I already humped over the pinnacle of my career. I'm definitely in a downslide.

Luke, don't lose that lovin' feelin'... the Corner!

 

I don't know...a lot of things are weird in my life right now....guess I'll just have to see how things go....

 

Well, Luke, you can always stop in here for a little !

 

Thanks Charlie...

 

What's been goin' on, Luke? Any further news/thoughts on the career change?

You're right about the Corner, though. The dynamic has changed on the whole board in recent months. I'm just following things to see where it leads for now...

I, too, am subtly working on a career move. Not as drastic as your proposed move, but definitely new and interesting. When I know more I'll share...

 

Guys, what's your opinion about dynamics in the Corner??

Am I just clueless? Yeah, some new faces and attitudes, but I don't feel significantly different about it.

Other than just annoying, intermittent network/server slowdowns, I'm still enjoying it in here...

Do tell...

 

I don't really know how to describe it. Just not the same bond as I used to feel. I'm not saying it's BAD so much as I'm saying that the cast of characters has evolved and I don't feel I "click" as well as I used to. The humor that pervades the corner isn't so much my style and I just don't know the people...it feels like I'm looking in from the outside and I just don't have the energy nor the desire to change that right now...

 

I think I understand what you mean, Brunt.

Maybe try backing off on your participation level??

In any case, keep the faith, bud.

Oh, hey, I've got the specs for my new bike that I wanted to run by you... Let me know if anything jumps out at you:

Merlin Iliad frame
Fork: SID RACE
Wheels: Shi XTR M960 (hubs) and Mavic X517 (wheel)
Cassette: 11-34 Shi XTR
Crank, bottom bracket, front and rear derailleurs... Shi XTR
Headset: choice: FSA ORBIT X or King???
Bar: Flat RACE FACE (choice: Easton +$12)
Stem and Seat Post: THOMSON
Seat: choice (FLITE GELFLOW Ti or FLITE Ti) (I'm leaning toward the non-gel)
Brakes, levers, shifters: Shi XTR
Pedals: Shi 959
Chain SRAM PC99RH

 

I'm not losing the faith...just temporarily losing interest. My focus is elsewhere. I still participate, but I'm not as "invested" in the participation, so it sorta works out for now.

As for the Merlin, solid frame, excellent components!

Either the Race Face or Easton will be good bars...if comfort is an issue you might want to get a riser bar even though it's not as racerish. I run the Flite Ti saddle on my mountain bike. If it fits your "sit bones" then it will end up being a pretty comfy saddle even though it lacks in padding.

The XTR Components are really nice. I'd never buy XTR separately, but if they come on the bike for a good price then

Go with the King headset. Both are nice and I THINK I'm running the FSA on my bike now, but the King is, IMHO, the nicest headset ever made for a bike!

 

Cool, Brant.

Actually, the bike store guy is buying XTR individually, as he's building the bike for me (at my request). These Shimano components ain't cheap -- Shimano still charges way too much for this stuff! But he's giving me his cost price ($1100) on the frame, which is probably as good as it gets.

King it is.

Yeah, I've got a Flite saddle now (not Ti, but some other lightweight material), and it's the only saddle I've ever had that I found comfortable. I'm going to go with the Ti, then.

The only thing thing I'm worried about are the pedals. I've never ridden with clipless. But, I'm sure I'll get used to it. Everyone I've ever spoken to says it's worth doing.

Thanks, Brunt!