Project Bike: Neon Skittles finished

I might not come off as the flashiest guy out there, but when I saw the "Neon Skittles" Specialized Crux frame was available I knew I had to get it. When it comes to bikes i'm a firm believer that there is never too much neon and apparently Specialized feels the same way. It took me awhile to convince Claudia that I needed this bike, but after I agreed to sell two of my other bikes I got the ok.

Skittles is going to be the workhorse in my quiver of bikes, but her real specialty is going to be gravel grinding. Here in Minnesota we are pretty lucky to have the premier gravel race/ride in the country, the Almanzo 100. If that's not enough there is a whole series of Gravel races across the state and to top it off they're free. All you have to do is send in a postcard during the registration period and you're in. Ross and I are signed up for the Almanzo 100. If your interested in gravel riding be sure to check out some of the Bike and Fitness Co. gravel rides. Alright so back to the bike.

I had my little helper help me install all the parts onto the frame.

I went with a Campagnolo Veloce 10 speed shifters.

Campagnolo Veloce 10 speed derailleurs

Avid Short Ultimate Canti brakes will be stopping the bike. 45 Nrth Polara studded tires (winter only).

Fulcrum Racing Torq R 175mm Crankset with Campagnolo C.A.R.T 46/36 tooth chainrings

Specialized Sworks stem, Salsa Cowbell 3 Handlebars, and Specialized S-wrap in hot pink.

I plan on going on the maiden voyage later on today.

Project Bike: "Neon Skittles"

Just received my new cross frame. It's a Specialized Crux expert frame. Frame is made of Specialized's E5 aluminum, has a carbon fork, and an over sized bottom bracket. I'm not sure if it's bright enough but it should do. I have some campy parts laying around that will finally have a nice home. Stay tuned I will put up more pictures as I build.

Fleche du Runestone 2011

Fleche du Runestone 2011 from Bike and Fitness Company on Vimeo.

Here's a video of a gravel ride we did last summer. For 2012 we have some new gravel rides planed with distance between 20-100+. More info coming soon.

Hello

We are a family owned bike shop in Alexandria, MN. we are your one stop shop for bikes, xc skis, snowshoes, and home fitness equipment. We carry bikes and gear from Specialized and Fuji, skis from Atomic and Fischer, TSL snowshoes and Vision Fitness, along with other great brands. we enjoy all types of rides and offer many group ride: road, mountain bike, gravel rides, or just casual cruise stop by the shop and you'll find somebody to ride with. We all ride and we love it.
What's the difference between our website/facebook and the blog? The blog is going to give you a more personal view of the shop. When something cool comes in we'll post it on the blog. If one of us is building a new custom build or personal bike we'll have it's creation from frame to first ride on the blog. During the summer we'll have ride reports of Tuesday night sprints, Mountain bike rides, and any of our gravel rides, complete with pictures and most likely video.

So stay tuned it's going to be a fun ride.