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My new ride 2.5: Specialized Hardrock mutant commuter

I recently put the Specialized Hardrock Comp Disc 2006 bike through some major surgery.

These are the results of the recent surgery: Shimano 2008 Deore rear derailleur, 2008 Deore front derailleur and 2008 Deore Rapidfire Plus shifters. I also changed to a 2007 XT Hollowtech II 48T touring crankset and BB, XT Chain, and 2008 XT 9-speed Cassette. I took out the heavy stock Marzocchi MZ-3 shocks and replaced it with an OEM alloy rigid fork.

Also changed the Witch Ditch wheels (with the Schwalbe Marathon Cross 1.75 touring tires I put on it) to Mavic 719 rims, with Shimano M475 hubs and Alpine Triple-butted spokes and Panaracer T-serv Messenger 26x1.25 slicks.

So much lighter now, and the shifting is clean and robust.

Previously, the saddle was changed to Lookin Xsenium, and the disc brakes to Tektro Aquila, and the pedals changed to Shimano XT M770 spds.

I think after this round, the only stock stuff on the bike now is the frame, seatpost, headset, and handle bar. Haha!

the mrbrown show: spbs

Keep our public buses profitable! Find out how at mrbrownshow.com!

the mrbrown show: price rise solution found!

Things getting too expensive in Singapore? Minister has the solution at mrbrownshow.com!

the mrbrown show: toilet language

A Sydney company insists that all employees use English all the time. And I mean all the time. Check it out at mrbrownshow.com!

the mrbrown show: the new singapore dream

Time for a new Singapore Dream mrbrownshow.com!

ABBA, Olivia-Newton John, and Andy Gibb sing The Beach Boys

Doesn't get more surreal than this. ABBA. Olivia-Newton John, John Gibb and Andy Gibb sing The Beach Boys' "Help Me, Rhonda" and "Barbara Ann" in this 1970s tv show.

It's chic to ride a bike

Saw this lovely photo in the blog Copenhagen Cycle Chic, taken by Enrique from Spain (patotenere on Flickr) in Portland, USA, one of the most bicycle-friendly cities in the US.

Note the lack of spandex and lycra here (not to knock those who ride in lycra, of course), just casual clothes (love the dots!) and the spirit of cycling for leisure/transport.

On the same Copenhagen blog, I also spotted a fairly recent submission from Singapore.

Aaron sent a lovely shot to Copenhagen Cycle Chic of his lady friend they cycled along East Coast Park.

He went on to describe the cycling culture in Singapore:

"In Singapore bike culture is prevalent, but in a different manner. Since most of the residential areas are quite a distance from the city center, what most of the Singaporeans do is that they cycle to the MRT (that's our metro) station before taking a train to the Central Business District [CBD].

"The bike lane pictured is on the East Coast of Singapore, and it runs along the length of the entire eastern coast of Singapore, starting from the CBD in the south."

Aaron says, "It's an eternal summer here, so no coats or boots. Shorts and flip flops are the status quo."

I bet it made the winter cyclists jealous.

Maybe Singapore should try this speeding campaign message

If "Speeding Kills" as a message does not work, maybe this Australian Roads and Traffic Authority's speeding message might.

The poster says "Speeding. No one thinks big of you." with a lady doing the little pinky gesture, suggesting speeders have tiny penises.

Apparently the gesture is so well-known, a man in Sydney charged with road rage claims the ad campaign was responsible for him losing his temper at a lady driver who used the gesture on him.

The next time you meet a speeder, forget the finger. Give him a pinky.

See What Show: 30 Days of Night, The Kingdom, Full of It

We review 30 Days of Night, The Kingdom and Full of It at seewhatshow.com!

See What Show: Enchanted, Saw IV, Beowulf

We review Enchanted, Saw IV and Beowulf at seewhatshow.com!

the mrbrown show: public transport

More train improvements coming your way at mrbrownshow.com!

the mrbrown show: looking for real stars

Catching up on the podcasts updates... Stars should get realistic competitions in Singapore, be a star at mrbrownshow.com!