Newness on the Horizon at Swobo

I'm a fan of the Swobo Sanchez even though I've never ridden one or even seen one in person.  I think it has great lines, some nice touches, and a killer price tag.  As awesome as it looks, I have no intentions of purchasing one, but would be incredibly tempted if they released something similar meant for hitting the dirt.  Deciding that this was a brilliant idea, I sent them an email and through a brief exchange found out some interestingness on the horizon at Swobo.

I found out that they are redesigning all of their bikes with 700c wheels to fit 45c tires and some will have canti brake mounts, to be released later this year.  Sweet.

I would love to build up a SSCX version with the bright orange paint using Bruce Gordon's Rock 'n Road tires, silver Thomson stem & post, green King headset, green King hubs laced to polished silver Velocity A23 rims, and other assorted goodness.  Perhaps add a Paul crankset and Paul MiniMoto brakes activated by TRP RRL SR retro levers with gum hoods.  Mmmm...

A bit more info, straight from our email exchange:
"So, if you follow him, you'll know a bit about the Divine. We're doing that bike first as a US made. We've been working out the kinks and headed into production. Limited though in terms of the US market. We'll take that info though and head to Taiwan and have the new Sanchez's built on the platform as well as our other 700c bikes."

Sounds like some great stuff will soon be coming from Swobo.

Epic Rap Battles - Lance Armstrong vs. Babe Ruth

Hilarious.

Gears 4 Good - An Introduction

For one and a half years now I have had a project in the works.  In December of 2011 I founded Gears 4 Good and just this week received my letter of approval from the IRS granting 501(c)3 nonprofit status.  Stoked.  The mission of the charity is simple - get bikes to people who need them and can't afford them.  I have been receiving donations from friends and others by word of mouth, and a couple contacts through the website.  So far I haven't been able to give away many bikes since they all need some work and most need parts.

Now that I have the official nonprofit status I can start requesting donations that can be written off by the donors.  Money is always awesome, but what I need are the "consumable goods" for bikes.  Brake pads, cables, tubes, tires, and chains are the most needed items, followed by grips, seats, pedals, locks, and other various parts.  The big ticket item that would be a great help is storage space.  My little garage is already overflowing and I have something in the works with a big box store that will be both amazing and overwhelming if it comes through.

More to come as things develop.  For now, please "Like" the G4G page on Facebook.  If you want stickers, send me an email - steve@gears4good.org.

Bike Snob's New Book - "Abroad"

I read Bike Snob NYC's book, "Systematically & Mercilessly Realigning the World of Cycling" and found it entertaining and amusing.  I would say it was more aligned to the beginning cyclist or someone curious about cycling than someone who has been cycling for over twenty years.  Still, it was worth the read.  Below is a promotional video for his latest book, which I'm sure I will read.  If you have a keen eye, you might be able to spot Stevil Kinevil of AHTBM fame.

100th Tour de France - Official Trailer

This should be a great year for the TDF.