Chronicles of Time: Embarking on a Journey
It all starts with a spark of inspiration. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a newbie venturing into a new sport, the journey often begins with exploring a plethora of online content about bicycles, renowned brands, extensive marketing, and a myriad of options. But amid this sea of information, the crucial question lingers: What exactly are you seeking in your ride?
Maybe you're aiming to elevate a casual hobby into something more profound, or perhaps you're harboring a creative project yearning to be shared with the world. In this blog, I'll share my personal journey – how I found myself here and the pivotal choices that transformed a mere hobby into a profound passion, eventually evolving into my life's work.
Four years ago, I landed in Germany with plans to stay for a brief two weeks. However, the unforeseen arrival of COVID-19 altered our lives. Faced with financial constraints and situated in a city where bicycles are the primary mode of transport, I made a life-changing decision. I acquired an old single-speed bike for a mere 30 euros – nothing extravagant, yet sufficient to ignite a hobby that would soon blossom into a fervent passion and eventually, my livelihood.
My friend testing my first bike
As I often advise my friends, the key lies in taking incremental steps. This approach allows you to absorb the intricacies of your pursuit, relishing in the learning process. Trust me when I say that there's unparalleled satisfaction in seeing your dreams materialize exactly as envisioned – a beautiful journey that demands time, unwavering consistency, and a commitment to continuous learning.
From mastering the art of chain maintenance to crafting my latest project – a transformation from a single-speed to a cyclocross, from mechanical shifting to electronic, and eventually to an all-road bike – the journey has been nothing short of enchanting. The memories of the people I've encountered, the mechanical challenges I've tackled, and the distances I've covered have all played a pivotal role in shaping not only my choice of the right bike but also my chosen profession.
My first carbon bike with mechanical shifting
My next bike with electronic shifting
The built + bags
Reflecting on a particular day in August 2023, when I found myself at 3 Mills in München searching for a mere spacer, my perspective shifted. Surrounded by the allure of FACTOR, Cinelli, and TIME bicycles, I realized my issue wasn't a missing spacer but rather an ill-fitting frame size (too large). Dissatisfied with my current cyclocross bike's performance, I embarked on a journey of testing various component combinations and frame symmetries.
3 Mills Cycling & Coffee
The decision crystallized, and I ordered my TIME ADHX in a medium size (56cm) – a perfect fit for my 1.88m stature. Now, the puzzle of choosing the right setup unfolded: Shimano, SRAM, Campa, 2x, or 1x? Seeking a versatile and speedy ride akin to a road bike, I opted for a 2x sub-compact from SRAM. The clock started ticking, and weeks later, I received the frame, followed by the arrival of the meticulously chosen parts.
From the meticulous paint preparation, waxing, and ceramic coating to the assembly process – a journey that spanned around four days – every moment was a source of genuine enjoyment. This transformative experience not only shaped my ride but became a testament to the joy found in the art of creation.