Great end of year news...

I've been working for this for over three years. It was a slow process. It was also a huge learning experience. I'd done similar types of work involving the design and specification of frames and bikes. However, I'd not managed or undertake the whole process from design to purchasing to receiving to payment. That's about to change.

Got great news that my first order of frames will be on board the Ever Elite on January 3, 2011 with an ETA in San Francisco of January 19, 2011. The amount of information on the internet is quite amazing. It's possible to find and track a vessel as it makes its way from port to port. Here is the current location of the Ever Elite, just off the coast of Kaoshung, Taiwan.

Once the Ever Elite makes port in San Francisco, it's a few days to get the frames transported to Point Reyes Station. Guess I'd better figure out where to store 98 frames. Well, less than that because some are already spoken for and they'll go out or get built up right away. If you want yours let me know right away. Even though there are almost 100 frames coming in two models with two colors each and in 5 sizes, there's really just a handful of each color/model/size.

So, happy New Year. Here's to another exciting year at Black Mountain Cycles. And here's a couple pictures of the Ever Elite in San Francisco Bay.


(What's playing: Red Cliff)

Holiday schedule...

Friday 12/24 - Monday 12/27: Closed
Back on Tuesday 12/28.

Happy Holidays! And here's some must see youtube.

I like the story of the water boys about about 20 minutes. Don't think the domestiques raid convenience stores these days.

(What's playing: Muddy Waters 19 Years Old)

Photos from Taiwan...

Always a good sign. Pictures of the production frames fresh from the paint line. Final checks and packing should be happening this week. Soon, soon, soon... Somehow, the green floors of the Taiwanese bike factories is somehow comforting.

(What's playing: Faultline Radio on KWMR)

Masi Gran Criterium...

What's in the stand today? A Masi Gran Criterium from Carlsbad, that's what. Based on the serial number (MC53 for Masi Carlsbad 53cm followed by 0782), it should have been made in 1976. The original owner hadn't ridden it for years and wanted, not a restoration, but a resurrection. Clean all the parts, buff the lightly rusted chrome parts, overhaul the bearings, build a set of clincher wheels with an extra hubset, and put it back together. Turned out beautiful. Nice, clean road bike that will be a super comfortable ride with the new 28c tires.

(What's playing: The Byrds Yesterday's Train)

Bottles in the wild...

The wilds of New York's Central Park, Strawberry Fields, the park dedicated to the memory of John Lennon, to be precise. Blog reader John, visited Strawberry Fields on the anniversary of John Lennon's death and forwarded the photo below. Somber in deed.

(What's playing: John Lennon Imagine)

What's in the stand...

Really neat early '80s fillet-brazed Ritchey road frame came in for a Phil bottom bracket onto which a set of Mavic cranks got bolted. Best thing about this old beauty is it's going to get ridden and not stuck on a shelf. ;-)

Funny thing, on my flickr page, someone added this photo to a gallery of Tom Ritchey road frames. Looking at the photos, I think to myself "I'd really like to have a Ritchey road frame," only to remember, "duh, I already have a fillet-brazed Ritchey road bike."

That's a tiny head tube

(What' playing: Jimi Hendrix Red House)

Whaddya think?...

There's still a few tweaks I need to make but after 3+ years, I think it's time for a change. to the appearance of the ole blog. Sound off if you like it, don't like it, or actually couldn't care less. I've got thick skin.

(What's playing: KWMR Sonic Sunspots)

Black Mountain Cycles frame update...

Sorry for not posting much info recently to keep those folks with deposits updated, but rather than guessing at updates, I wanted to have my ducks in a row. So, after sorting out some details with the frames, decals, paint...I have confirmation that the frames were received by the painter after passing all the QC checks.

So, the scoop is, frames in for paint and decals this week. The paint is a two-step process with a wet paint for the color. Decals are applied and then a clear powder coat is applied for a beautiful glossy look that is also super durable.

The frames will be finished with paint and ready for boxing the end of this week or the beginning of next week. They should be on a boat from Taiwan by the end of next week and here in Point Reyes Station the first or second week of January, 2011.

You know you want one so don't hesitate.
This is a limited production. The first run is 25 road frames and 25 cross frames. They are $595 for frame/fork and all the little bits that go to making a frameset a frameset (seat clamp, cable guide, dropout adjusters for the cross bike, down tube shift boss cable stops for the road bike, braze-on bolts...). If you want a frameset (and I know you do), I would recommend plunking down a 50% deposit to secure yours. You can call me with a credit card number (415-663-8125). You can send me the deposit via paypal (blackmtncycles(@)gmail(dot)com). You can mail a check to me. Heck you can even visit me in the shop to do it in person. What ever your preference do it.

If you have any questions about the process to order a frameset or if you have questions, feel free to call or e-mail me. You can also search this blog for posts about the frames at this link: Black Mountain Cycles Frames. There's also information on the website frame page: Black Mountain Cycles Frames.

Here's some pictures of frames and the colors for your viewing pleasure. Call now! Operators are standing by!

I'll also keep open the offer I made in June when I thought frames would be here in August to those who pay in full between now and December 31:

Option 1: Free shipping anywhere in the lower 48 states. If you are out of that area, I'll contribute $25 toward shipping.

Option 2: If you don't need shipping or if you just like option 2, I'll throw in a Black Mountain Cycles t-shirt, pint glass, and water bottle at no charge with your frame order.

(What's playing: Robert Johnson Milkcow's Calf Blues)

Merlin for sale...

SOLD! Thanks, Smitty!

Another used bike for sale is a mid-90s Merlin titanium mountain bike. It's decked out in a complete Shimano XTR M900 group (sorry, the quick releases are missing). Seat post and stem are Thomson. The Flite seat in the photo isn't included so you'll have to find your own seat. Judy SL fork and Shimano. Price is $1300. I gotta pay sales tax, so you do too if you are in California. Shipping and packing is extra.

Seat tube is 18" center to center and about 19 1/4" center to top. Top tube is 23 1/2" effective.

(What's playing: The Clash Clash City Rockers)

Cannondale for sale...

I've got a couple of used bikes in the shop that are for sale. One road, one mountain, both nice classic bikes. The first up is a Cannondale from the mid 80s. I think the model name is R900. I had an R900 for a short time before I bought a Klein Quantum. Anyway, this here R900 is a 50cm frame (50cm center to center, 52cm center to top of top tube) and has a 55cm top tube. Kind of a low and long frame. It's got an interesting mix of parts:

C-Record 172.5 cranks
Shimano 600 pedals (in almost new shape) with Binda (not Extra) straps
Modolo graphite shifters
Shimano Light Action rear der.
Nuovo Record front der.
Suntour Cyclone hubs with MA 40 rims
Dia-Compe RGC calipers with AGC levers
Cinelli 40cm Campione del Mundo bars and a 10cm XA stem
Seatpost is Thomson with a Terry Liberator Ti seat
Also included is the white Silca pump w/ Campy head
Price: $500 Shipping and packing are extra if you want it shipped.

(What's playing: Led Zeppelin Black Dog)

What's in the pint glass...

Well, not right now because it's not even noon yet (even though it is noon somewhere). Nothing quite goes with bikes quite like beer (and coffee). And not again for another couple weeks. I tried my hand at a little home brewing with a tripple hopped ale. Home brewing is definitely not something you want to try if you want instant gratification. The two week fermentation period, a one week, in bottle, carbonation period, and finally a 3-4 week aging period means you gots ta wait a good long piece to find out if your attempt was successful.

Well, I didn't wait and sampled a couple bottles after the one week carbonation period. Got to say, the results are verrrryyy palatable. Really looking forward to enjoying it in another 3 weeks. Stop by the shop around the end of the month and help me sample a smooth, hoppy ale. For now, you'll just have to imagine the taste with this photo.

(What's in the mug: Kinetic Koffee Morning Meyhem while listening to KWMR)

What's in the stand...

This Paolo Salvagione Swift cyclocross bike just oozes coolness. Whether it's from the subtle light blue metallic paint, brass head badge, clean frame design, custom brake bridge, RockShox Mag 21 SL-Ti fork, WTB Mini-Cam brakes, or the classic Campy Record crankset.

It was in pretty nice shape when it came in, but now with fresh cables, brake pads and properly wrapped handlebars, it's an absolute beauty.

(What's playing: Muddy Waters Iodine In My Coffee)