Thar She Blows.
Fixed gear cycling may be considered a fad in Korea still, but I’ve been riding them long enough to know no other form of cycling is more suited for urban commuting. I’ll admit, I was attracted initially to the culture and the colors of fixies, but stuck around after I found out how responsive and malleable these bikes are.
There’s not a lot of options for building a fixed gear in Korea, the shops I visited seemed more concerned with aesthetics than quality - big surprise, right? Components, imported, are generally more expensive for example, Bianchis/SEs/Masi frames, about 350 in the states, will be about 600 here. However, knowing the right people will get you one hell of a deal at Dice Bike Shop in Hapjeong.
making of.
This frame and fork is discontinued, but my friend talked them into selling it to me for a discounted price of 300kw.
After a some Milkis imbibing, they threw in the Leader cranks for 100kw, and I opted to splurge on not one – but two extra deep white Velocity rims for about 400kw. At that point, I had spent so much they threw in the handlebars with a nod and told me not to say any thing else.
Machined wheels are for poo-zays.
The guys at the shop could speak English fluently, and gave me a lot of advice that I would never get in America, like what color combinations to use and just how many stickers I should put on the frame without making it look messy. When I asked a practical question about differences in cogs, they said it doesn’t matter. That’s what I like about Koreans: they’re not afraid to discuss or admit to vanity. Because, let’s face it, aren’t we all to some extent?
How exactly did I manage to get this bike, which is valued at about 1.3 million won for less than 900? Paying in cold, hard won, duh:
What's the most won you ever held?
Flattering photo, right?
I took her out for a spin through Hongdae & then back to Anyang. Some people I talked to complained that aluminum frames are too light – causing problems in handling (ie, shrug your shoulder and you’re bound to bank left into a wall). But I found it juuuust right. Springy, I’d say.
Tape those bars, homeslice. Better pictures, please.
dude! you said it. I’m going to throw some black foam on there after I take the front brake off. and a brooks saddle, if i Can afford it. I’ll post a final product just for you.
you rulez!
What’s the most won you ever held? ———— i have had a ton of won —- on my spoon—- mmmmm gud sup……
how many stickers?..how does one know for sure
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