Zing!

My friends, forgive my absence. I got a job. It's remarkable, really, how much less time you have to ponder the more frilly things when you have to work four whole days per week. For the past few weeks I've been settling into my new schedule as a salesdude at Providence Bicycle. It's a large store with an even larger warren of storage and warehouse space. If we don't have it, it probably doesn't exist. My first day, I got lost and found myself face to face with the Wall Of Bottom Brackets. I expect I will eventually find the Room of Requirement--when I need it most.

I've already learned a great deal about bikes, bike shoes, bike tires, bike racks, and general accoutrements des bicyclettes. But mostly, I've learned that I know nothing. I thought I knew something about bicycles: I am a rank amateur. It's pretty exciting to think about how much I have to learn--how much is out there. Of course, knowing nothing hasn't stopped me from selling bicycles. I know enough to say "Oh yes and here's the Raleigh Detour 3.5 with, ah, lessee... SRAM components, of course. That's good." Luckily, from teaching bike safety classes through LAB and by being a watchful cyclist, I've spent a lot of time watching people ride bikes. So I can tell pretty quickly if the bike is a good fit, which has helped greatly. But still, I have yet to even come near the serious mountain or road bikes. I'm strictly selling hybrids and kids' bikes these days. But I'll get there.

I've been enjoying riding and learning about lots of different bikes. We have a ton of Electra cruiser-style bicycles and they're a lot of fun to ride. There's also a Schwinn adult sized tricycle that I enjoy riding around the store to celebrate whenever I sell a bike. On her first visit to the store, Laura came upon me gleefully tooling around on the tricycle. That thing is awesome. It has a backrest! Love it.

This weekend I am lucky enough to play host to a BMC Streetfire SSX. Triple-butted aluminum frame, Easton carbon fork, full 105, FSA carbon compact crankset and--perhaps best of all--Fulcrum Racing wheels. As Moses said to the burning bush, OMFG. It's a wonderful ride, mannered yet ready to snap. Before you all go worrying about such a nice piece of merchandise in my possession, let me put you at ease: its frame is dented and we can't sell it. Luckily there are plenty more of them out there and for $2100 one could be yours. Of course, if entry-level isn't what you're looking for, I'll be happy to show you something a little more your speed.