I was going to put this in the bike rental thread but figured it deserved a thread of it's own. From previous Fest visits I've noticed a whole bunch of fixed riders and was wondering whether any of the bike shops in Gainesville specialise in selling track bits and pieces- Nitto bars, Soyo grips, messenger bags, velocity wheels etc.etc. I know Villian Bikes is based in Gainesville, any other bespoke builders in the area? Maybe wheel builders too? I'm pretty sure this stuff will work out way cheaper than in the UK, so I can bring it back with me as oversized luggage!

hahahahahahaha holy shit sometimes i can't believe the bullshit i read.

What?

he was probably reading his own blog and then commenting on it here

ZING!

These guys would probably be able to answer your question:

http://bikesandmoregainesville.com/index.html

haha, damn

Perfect, thanks!

haha.

To answer your question.... not really.

to answer your question with more than two words:

it's Gainesville. it has its gems, but don't expect much (or diversity).

If you're looking for something in a niche market, such as wheel building, fixed gear(s), certain brands, etc - you basically get 1 or 2 shops/stores/shelves to choose from. And that's it. Gainesville is what it is.

i don't know what all the stuff you're looking for is, but yes Bikes & More is where i get all my goods - they know what's up and have, like, stuff that makes things go fast and spin nice. watch that short dude in there though, he's a wild man.

but don't listen to me - i'm just another cantankerous, jaded, pretentious, old face in the same, tired, black shirted and bearded crowd (see above).

see you at full circle!!

Luggage is a bitch. I think if you really really want to bring stuff back you should buy it and send it to yourself back home. That's what my ladies and I did after visiting the largest used bookstore in the WORLD and nerd-orgasmed all over the place and bought more books than our bags held. If you're already boxing your bike and taking it, that sounds like a big enough hassle. FedEx is your friend (sometimes).

My new bike, who will be deemed The Glitterati, will be up and running by then... hopefully we find a top-van bike rack to borrow

I learned to ride on a fixed gear when I was a little tiny kid. Then i didn't touch a fixed gear bike for probably 20 years. When I finally tried one again, it was fucking weird. I have no clue why this is "hip"

I get the idea it is cool because it has the potential to be dangerous.

Hey Kristin unfortunately I'm not bringing my bike, the cost and hassle of flying it from the UK is too great but I'm just thinking that if I was to come across a gem of a bike that I fall in love with then somehow I can carry/post it back home. I will definately be hiring/borrowing a bike though- I've been to Gainesville 3 times before but never really been anywhere further than University Avenue so I want to do a spot of exploring......