Jammin' in Bayfield

I think plenty of people like fixed-gear bikes (and single-speed bikes) for reasons other than looking cool.

I ride a pretty run-of-the-mill Schwinn mountain bike, 18-speed, that my dad wasn't using. Probably bought at Target or something. But I do find myself wanting to ride something lighter and simpler. There's beauty in simplicity. Less to clean, maintain and replace, too. In commuting, I use exactly three of the gears when at my laziest, so I know there's wasted weight and effort in there.

I also would like to have the experience of having built (or, in this case, rebuilt or customized) my bike. I think it sounds like an awesome project. I like the kind of pride I can take in something I've done with my hands, and the increased understanding it gives me of the tools that I use every day — be it bike, computer or whatever else. (I'm considering Community Cycles bike maintenance classes when my schedule clears up a bit.)

Finally, I don't really see a particular difference in placing value on something being vintage vs. something being cool.

So I guess I take the exact opposite view on Graham's project in which he took pride and took the time to offer his advice, humor and zeal for the work.