Here's the build:
-Shimano Ultegra 28h front, silver d/b spokes, silver alloy nipples, silver Velocity Aerohead rim
-Surly fixed/free 32h rear, and same spokes, nipples, and rim.
This is now the third set of wheels that I have built, and wheelbuilding seems to only get more exciting. The lacing felt a lot more natural, and I didn't have to think about it as much as the first two pairs. I did, however, verify with Chaz that I was starting correctly. The Surly rear hub was very easy to tension because of the symmetrical qualities of the hub flanges.
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I've still been riding a lot lately, and I'm feeling great. I do have a slight knee problem that kicks up every once in a while, but I think I've figured out how to take it easy on my knees. Yesterday, I went for a single speed ride with Chase and Justin. They both ride brakeless fixed gears, which I think is a bit crazy. It was very windy, and we took turns pushing for short periods of time. It was about a 30 mile loop up to Annadel and back.
Today, on my one day off from everything, I decided to go for a nice and long ride. As indicated earlier, I am loving the single speed, so I took it out. I just rode out and around the neighboring cities on the country roads and made up the route as I went along. There was a mad headwind the first 30 miles, and I was in the drops most of the time. I was standing and mashing into the wind on the flats sometimes because of the wind. When I finally turned around to go back down to Rohnert Park, I really appreciated the tailwind and flew back at the top speed I can push with my 42x16 gearing, which is somewhere around 23 mph or so. The ride ended up being 50 miles long, and I feel great now, afterward. I think I want to push for 75 miles next ride, as I am still contemplating whether or not to try for the 100 mile ride in the Tour de Cure, which is one month from today.
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So what's next for my single speed?
Aaron Abravaya and I will each be picking up a White Industries freewheel for our single speeds (Aaron's is a 29er mountain bike). I hear the quality is impeccable and I will be very happy when my freewheel doesn't make a constant clicking sound while pedaling. I also like that they are a VERY local company, fabricating their products in Petaluma, CA. I am very impressed with their road hubs, additionally.
It was a beautiful day (but still windy):
Rear wheel awesomeness:
Front wheel awesomeness:
My hair legs (I might be shaving them soon for summer):
