There are times when I thrive on the forward thrust of the
bicycling industry. It has a
collective sense of constant momentum that can be inspiring. Many times, it feels good to be a part
of that. But just as often, I find
myself moving back towards the great simplicity a bicycle can provide. The biggest R&D budget in the world
can’t buy the repetitious circles carved out at a varying cadence over miles
and miles. Riding is more than
just being the fittest and fastest.
Sometimes the simple act of pedaling gives you so much more.
That brisk feeling on my way to the trails while wondering
if I have overdressed for the first cold weather ride of the year. The latest and greatest this
forward-looking industry produces cannot give you that feeling. Simply riding does.
I always try to keep myself grounded in that way—constantly
striving to remind myself why it is I ride a bike. So often stripping away all of the extracurricular
accoutrements makes me feel closer to knowing exactly what it is that gets me
out of a warm bed in the morning to suffer.
It was with this idea in mind—and light pocketbook in
hand—that I set out to build my newest MTB: a singlespeed Cannondale Trail SL
29’r with many a modification. The
best part of a singlespeed is that it is not a huge commitment. This one, as it comes from Cannondale
(before my extras) comes in under $1,000, which seems to be an increasingly
rare feat in the performance bicycle world these days.
Riding a mountain bike is an activity that sells itself, and
riding a singlespeed, while daunting at first, can be a joy for anyone who
sticks with it. I won’t muddy this
up with my words—rather I will just show you the build and let you appreciate
it for what it is: a simple machine that I love to ride.
Check it out:
