My Steeds

Click on thumbnails for larger images.

1969 Raleigh Sports
This three-speed workhorse was my first restoration project.
There is still plenty of work planned for it.
More on this bicycle here...

2002 Trek 7500FX
I can't say enough about this bike... it fits me like a glove!
This is my primary commuting transportation.
Stock, except for rear Blackburn Expedition rack,
SKS P45 fenders and Time Atac pedals (not shown).

2002 Bianchi Volpe
I acquired this leftover in 2003 for a great discount.
Stock, except for rear Blackburn Expedition rack,
SKS P45 fenders (presently removed),
and Serratus, AquaNot46 panniers.

2004 Specialized Stumpjumper FSR Elite Disc
(06/13/04, see update*)
It was time to hit the trails again and this was my final choice.
Pictured is the male model (see below) Flat tire is the result
of improperly installed rim tape causing puncture five minutes
into first ride. Judging by the condition of the tape, it was
installed long before it ever arrived at the bike shop.

*update: I have a somewhat embarrassing story regarding this bike.
After purchasing this bike, I had some questions regarding the rims
being different from the manufacturer's specs. I was also curious about
the color scheme difference from all the models I had seen and read
about prior to my purchase. The LBS had me try an earlier model large
so I could compare it to the medium. The large was definitely too big,
so I did not question that the medium felt way smaller (too much so).
It turns out that there was good reason the medium's geometry didn't
feel right. The LBS had sold me a women's model medium, which has
a completely different color scheme, geometry and some component
differences from the men's medium. I find it interesting that the LBS
could not find owner's manuals for this newly assembled bike. I
wonder if the manuals mentioned that it was a women's model. They
did apologize and suggested that the salesperson "must not have
known." They also offered a loaner to use while I wait for the men's
model to arrive (hopefully in three to four days). I am most irritated by
the three trips made back and forth from Sandwich to Falmouth in
pursuit of this bicycle, and now the fourth trip upcoming to pick up
the replacement when it arrives. Being familiar with the inventory
should be a prerequisite for selling bicycles. In my own defense, I had
researched my purchase. I had never seen the feminine version of
this model, as I had never looked for one. I assumed the color scheme
was simply unique. Next time I will question when the floor model
looks nothing like the catalog, web and magazine pictures. Another
bicycle shopping lesson learned... unfortunately, the hard way.

"The Muscle Buster"
In winter, fitted with the Specialized Ground Control tires,
the Raleigh M50 "busts" muscle shells without mercy...
This serves as my "especially nasty weather" commuter.
This is my "beater."

"My Winter Garb"
Just returned from a windy, mid-January, 12 mile jaunt.
note: Headphones* provide music and double as ear muffs!

* To those who have rudely and irrationally condemned me
for wearing headphones while cycling, I would refer them
to expert opinion on the subject:

A Bicyclist's sense of hearing:
how important?
© 1997, John S. Allen

I should not be so defensive on this subject, but I feel the
need to express that with headphones on, I can hear far better
than many drivers with their windows rolled up listening to
music on their stereos. Equipped with the headphones, I can
still hear the birds chirping as I ride... or is that the whines
of those who would suggest I should be pulled over by
police and "smacked around" for wearing headphones?

This is winter in New England at its best... one of my S.U.V.s out in the elements!

Additional Tools & Gear I use for
Commuting, Touring and Maintenance

Note: Images link to larger images. Descriptions link to
outlets where I purchased the item, or the manufacturer.

Blackburn Expedition Rack Serratus AquaNot46 Panniers