So yeah. I picked up a new bike. It's almost like it was meant to be. They had the frame and fork hidden away in the basement like some secret weapon. Just waiting to build a bike around it when the inspiration struck. Seems like the stars aligned and they had all the right components available to build it out. Shimano Ultegra all around, San Marco saddle and an ITM Ergal 7075 handlebar and stem.

I test rode it with the stock wheels, which are excellent in their own right, but when I saw the Mavic Kysruim SLs with their badass bladed spokes, deep alloy rims and fast carbon hubs, I asked for the upgrade. I took it out for another spin and that was that.

I think the bike looks crazy. I've honestly never seen anything like it. Matte dark grey with bold white decals. It's painted, but it looks raw. The fork shows 100% of the carbon fiber weave. The top tube and seat post reveals the carbon fiber underneath. The bike has the company's URL, www.lookcycle.com on a bottom bracket and the top tube. How cool is that? Looks almost military. The numbers up the side look like ID on a tank.

I added smooth Shimano pedals and picked up some Specialized shoes. I came very close to dropping a hundred dollars on a carbon fiber water bottle cage, but I was "responsible" and didn't. But I will soon. :-). I also added a Shimano cyclometer called a Flightdeck. This device is integrated into the handlebar itself and you toggle through the functions by pressing buttons built into the brake hoods. Sweet.

It's a drag the racing season is over, but I'm geared up for some winter riding. I'm really looking forward to the base phase of my training starting early 2005. I have leads on some local coaches and while I know I'll never be a champion rider, I enjoy the hell out of it, my fitness is getting to the best it's ever been and my lifestyle has improved immeasurably.