Here comes winter! So far, it looks hell-bent and furious. I’ve got a fresh usability contract, I’m trying to pick up a few degree credits writing about Medieval travel narratives, and I’m lending a hand on a Jewish History bicycle route here in Boston. Throw in the fact that I’m also trying to get more time in the pool and on the XC track, and Outlook is melting under the weight of the to-do list. Luckily, one thing I won’t be doing is cleaning my touring bike. Craigslist came through again!

The illness for a fixed speed has been cured, or at least smacked into remission, with an oddly pieced-together single speed. Not a fixie, mind you: I still coast. But I can wear heavy boots, a wooly hat, and big gloves because I won’t be shifting gears or twisting out of pedals. Salt, sand, and grime, well, ok! Big deal. There’s not much on this bike to destroy.

Here’s how the seller described it:

This bike is an 80s univega frame converted to a single speed freewheel bicycle. The bike has a 42t chainring with sakae cranks and a 17t freewheel on the rear wheel. The bike is fitted with a dia comp front brake mounted on bontrager straight bars. Also included on the bike are full fenders, it would make a great commuter or winter weather bicycle. The frame is 57cm which would be good for someone 5’11 to about 6’3. This bike comes complete and ready to ride.

It is ugly but feels extremely agile and tight compared to my touring bike. I can’t say I was completely comfortable dashing to work on it today. Rather, it felt like an awkward first date with promise.