from a Trek hybrid bicycle with a blowtorch and a hammer. I inform him that a simple $10 tool will easily remove the crankarm. Bang. Bang. Bang. “This damned thing is on her good”, he explains. I nod in…

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Shimano 6800

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Good build quality as expected from better Shimano groups.
Nice use of some Dura-Ace technology.
Wide gear range available: 11-32.

Some cautions:

Non-standard chain rings
Fussy front derailer
Cable alignment tool may not report the optimal position with the cable near the center line.
Rollers of the brake calipers will require more frequent and more thorough maintenance.
Cables will get fuzzy

Recommend reading at least the lever and front derailer manuals.

Link

Instead of competing, local shops spread the love by promoting each other by Jonathan Maus

Delightful collegial Portland: so many shops come from each other or know each other.

Link

Bill Watts and his awesome bicycle.
credit: Michelle Craig

My awesome, hand-built bicycle by Bill Watts

A nice personal article about having a bike built. $4,100 for a custom bike is a good price and a lot cheaper and better than some of the stuff off the rack.

Link