The New Commuter, Sooo Getting Rid of my Piece of Shit Car!

So I've been thinking about getting a touring bike for awhile now, especially since I have had a pair of paniers laying around for two years. I started browsing craigslist last week to see what I could find.  I saw a sweet old-school Nishiki Cresta, but the dude never called me back and I am sick of downtube shifters.  After sorting through a few more I came upon the Diamondback Interval. 

Now I know Diamondback isn't exactly known to be the tip top as far as quality goes, but this thing seemed like a solid build and I wouldn't have to worry as much about it getting stolen, as opposed to something like a Surly Long Haul Trucker (LHT). The LHT is a badass bike, but pretty much asks to be jacked if I were to ride it around San Francisco.  The Diamondback is also aluminum, as opposed to steel.  Basically it will be a little bit of a harsher ride, but I've got an amazing Axion saddle cushion my ass.  These Axiom saddles aren't very well know, but I fell in love with them since they are uber comfy.  They have two Nike shock looking thingies in the back that actually do a nice job of absorbing bump, plus some quality foam and leather outer.  

The Diamondback Interval struck the perfect balance between a nice functional bike, but not quite high end enough to get stolen right away.  I got it for $250 off craigslist (much love) and the thing was barely used with an upgraded carbon seat post and slightly upgraded Shimano Alvio rear derailleur.  At home I threw on some SKS chomoplastics fenders which are awesome, they layer a thin aluminum strip between the plastic on the fender to increase durability.  I like them slightly better than the planet bike fenders, but those are still good.  They SKS are made by a German company and Germans LOVE to over-engineer anything they get their hands on so they have some nice features.  Had to get a little creative and screw the rack and fender into the same eyelet on the rear, but it worked out.

Basically, since now I have some sick paniers for carrying stuff I'm gonna sell my POS truck which I've had since I was 16, lots of good memories, but I'm 25 for fucks sake.  Definitely some good memories in the truck (1989 Toyota) and it took me from Wisconsin to California in the middle of winter (saw a huge camper jack knife right in front of me in a giant snow storm) so I owe it will alwyas have a spot a my heart.  Maybe I'll post some pictures, but it is damn embarassing that I drive that thing, only rusty car in CA.  It's like kryptonite and any women are superman(women).  I'll leave my opinion on how cars are a terrible investment for another blog, but I guess the stock market is also a terrible investment right now.  Nobody has any money anyway, well except Goldman Sachs and the rest of the big banks, those fucking bastards.   Ok, I'll do another entry after riding the Diamondback to work tomorrow!   And if anyone wants to buy a POS rusted out '89 Toyota hit me up!  Might not look nice, but its reliable as hell!