When I first moved to Boston, in 2006, I quickly realized that getting around via public transportation was miserable. My first apartment was in Jamaica Plain—across from the last T stop. Getting to work involved a half hour train ride followed by a 12-15 minute walk. It wasn’t long before I decided a bike was completely necessary. Being someone that came from a BMX background and didn’t use brakes—simply because I couldn’t maintain a straight back wheel—a road bike was out of the picture. I needed something quick, simple and easy to maintain—I’d be riding year round after all. So, a fixed gear it was! I’ll admit, I really liked the idea of riding through traffic finding the perfect line to maintain momentum. I’ll have you know I started with a front brake.
I ended up piecing together an old Panasonic road frame. It was huge. When I began my search for a bike to convert, finding something above a 56 was rare. I eventually stumbled upon a 64 and scooped it up. Even with old, square geometry that was pushing it. Regardless, I could stand over it (barely). It served me well for over a year until I snapped one of the seat stays right off the seat tube. Damn the BMX background. It’s just too hard not to casually hop up and off curbs. Oops, RIP Panasonic Conversion.
Oh, and the commute? 10-15 min total.
Previously:
All My Bikes 14: DK General Lee
All My Bikes 13: S&M Holmes
All My Bikes 12: Huffy TL-88
All My Bikes 11: Huffy MJ-12
All My Bikes 10: Specialized Fatboy
All My Bikes 9: Haro Group 1
All My Bikes 8: Balance AL550
All My Bikes 7: Lotus Cobra
All My Bikes 6: Schwinn Predator
All My Bikes 5: GT Interceptor
All My Bikes 4: Robinson SST
All My Bikes 3: Diamondback Viper
All My Bikes 2: General Hustler
All My Bikes 1: Huffy
