Miscellanea

A few random bits this week...

The revamped 1x1 got a couple tweaks last week, specifically a new fork and handlebar.  The fork is just a Dimension Mtn Disc fork... nothing special but it fits the bill nicely.  It is disc only, has standard mtb tire clearance, a long steerer, and the axle to crown length is really close to the stock 1x1 fork.  Although the axle to crown is shorter than the Pug fork it replaced, the steerer is longer so the stem ended up in roughly the same place.  Most importantly the bike handles like it is "supposed to" again.

The bars are a Soma Clarence bar; 37mm rise and 40 degree sweep.  Very similar to the Origin-8 bars I used to have (until a bunch of broken bars started showing up on the web).  I like 'em, but I have to admit there is a little part of me that's scared they'll break.  I'm thinking the Surly Open Bars might have been a better choice.  Overall the bike rides great with the new additions, and I had fun rides on it both Friday night and Sunday morning.

I also finished the last of the brazing on my jig stand this weekend.  The 80/20 jig will attach to holes drilled into the tubes on the ends of the top supports.  Again, nothing special but it should do the trick.

Lastly, I've been playing around with Photoshop Elements this past week (click on it to see larger version)...

I like the cartoon feel of this effect.  It doesn't work with a lot of my photos, but when it does work I dig it.