Wow. I guess this is my first collaborative one of one joint.

The boys at OPEN dropped this on me last week. It’s a custom top tube protector handmade by Boston’s own 3RRR – fabricators of all things bullet proof including their now world famous “Bling Ring” 1/8 chainring.

Nau at 3RRR is one of those guys who has can take a tired and true bike product and make it all his own. From the handbrushed 6061 aluminum top tube protector to his ridiculously strong chainrings, he’s part of a new class of bicycle parts fabricators who are developing goods in small runs that can compete with the big manufacturers out there.

Credit as well to the OPEN boys for turning me onto 3RRR and a variety of other small niche parts makers. Visit their store in person in Somerville, MA or online to check out goods they carry – including some excellent wears (and bicycles) by my friend Ben at Freeman Transport. These kind of business go a long way in establishing themselves not only in a community but also with the goods suppliers they build relationships with.

Shit, looks like Ben got the top tube treatment too. That puts me in good company then.

Speaking of Ben, anyone else catch Lance Amstrong giving his Giro Di Montana shirt from love last week? Makes me proud.

I spent last week in Los Angeles to celebrate the launch of Stefan Janoski’s signature shoe for Nike SB. New friends and old were in attendance. Many thanks to the SB team for the hospitality, Stefan, James, Kevin, and Mr. Leon for the access, and Blake for driving me around all week.

What’s got Bradley making funny faces?

I think this shit. More on that soon!

The 30lbs. gorilla of fashion has arrived…

Le Book 2009.

My friend Kendra turned me onto Hotel Delmano on Berry in Brooklyn sometime last year. Hotel Delmano reminds me of what a salon would look like in a turn of the century Parisian brothel. It is well lit, well decorated, and features one of the best cocktail menus I have been able to find in town and competed well against Cambridge’s now closed, B-Side Lounge. 

As well, it was the perfect atmosphere to take in a delicious absinthe cocktail. I ended my last night in Boston with one, so I may as well start it up in the new digs with the same.