This Raleigh Talon CX was purchased at the local Salvation Army for $50. It's 60cms tall and solid 4130 chromo like the AK-47 barrels in Afganistan...

No 531, 831, 631, prestige, double-butted or any of that, just straightĘgaugeĘsteel!

It was retailed as a city-bike/hybrid with a Sub-Acera level componentry, steel flatbar, araya single-wall rims, plastic pedals etc, but it was in near mint condition AND my size!

Stripped, junked all components except frame, fork, stem and added:

Mavic CPX-22 rims with Dura Ace hubs and Panaracer 700X38 tires at 90psi
Singlespeed spacer kit with 18t cog
IRO 170mm crank with 39t Ultegra Chainring from NOMCO
Brooks B17 saddle from NOMCO
Nitto seatpost Cinelli handlebar with black cotton bar wrap
Tektro brake levers LX brake calipers
Egg Beaters Candy-C pedals
Pedro's blowout bag that contains Crank Bros mini-pump, alien tool and patch kit.
SKS fenders from REI.

It's my Poor Man's Cross-Check, my Quickbeam. It takes me a short jaunt to and from work everyday and on the occasional adventure along the beach or through the woods as pictured. For a 60cm, it's MUCH more safe. stiff, and reliable than other 60cm bikes I have paid far more for. What's the point?

STEEL IS REAL!

Spencer L. Baker

slbaker@nps.edu

www.twowheelkarma.blogspot.com