I picked up the bikes from Sammamish Valley Cycle last night, and they are pretty much glorious. The components were swapped out on each bike, making my trusty IF a single speed for commuting (and Thursday night rides), and turning the Salsa into a wonderful, reasonably priced rando bike. I promise that I will get a photo of the Salsa up soon.

I ran my IF fixed this morning for the first time. It felt pretty nice (insert your standard “zen” comments here) but I have a few issues that I need to consider if I am going to continue that route. I have a slight toe overlap with the honjo fenders on this size of frame. It isn’t considerable, but enough to make me second guess either of my two 180 degree turns that I make in the morning. I got used to just not pedaling through the turns, but I obviously don’t have that option running it fixed. I navigated both of them without much trouble, but I’d eventually like to get clipless pedals. I’m afraid that I’d put myself in a stupid situation on occasion trying to turn.

Regardless, it feels really smooth and the bike should prove to be a work horse.

I only got a short test ride on the Salsa, but it just felt “right”. Sammamish installed a new cassette and chain, so everything is super shiny and blinding. Again, I promise to get some pictures up soon.