New arrival

Ebay! From USA--- something is a bit fishy with the postage. I purchased this through an ebay store--- since it was only $70 for shipping-- from the US. Actual shipping on the box was a bit over $50?!? My guess is they printed their own label based on weight, and the post office never caught on. I tried shipping a bike here when I moved, and it was well over $300-- since it was oversized. Anyway-- I don't care. I cannot buy anything like this locally right now. The same frame is cheaper on Speedgoat but costs much more in shipping.

It is exactly what I wanted-- track geometry, no unnecessary braze-ons, bosses, or cable stops, a size that fits, steel, and lightweight. Now I just need to build it up. Frame looks in good shape-- no need to chase, face, or ream anything (I hope!).

It amazed me that USPS parcel tracking tracked this right to my door---- in Norway! Sent an email when it arrived and everything.

Somewhere in suburban London

I arrived last night-- no idea where I am. It is strange hearing so many people speaking English. I was picked up at the airport by a driver holding a sign--- wearing a suit, driving a Mercedes. Hopefully I will hitch a ride with someone to Paddington.

Gullkilden sucks

I will never do business with Gullkilden again. I purchased a gift for Lise's birthday at Gullkilden in Kvadrat, with the expectation it matched other jewelry that she already owned. I specifically asked if I could receive a refund if it did not match, and was assurred it would be no problem. Of course it did not match, so I returned it with the receipt two days later. I was only offerred in-store credit--- and was explained by a very adamant store clerk that they do not offer cash refunds (that it wasn't written on the receipt).

First of all, the receipt is issued AFTER purchase, so it is a bit dubious to use that as the basis for a return policy. Secondly, this simply cannot be legal. It was less than a week-- with the original receipt-- on an item in original condition (no engraving or anything). I am not particularly happy about this. Norway return policies are weak to begin with--- but this place has no return policy at all.

Time to revive this blog

I stumbled across a really cool article about track bike geometry written by Don Walker.

Ride report

1, originally uploaded by filtersweep.

I live on a peninsula, and my rides generally take me the same route-- south. My riding time is quite limited these days to commuting. When I manage to get out, I need to maximize my workout, so I head for the hills on a personal time trial--- hitting about 1400 feet of elevation.

Starting out a little after 6am while the kids are still asleep. The light isn't the greatest for photos.

2, originally uploaded by filtersweep.

Heading toward Sandnes

3, originally uploaded by filtersweep.

Early morning sun

4, originally uploaded by filtersweep.

5, originally uploaded by filtersweep.

Heading to the other side

6, originally uploaded by filtersweep.

Downtown Sandnes

7, originally uploaded by filtersweep.

8, originally uploaded by filtersweep.

9, originally uploaded by filtersweep.

10, originally uploaded by filtersweep.

11, originally uploaded by filtersweep.

No traffic this morning

12, originally uploaded by filtersweep.

13, originally uploaded by filtersweep.

14, originally uploaded by filtersweep.

Looking back toward Stavanger

15, originally uploaded by filtersweep.

Right turn

16, originally uploaded by filtersweep.