This bike literally brings tears to my eyes. Not because it's ugly--and oh yes, it is ugly--but because it refuses to take "no" for an answer. They said that because of its vertical dropouts it would never know the joys of being a fixed-gear. It does. They said that because it was designed for 26" wheels it could never accommodate 700c rims. It can. They said that the aero brake levers wouldn't pull the right amount of cable to work with v-brakes. They do. This bike is the rolling embodiment of the American way. It is about making the impossible possible. It is about the indomitability of the cycling spirit. And most of all, it is about having more adapters than actual components. Even the bike stand is jury-rigged--instead of a single soda can, the bike's leaning on two of those mini-cans. Amazing. This bicycle should travel the country, giving inspirational talks in classrooms. Any one of us who has ever passed over or sold a frame due to an apparent lack of compatibility should hang our heads in shame. This bike was given lemons. But it didn't make lemonade. Somehow, it actually made bananas. This is why I'm proud to award this bike the BSNYC Kludge of the Year Award. Congratulations, and ride with pride.
(The coveted "Kludgie.")
