Laying the "frame" work

Naturally, the first thing to buy when building a bike is the frame. Aluminum frames are nice and light, but lugged steel has more of a track feel, not to mention style. Plus they do not look like toys. After a bit of research (looking at expensive frames) I decided to go with an Alien Bikes frame. Alien is a Swedish company which sells Korean made frames from a warehouse in Traverse city, Michigan. Its a pretty dead on match for what I'm looking for:

- lugged steel
- 100% track frame geometry
- no holes for brakes, fenders, bottle holders, etc
- choice of colors!
- affordable
- includes track fork




The only dilemma I'm having is what size to order a 57 or a 59. My specialized is a 59, which fits fits me ok with riser bars, but is pretty uncomfortable with drops or bullhorns. I will be using deep track drops with the Alien so if the frame is too big I would be hunched over way to much. However, if I order a 57 it might be too small all around. I'll probably just end up ordering the 57 and exchange it if it doesn't fit.

P.S. The color is going to be gloss white

Day number 1, this is gonna be fun

This is an empty spot against my wall. Sooner or later, there will be a bike here. Not just any bike, my perfect bike. Its going to be expensive, but it is going to be awesome, trust me.

I have wanted to build a bike since I first got into fixed gear about three years ago. Now that I finally know what I am doing the time has come. My goal is to have all the components by my birthday, May 17th. The interesting part is going to be the fund raising. Here's the rules:

- No using money from my normal paycheck
- No borrowing money from anyone (Erica)
- NO CREDIT CARD ORDERING
- The final component will be the chain so that I cannot ride it until I have absolutely every part I want
- No touching of the hair or face


Money that will go towards this:
- My tax return
- Any sort of birthday money
- Selling my books back money
- Thievery (kidding)

This blog will chronicle my fund raising and bike building adventure. The first things on the chopping block: My guitar, some records, my zune AV kit, and possibly my old boots. Profits totals will be posted when they are available. Here is a link to my Ebay:

EBAY

In the meantime, here is some inspiration