I was exactly two days without a frame. Scott Daubert, I’m not sure of his title, maybe Race Team Director/Czar, gave me a call on Monday and said he heard I needed a new frame. That was very cool. He said that Trek World, all Trek dealers in Waterloo, was happening, but he could send me a frame that day. He said it was one of Andy Schleck’s frames. That sounded kind of cool at the time, but after I thought about it for a little while, it didn’t sit that well. It is a personal thing. I don’t mind riding a used frame, but I didn’t really want to be riding one of Andy Schleck’s frames, just because……well, I can’t tell you why exactly, but it didn’t feel right.

Anyway, it is all fine. The frame isn’t painted in the Leopard/Trek colors scheme and Andy’s name isn’t painted on the frame, it is just a sticker. Plus, it doesn’t even looked like it’s even been assembled, so it is all good. Better than good. It is so nice not having to go and beg for replacement components. And better yet, not having to make the call, but getting contacted by Trek. I feel like they are looking out for me and it is so appreciated. Scott did have to apologize for not knowing my frame size off the top of his head. What an insult! Anyway, it is awesome that Trek is so supportive, but more important than that, speedy, when I’m having these “issues”.

New frame.

Removable Andy sticker.

The fork might be cut a little short, but I can probably make due.

I love clipless pedals. But, one of the downsides of clipless pedals is that they spelled the demise of toe straps. And with that, the disappearance of Binda toe straps.

I was out in my garage this morning, putting my new bike together and saw my cogs on a toe strap. I use toe straps for tons of stuff. They are irreplaceable for lots of things, most having little to do with cycling now. There was no better product/toe strap than an Binda Extra. It was the cream of the crop of toe straps. Nothing else was even close.

They held your foot so much tighter and lasted so much longer than any other toe strap, it was a no brainer using them. I love innovation. But, I do have fondness for certain equipment of the past. And Binda straps have to be very close to the top of that list.

These nylon staps were not good for hardly anything concerning bicycles.

The Rolls Royce of toe straps, the Binda Extra. I have this one pair of brand new straps. They are a prized possession.