Infinite Monkeys

The Internet is for Bike P0rn

This morning someone on a bicycle forum I frequent requested recommendations for "a new set of handle bars for my dreambike... This is a dream machine so it has a certain amount of over-the-top-totally-ridculous-marriage-ending bling factor to it."

Serendipitously, I had stumbled upon the answer just the night before. I just had to share it, since despite the other Monkeys' requests, I have been quiet about most things "bike" here. Well, okay, I've actually just been quiet here. The answer also incorporates one of the phenomena that afflict many of us who've been bitten by the cycling hobby: Bike P0rn.

My response:

Do I have the answer for you... (I was researching custom frames last night and ran across this.)

Check out what Calfee is doing with third party carbon handlebars. It is painfully cool. If I knew that my position were totally dialed (meaning, of course, that my core was strengthened and my back was healthy), I'd be all over this. They are offering "a carbon fiber handlebar laminated to a carbon fiber stem. You can specify the stem extension, stem rise, and handlebar brand and width. Any 31.8 diameter carbon fiber handlebar can be made into a BarStem." They can make the angles custom too.

The "Barstem"

You all have to see this. When I was cruising through Calfee owners' pictures of their bikes, considering paint options, I ran across this sleek looking bar-stem set-up. I can't figure out how the computer is exactly mounted, but in my eyes the "zoot factor" is way high. Looks like prime "dream bike" material to me.

top view, side close-up, front view, side view.

[A previous forum responder] is right though: it could be a few degrees cooler utilizing [Campagnolo's top of the line shifters'] ability to keep the cable routing internal. Man, I have a hard enough time trying not to feel dirty as I lust over the pics I posted. Now I have even sexier "bike p0rn" in my imagination. I am a covetous wretch.

Speaking of which, I didn't post it in my handlebar response, but I thought I'd share one of the "hottest" shots I remember from last night's surfing. A great rear underseat close-up. I know, I know. I'm sick.

Last few: A droolable bamboo bike (available custom, even as a tandem), and painted carbon lugs (scroll down to the bottom for the heart stopper).

Posted by Brad at June 23, 2006 03:31 PM