Soma Smoothie...that's S-O-M-A Smoothie.

Out of curiosity I conducted a Google search to see where this blog came up using the keywords "Soma Smoothie". The results revealed there are a modest number of Smoothie related websites: a handful of blogs, the Soma Fabrications and SOMAfeed websites of course, a dozen or so online retailers and a few forum discussions. And there are tons of pharmaceutical sites, some legit some most likely not, advertising a Soma drug of one kind or another. Of the 43 pages Google produced for my search I found Immaculate Corpse: A Blog About A Bike deep in the pile on page 39. And that link on page 39 lead to the entry about the Silencer SL fork not the Soma Smoothie frame. I'd like for this blog to be easily found by those seeking info on the Soma Smoothie, or Profile Design Silencer SL fork for that matter. So hopefully today's entry will bump the blog far up on the Google search results. Wonder where I turn up on the Yahoo engine...

14 June, 2009 - a follow up to this post: I have since renamed the blog "Brave New Velo" in reference to the great Huxley novel in which a soma drug is dispensed to the population by the government machine in order to keep the people in a euphoric state. I was never satisfied much with the original title of the blog which I had only settled on because "Exquisite Corpse" was already taken. But then this bicycle does not meet the definition of an exquisite corpse anyway being I am the sole creator.

Sprockets! Now it is time we dance: Campagnolo Centaur Ultra Drive Cassette

Even Dieter's German sensibilities of fine engineering and precision have to appreciate the beauty, craft and performance of Campagnolo components. Having purchased a Record crank, rounding out a complete Record gruppo was a natural inclination. But the top of the Campy line comes at a steep cost. And for what really? What you get with most Record components are lighter, slightly better versions of Chorus components. The performance of the two are usually on par with each other with Record intended for professionals and amateur cyclists with piles of expendable cash. I would be completely happy "settling" for Chorus components, but in many cases they too are pricey. Although...one more step down the line is Centaur, the overshadowed, under-appreciated, hard working and responsible child in the famiglia. Campagnolo has made nice upgrades to the 2009 Centaur components, making them a fine alternative choice when top of the line and the highest of highest performance is not a priority, but rather reliability and bang for your buck. This 2009 Centaur Ultra Drive 13-26t cassette is a little heavier than its bigger siblings, but is more than half the price and still excellent quality. A "compromise" I'm willing to make. I went with a 13-26 tooth for greater climbing ability. After logging (or slogging) X number of ascents I might find I would prefer a large cog as big as 29t. That will be sorted out over time. For the time being I think this cassette size companied with the 53/39 chain ringed crank will serve me well. It appears now that the drivetrain and braking system of the bike will be a pastiche of Campagnolo - a little Record, some Centaur, and Chorus to complete the work. Not bad at all. The purchase of this cassette is also my first since learning about Pro Bike Kit. PBK arguably offers some of the lowest prices of any retailer, internet or LBS. Thanks very much to the current weakening of the GBP versus the USD, I got a great deal. I know PBK will be one place I will turn to over and over again for parts. Cheers mates!

Smoothe Arrival: Soma Smoothie

A few days ago the Soma Smoothie frame was dropped at my doorstep via UPS. There was excitement in the air as I whisked the box inside to open it. The dog was as anxious as I to see what await inside, poking her snout at the top as if to say, "What could it be? Hurry!" The back order period was about twice as long as projected, but that's OK because I don't have all the components yet to build up the bike completely. First impressions? It's quite light, I was surprised when I picked up the box for the first time. The finish is lovely, the metal-flake pearl white shimmers beautifully in the sunlight. The joint welds are pretty good. For a $300 frame I wouldn't expect them to be much neater than they are. The frame design is practical - rear rack braze-ons allow for the option of touring, functional with its agile and somewhat aggressive geometry making for some quick riding, and aesthetically attractive. General opinion is I got myself a good quality frame most likely worth every penny of its selling price. I'm looking forward to putting this baby on the road.