Frankenbike #83 Austin Tx June 2012

If you've never heard of Frankenbike well you should go check out!

It's a great swap meet that attracts all kinds of Austin cyclist.  There are smoking deals on all kinds of parts from the vintage steel lugged road bike to the fixie, bmx, commuter or mountain bike.  Today it was held at Cheer Up Charlie's Bar and Lounge across from Fast Folks Cyclery in East Austin.  My son and I decided that we would go see if we could sell a few items and maybe find some gems.  I sold a bike within the first 30 seconds and with my new found wealth I bought some great used parts, beer and lunch. We had a blast.  The Lonestar was cold and egos were in check. When we arrived it was packed with no place to setup.  We crammed in between two very nice guys.  One turned out to be a long time friend and a friend.  The other was the really nice owner of a small bike shop in North Central Austin called Monkey Wrench Bicycles.  His name was Joe Ender and I saw him consistently give any kid an outstanding deal which made my day.  After spending the afternoon next to him I would say it's worth a stop by his shop.  The organizer Chris was running around helping folks, hanging out and having fun. All in all it is something that I plan on attending in the future.  It is a fine example of what was, is and I hope Austin will continue to be.  Check out Frankenbike!

Schedule for Austin, Texas

FrankenBike # 84 ~ July 28, 2012 ~ 10am-4pm
TG Jorge's ~ 2203 Hancock Drive ~ 78756

FrankenBike # 85 ~ August 25, 2012 ~ 10am-4pm
Cycle Progression ~ 2153 S. Lamar Blvd ~ 78704

FrankenBike # 86 ~ September 29, 2012 ~ 10am-4pm
Monkey Wrench Bicycles ~ 5555 N Lamar L145 ~ 78751

FrankenBike # 87 ~ October 28, 2012 ~ 10am-4pm
Clown Dog Bikes ~ 2821 San Jacinto Blvd ~ 78705

FrankenBike # 88 ~ November 17, 2012 ~ 10am-4pm ~
Longhorn Bikes ~ 2308 East Cesar Chavez ~ 78702

FrankenBike # 89 ~ December 15, 2012 ~ 10am-4pm
Austin's Yellow Bike Project ~ 1216 Webberville Road ~ 78721

FrankenBike # 90 ~ January 26, 2013 ~ 10am-4pm ~ FrankenBabe # 5 ~ Location PENDING
FrankenBike # 91 ~ February 23, 2013 ~ 10am-4pm ~ Freewheeling Bicycles ~ 2401 San Gabriel ~ 78705

FrankenBike # 92 ~ March 27, 2013 ~ 10am-4pm ~
Space 12 ~ 3121 E 12th ~ 78702

FrankenBike # 93 ~ April 28, 2012 ~ 10am-4pm ~
University Cyclery ~ 2901 Lamar Blvd ~ 78705

Friends Don't Let Friends Not Ride Bikes To Eeyore's
FrankenBike # 94 ~ May 25, 2013 ~ 10am-4pm ~
BikeTexas ~ 1902 East 6th ~ 78702

FrankenBike # 95 ~ June 29, 2013 ~ 10am-4pm ~
Ozone Bike Department ~ 3202C - Guadalupe St ~ 78705

FrankenBike # 96 ~ July 27, 2013 ~ 10am-4pm ~
Waterloo Icehouse ~ 1106 West 38th Street ~ 78705

FrankenBike # 97 ~ August 31, 2013 ~ 10am-4pm ~

FrankenBike # 98 ~ September 28, 2013 ~ 10am-4pm ~
Yellow Jacket Social Club ~ 1704 East 5th St ~ 78702

FrankenBike # 99 ~ October 26, 2013 ~ 10am-4pm ~
Texas Blood and Tissue Center ~ 4300 N Lamar Blvd ~ 78756

FrankenBike # 100 ~ November 09, 2013 ~ 10am-4pm ~
Going to have an awesome, great party for # 100!

FrankenBike # 101 ~ December 14, 2013 ~ 10am-4pm ~
Austin's Yellow Bike Project ~ 1216 Webberville Road ~ 78721

FrankenBike # 102 ~ January 25, 2014 ~ 10am-4pm ~
FrankenBabe # 6 ~ Location PENDING

Anderson Mill Mini Triathlon - Austin, Texas

Definitely a Fred event but that's OK because I'm fat and can't run.  That's why I ride bikes!


Anderson Mill Mini Triathlon - Bicycle Sport Shop - Bike sales, service and rentals. Austin, Texas

Surly Karate Monkey

I just got a new used Karate Monkey!  I traded an American Deluxe Fender Telecaster.  I think the other guy got a little better deal but I am completely happy!  The bike is fast and nimble.  I highly recommend the Surly Karate Monkey to any trail rider who doesn't have $3500 to spend on Fred's carbon dual suspension complicated high maintenance overpriced bicycle.










































I saw this review and I wanted to repost it!:

Submitted by Guerdonian a Date Reviewed: June 28, 2012
Strengths: Rock Solid quality frame. The Geometry is perfect. Looks good, rides better, take it anywhere and have a smile on your face.


Weaknesses: A bit heavy, but it is a budget steel frame so not much room to complain about that. Best to convert or purchase a rear wheel with a thru axle that you can crank down if going Single Speed. A regular Skewer does not provide enough compression to prevent the rear wheel from clocking out of line in the horizontal dropouts. Should be given rust protectant on the inside of the frame ASAP, to prevent compromising of the material.


Bottom Line: I have kicked this bikes ass for 8 years. Now it has been lent to 2 friends who have also kicked its butt. It has been in 24hour races, SS short track races, Several day bike trips, Rain, Mud, Rivers, Sludge, Ice, Snow, Dust, (no fire... yet). I have ridden this bike in California, Utah, Arizona, Oregon, Colorado, Nevada, and New Mexico. It has seen well past 6000+ miles and never missed a beat. I have taken newbies out on this bike, and lent it to a Cat 2 road racer, both types of riders had a blast on it. It is composed primarily of unicorn tears, sasquatch hair, chupacabra venom, and pixie dust, it is pure MAGICAL CREATURE!


One word to descibe it: FUN.

So much fun in fact that I tried to match my 8K titanium custom dream bikes geometry after this bikes geometry. You will not regret this purchase. It is the best $$ per smiles ratio of bike out there. Seriosly just buy one!

Aston Martin One-77 for $40,000 | carsguide.com.au

 Add in a some stretchy pants and a aerodynamic helmet you will still get beat by that one person who has always been faster than you.  Only $40,000!

Aston Martin One-77 for $40,000 | carsguide.com.au

Bicycle dangerously balanced on roof of car

This guy is definitely a Fred!  I think he is serious!

gulfnews : Bicycle dangerously balanced on roof of car

Tom Kabat creates whimsical but functional wooden bicycles

Tom Kabat admits he’s always been wild about bikes. “In high school, I was a bike snob,” he says. “Today, I like all kinds of things about bikes. I’m into bicycle advocacy. I do bike repair on bike to work days. I like getting people into biking.”

Tom Kabat creates whimsical but functional wooden bicycles — InMenlo

Boy on bicycle saved by 10-year-old girl

MODESTO, CA - A 10-year-old girl is recovering in the hospital after saving a small boy on a bicycle.
Modesto Police Department Lt. Craig Gundlach says that shortly before 10 p.m. on Saturday night the girl was near some mobile food vendors on Crows Landing Rd. near School Ave. when she noticed a young boy about to travel into traffic while on his bicycle.
The girl ran into the street to pull him to safety so that he wouldn't be hit by oncoming vehicles.
A number of cars saw the two in the street and were able to swerve and miss hitting them. However, a Ford Model-T was unable to stop in time and collided with the girl, says Lt. Gundlach.
As a result of the impact, the girl sustained major head injuries and a number of broken bones.
Lt. Gundlach says that the girl is expected to survive.
There was no word on what, if any, relation there may have been between the girl and the boy.
The driver of the vehicle was not injured.

Boy on bicycle saved by 10-year-old girl | news10.net

Video: HBO Real Sports catches up again with Dick and Rick Hoyt - EverymanTri.com

The best story of a man, son and their bike that I have ever heard.  I hope they keep racing as long as possible.  This is truly inspirational. 




Video: HBO Real Sports catches up again with Dick and Rick Hoyt - EverymanTri.com

Dirty Kanza 200 2012 Gravel Grinder - Support Crew Perspective

The Dirty Kanza 200 is an awesome 200 mile gravel grinder starting in Emporia Kansas the founding city of Veterans Day. The landscape was killer, the people are nice and the riders are challenged to their limits. Due to the nature of the race I was unable to get a lot of footage on the coarse so this video is seen from the eyes of the support crew. I would love support the group Masochistic Endeavors again or even ride (complete) this race next year. It was truly a great experience. We drove in from Austin to Emporia two days before the race to get a lay of the land before the race which I highly recommend for anybody that has entered the race. I feel like I could pickup my family and move to Emporia. We would like to thank the people of Emporia, Cassoday, Florence, Council Grove and the race promoters for letting of all of us "out of towners" invade their turf. All of our riders finished which tells me I am hanging with some incredibly determined cyclist! www.fredsbike.com

Dirty Kanza 200 - 2012 Some Cool Bikes

Dirty Kanza 200 - 2012 PRE RACE

Start and Finish at the Dirty Kanza 200 2012 - Post Riders Meeting

Surly Crosscheck

Surly Long Haul Trucker

Sweet Salsa

Mr. Albert

Pile of Surly's

Knitta Please in Kanas

Rivendell at the Kanza

Boxer Bike

Greg and Sean

Hogg Dogs - Catahoula

Yakima Sausage Carrier

Dirty Kanza 200 truck loaded with Surly's

 After a 600 mile ride from Austin to Emporia we are at the Super 8!   The weather is great and it's about 70 degrees.  The landscape is beautiful.  Going for a 20 mile later.



Just Ride!