Bikes to Like: Eric P.’s Titanium Lynskey

This week Chasing Mailboxes turns its gaze away from steel and toward titanium. That’s right, people. Titanium!

During a trip to Tennesseee last year, I became familiar with Lynskey Bikes, based out of Chattanooga. In an odd coincidence, Felkerino and I started riding more with cycling friend and randonneur Eric, whose primary randonneuring bike is a Lynskey. I wanted to learn more about it and asked Eric to guest post for Bikes to Like.

He graciously accepted (thanks, Eric!) and this is what he shared with me about his lovely Lynskey. 

1. What kind of bike do you have?

A custom titanium Lynskey.  SRAM drivetrain and handbuilt wheels by Travis Evans at Just Riding Along Bike Shop.

2. Where do you ride it?

Where ever I can, of course. But mostly on the roads of Maryland and Virginia, with forays into Pennsylvania, West Virginia and the District. She is my weekend bike for long rides.

3. What do you like about your bike?

Everything. She fits me very well and I can finish the longest rides with no serious discomfort. She is responsive and lively, and is always ready to ride some more. Plus, she looks awesome.

4. If you could describe your bike in one word, what would it be?

Mmmmmmm.

5. Fenders or no fenders?

There is not clearance for full fenders so I mount race blades for wet days.

6. Does your bike have name? If so, what is it?

Usually just “the Lynskey,” or “the bike,” but on formal occasions I refer to her as Lady Lynskey.

7. What is your favorite accessory on your bike and why?

Me!  As for other accessories, I am not sure where the bike ends and accessories begin, and I don’t usually have a lot of bags and racks.

I really like my bottle cages, which are King Cage “tulips” in stainless steel. They look modern and elegant, but in keeping with the traditional lines of the bike. I got the bike with S&S couplers for easy travel but have not had the chance to use them yet.

8. Why titanium?

I wanted metal instead of carbon for the durability and lively road feel, and preferred ti over steel so I would not have worry about paint or rust.

9. What did I forget to ask that you want to tell me about your bike?

This is really Lady Lynskey II. My first Lynskey was stolen last fall. Luckily insurance covered (most) of the replacement cost so I am back on a Lynskey. I picked up the bike in mid-March and she now has ridden with me for about 1000 miles.

10. If your bike could talk, what is one thing it would say to you?

Truthfully, I am glad she cannot talk because I suspect she would say things like “wash me” or “is that as fast as you can pedal?” But really I think she would say “Can we go for a ride, and even longer than the last one?”