STUFFE

The Surly Troll.

Yes, I know it's been a while.

NEW SURLY
If you don't want to be spoilered before Interbike, look away now.

Surly have outlined the new things in their range in a blog post here. I guess the trailer is the big addition - with a hitch that attaches at the rear dropout, by the looks of things, and capable of carrying 300lbs. Blimey.

Also of interest is the Troll, for all the world this looks like the sort of classic steel frame rigid MTB that makes a great beater/commuter/trailer hauler &c &c, with modern touches like disc compatibility. Like the Cotic Roadrat, in a lot of ways.

REDBIKES
Is gradually coming back from his injury;

3 weeks ago I was starting to wonder if I would ever get back on the bike.
2 weeks ago I was cursing the fact that I couldn't ride over 5 miles.
Last week 10miles / hills seemed impossible.

Hopefully his recovery will continue in this speedy fashion!

THE PREDATOR
I really think that using masking tape as handlebar tape is taking thrift too far. Although, given the amount used, wouldn't regular tape be cheaper than buying twenty rolls of masking tape?

ARE MODERN BIKES FASTER?
...or what part has bike technology played in the increase in race speeds? Cozy Beehive looks at one examination by Bicycle Quarterly, and attempts to untangle the different factors involved.

BAILEYWORKS
Their "flag" messenger bags really look cool - hopefully these will move beyond the prototype stage soon. (Story at Urbanvelo.com).

ANOTHER DIY TRAILER
I like the idea of this one - its designer aims to make a "global" DIY trailer, i.e. one constructed from materials that are easy to source anywhere in the world, and simple to put together.

RETHINKING THE PENCIL
As someone with a drawer full of slightly too short pencil stubs, Lines and Colors' article on the Continuous Pencil concept holds great appeal.

LOVELY STUFF FROM VELO ORANGE (AGAIN)
Their fillet brazed Rando frame prototype can be viewed here.