Cycling Evolution

During the recent school break, I took the chance to settle a few tiny projects. Bike projects that have not underwent upgrades for a while. To be on a dramatic side, I have been using the Shimano drive-train group set for almost 7 years!!! The second longest vehicle tenure after my Honda EX-5; this guy hits the 10 years mark for the Decade Award.

It was not until a buddy open a tempting offer to sell off his shining SRAM Red, I would have not be upgrading mine. I could have been using the 105 forever or until it kaputs. When I meant ‘tempting’, me as a cheapskate guy, that’s me in a sense of upgrading hobbies, was drooling day and night thinking seriously about the offer. This is really something that comes across once in a blue moon. Phenomenal?

'SRAM Red is the third & highest level road groupset that the American company has released. It's lighter than Shimano Dura-Ace and Campagnolo Record, but also a lot more expensive...'

www.bikeradar.com

It was almost like a dream come true. Almost. Unimaginable. My dream was to get it for free! Like sponsorship or the whole stuff fell from the sky kind of thing :P

After nights of restless tossing and turning (special effect sikit), I’ve concluded to give it a go. The school break was a great time to spend without needing to think about kids + school. All I need was a few hours. Story cut short, I managed to close a deal for the 105 with a buyer and top up the rest for the Red.

Now the S1 is on Red :]

The Red Katak 

The next big thing that evolved almost the same time was the mountain bike. The Scott 29er was OK but I felt that something amiss. I guess the UMMPH! thing. But, it was not urgent. However, rezeki comes in many forms. While I was browsing the bike market joint on bicyclebuysell.com, I came across a gorgeous Niner frame. Something that was beyond my scale of indulgent. It’s true, this almost boutique like brand is pricey. However, the offer price was magical. I think I can squeeze something out from my wallet, as long as the theory of sell and buy comes into place at the correct timing.

Again, the bike market is the place to be. I need to sell off the 6 month’s old Scott frame and swap with this gorgeous Niner. Messages came pouring in day and night. Like any other typical buyer, me included, likes to throw in silly discounts. Test water la konon. Some of them were asking for ridiculous prices. I almost replied sarcastically but that wouldn't be my style. I replied in honesty that I need the cash for my future frame. Some also embarked on a disturbing mental stage, willing to travel all the way from Ipoh to grab hold of the Scott before anyone else get it. I was surprised with the situation until I noticed that a Scott frame with this kind of offer is rare and reputable.

Eventually a buyer from Klang desperately arranged a meeting at our RV point that particular evening to have a look and decided to commit. With the help of Azmar, we took out everything and closed the deal there and then. A few days later, a follow up message with the Niner seller for an appointment was sent. I slept soundly that night smiling.

Now the Niner E.M.D.9 is ready to hit the trail.

Drooling images by the pros...