My (Literally) Small Fleet

Just finished putting together my new Squid So-Ez. It's the first true head-turner I've ever owned. My State was stolen last fall & instead of outright replacing it, I decided to go for a Squid. The fact that it came in 43cm (State only goes down to 46) really decided it for me, & I went all in on components that ACTUALLY fit me at 5'0". I am not mad about this short crank arm fad, running 160mm feels almost bizarrely pleasant, like a fine tailored suit. Anyway, Sugino crank & 48t chainring, Pirelli Gravel H tires, Brooks carved B17 saddle, Nitto North Road bars. I'm more of a rear rack guy but I ordered the Manivelle rack from Angry Catfish, who are doing great work out in Minneapolis (figured it'll maintain resale value if I end up really hating it.) Currently feeling out 17t & 18t freewheels, as going from 165 to 160 changes my cadence a little. Also feeling out whether I want to stick with the North Road bars or switch to bullhorns, bc I'm feeling the unfamiliar sensation of wanting to stretch out, as opposed to needing to figure out how to bring things in. All in all, this is a f'n sweet consolation prize for having my last single speed stolen. Also, before you comment on it being plain black, I did that purposely so maybe this one might stick around longer, it took extreme levels of restraint to limit color to just the brake cables.

Also, I doesn't feel right posting my Squid to xbiking without posting my workhorse '95 KHS Montana Comp FZ 15in. It's true temper, & painted this wild jade color which looks blue or green depending on the light. Deore 8×3, but nothing particularly resto-mod except the Billy Bonkers, which I actually like. I've locked this outside overnight in Manhattan when I've, uh, celebrated too much, & gone back to it in the morning without issue. Definitely a ride or die, which I will continue to ride as long as humanly possible.

Thanks for reading, & for being my one reason to log on to Reddit