My Favorite Bike

This bike has been with me through everything and she doesn't have a name. In 1998 the frame was a warranty replacement....I transferred the parts and got to racing her at the Wednesday night series at Holiday Valley, Raccoon Rally, Six Hours of Power and others. I had so much fun, I upgraded to a GT LTS in 1999; but kept breaking parts. Thus I ended up racing and riding this bike most of the next three years. Then I converted her into this outstanding urban assault cycle. She has carried everything from 6: 6' ft sections of copper pipe to 24 packs of beers. There is an adapter for running the dog. This bike commuted everyday in Buffalo winters for 5 years....and every day in the traffic of Washington DC for 5 years. She has towed multiple trailers hauling groceries, kids and camping gear. Her parts have changed over the years, but we never lost that connection. I have depended on this bike for almost 18 years. After multiple shoulder dislocations, this was the bike I rode for re-hab. This year, I had that shoulder repaired surgically....and one more time, I call upon this trusty steed. Thank you bike for all your years of service.

Parts Spec

Raleigh 18" M400 Aluminum frame: 1997

Kinesis Fork: 2000

Ringle Headset: 1995

Azonic Shorty 50mm stem

Shimano Deore XT V-Brakes: 1995

Truvativ Stylo Crank: 2010

Deore XT Cassette, Hubs, Shifters, Deurraleur: 2008

Race Face Carbon Bars and Seatpost: 2008

DT Swiss Double Butted Spokes with Alum Nipples

Rhino Lyte Rims

Cheap Plastic Fenders and Alum Rack

Bontrager Seat

Ergon GP1 Grips

Xpedo MX Force Platform pedals

Jag Wire Sealed Cables