Memories of my SOMA Delancey Gucci Bike POW MIA RIP Berlin

After my Bianchi Pista single speed bike was stolen and before I moved to Berlin, Germany, I bought the Delancey frame from SOMA bikes and had it built up at Capitol Hill Bikes, RIP, now City Bikes Capitol Hill. 

I ordered every single expensive accessory I could find, from Salsa to Brooks to White Industries to all the other little details such as a track bike chain and chainring and freewheel. Maybe you can identify all the pieces. 

I even forget what sort of crankset I had. I think I might have even splurged for a Chris King headset and maybe some cool bottom bracket.

I don't remember.

I just know that it was stolen away from me after I left it behind in Berlin after I needed to rush back to DC for something and never really got back very quickly.

Here's a memoriam to my one and only truly Guccified bike.

From then on, I kept them basic, from my Specialized Langster Gangster, that was basically stock, to my Surly Steamroller that sports an after-market Sturmey Archer S3x 3 speed internal fixed gear hub, my bright red White Industries ENO Rear Hub, and my two-finger Salsa brake leavers. 

Glossary of Cycling Terms

1. Single Speed: A type of bicycle with only one gear ratio, no derailleurs or gear shifters.

2. Freewheel: A component that allows the rear wheel to turn without engaging the pedals, typically found in single speed bikes.

3. Chainring: The toothed ring attached to the crank that drives the chain.

4. Crankset: The set of components that includes the crank arms, chainrings, and sometimes the bottom bracket.

5. Chris King Headset: A high-quality, precision-engineered bicycle headset known for its durability and smooth operation.

6. Bottom Bracket: The bearing system housed in the bottom part of a bike frame that allows the crankset to rotate freely.

7. Track Bike: A type of bike designed for racing on a velodrome, characterized by a fixed gear and no brakes.

8. City Bike: A bicycle designed for urban commuting, typically comfortable and robust, with an upright riding position.

9. Salsa Components: A brand known for producing high-quality bicycle components such as handlebars, stems, and seat posts.

10. Brooks Saddles: High-quality, often leather, saddles known for their comfort and durability.

11. White Industries: A manufacturer known for high-quality bicycle components, including hubs, cranksets, and freewheels.

12. Sturmey Archer S3x: A three-speed internal gear hub designed for fixed-gear bikes.

13. ENO Rear Hub: A type of rear hub made by White Industries, popular for single-speed and fixed-gear bicycles.

14. SOMA Delancey Frame: A specific model of bicycle frame made by SOMA, known for its versatility and quality.

15. Urban Cycling: Cycling in city environments, typically involving commuting and casual riding.

16. Bianchi Pista: A popular model of track bike produced by the Bianchi bicycle company.

17. Specialized Langster: A model of road bike designed for urban environments, made by Specialized Bicycle Components.

18. Surly Steamroller: A versatile single-speed bike known for its durability and ability to handle various terrains.

19. Bike Theft: The act of unlawfully taking a bicycle, a common issue in urban areas.

20. After-market Components: Bike parts that are added to a bicycle after its initial purchase, often for customization or upgrade purposes.

Background on SOMA Bike Brand

SOMA is a bicycle brand known for producing high-quality, steel-framed bicycles and components. They are based in the San Francisco Bay Area and have a reputation for creating durable, versatile bikes that are well-suited to urban environments as well as off-road and touring settings. SOMA frames are often used in custom bike builds because of their quality craftsmanship and the ease with which they can be modified or accessorized.

Background on Single Speed Freewheel "Gucci" Custom City Bikes

Single-speed freewheel "Gucci" custom city bikes refer to uniquely built bicycles that combine the simplicity of a single-speed drivetrain with high-end, luxurious components. These bikes are often used in urban environments for commuting and leisure riding. The term "Gucci" in this context symbolizes the opulence and exclusive nature of the components used, such as premium brands like Brooks for saddles, White Industries for hubs, or Chris King for headsets. These bikes are not just means of transport but also a form of personal expression and style, showcasing the cyclist's appreciation for quality, craftsmanship, and aesthetic appeal. They often feature a minimalist design but with attention to detail and a focus on using the best materials and components available.