Black Cat's hotshot racer, Greg Martin, asked for two bikes in his campaign for glory this year. He ended up with a "regular" Black Cat (short stays, snappy handling) and this, something a bit more subdued for the 24 hour style racing he does.
On this frame we stiffened up the front end and over sized the head tube to allow one of those new fangled forks with a tapered steerer using Cane Creek's new headset. Slightly longer, and more comfortable chain and seat stays will give his mind and muscles a break at hour 23.
Ample clearance for tires, mud, sticks, broken spokes, or anything else one might encounter in a 24 hour grovelfest. I'm usually loathe to make a bicycle that is so specific, but since he's got a frame that takes care of the usual duties, and because he does do so many extended days (and nights) in the saddle, I figured I'd make Greg a bike that lets him do what he does, and get out of the way. Good luck Greg.
There are many dichotomies present in building bicycle frames. Finding swoopy, flowing, eye pleasing lines for a frame, but keeping the results to tolerances measured in thousandths of an inch. Finding an aesthetic that is yours but allows for seamlessly mating others' components. Etc, etc, etc...
I like to explore these dualities in paint. Rigid, hard lines requiring some technical savvy, juxtaposed next to something that seems to happen more spontaneously. Somehow the parts that seem to be the most "natural" are the hardest to pull off.
It's fun to try and walk that line.
This last Wednesday night, the Obits
and the Night Marchers played. These guys,
ladies and gentlemen, know how to write
good rock and roll music, no doubt.It was a
Wednesday night and the crowd was well,
a crowd on Wednesday night. Too bad, as
the potential for greatness with those present
was through the roof. I, personally, have
witnessed greatness involving these same people.
I could start an entire weblog devoted
to the greatness stemming from the San Diego
punk scene. Thinking about it, I could
start a weblog for each band individually,
there is so much greatness.
I won't so I'll have something for future
posts, though.
and the Night Marchers played. These guys,
ladies and gentlemen, know how to write
good rock and roll music, no doubt.It was a
Wednesday night and the crowd was well,
a crowd on Wednesday night. Too bad, as
the potential for greatness with those present
was through the roof. I, personally, have
witnessed greatness involving these same people.
I could start an entire weblog devoted
to the greatness stemming from the San Diego
punk scene. Thinking about it, I could
start a weblog for each band individually,
there is so much greatness.
I won't so I'll have something for future
posts, though.
I will mention Drive Like Jehu.
Members of each of the above bands were involved
and the results were above and beyond
what would be fair to compare anything else to what
those people did in the past, or will do in the future.
Too many good ones to list, but here's some favorites.
I was lucky enough to see the greatness in person
several times. That sparkly silver Les Paul mesmerized
me. Shrieking and squealing one second, belting out
some of most unlikely catchy loud chords the next.
I don't care what you say, Danny, Yank Crime's (the second
album of two) ten minute long songs are brilliant,
and wonderfully loud.
Members of each of the above bands were involved
and the results were above and beyond
what would be fair to compare anything else to what
those people did in the past, or will do in the future.
Too many good ones to list, but here's some favorites.
I was lucky enough to see the greatness in person
several times. That sparkly silver Les Paul mesmerized
me. Shrieking and squealing one second, belting out
some of most unlikely catchy loud chords the next.
I don't care what you say, Danny, Yank Crime's (the second
album of two) ten minute long songs are brilliant,
and wonderfully loud.
3 comments:
rad
I like the downtube panel and new lettering!
so how long are the c-stays on this one?
the chain stays aren't super long. they start at about 16 3/4" and ends at 17 3/8". still well within the "short" range, but it gives the opportunity to slow things down a bit if you choose.
the lettering is a font called captain howdy. you may recognize it from your ouija board.
Just found your site after browsing Rick Hunter's and wondering what your dropouts were all about. Great bikes and an outstanding taste in music. I caught the NM/Obits tour at the end in San Diego and we got the treat of a three song mini Hot Snakes reunion. Drive Like Jehu was some great stuff but the Hot Snakes were the be all end all.
Bitchin' stuff. You just added a regular reader.
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