Ch26
After 11 years, the needle of the clock starts to move
p30
My, that's too bad.
-Then, um
31
I'd--
-Oh, nori, what're you up to
-Welcome, are you together?
	-Oh, big brother
and Todoroki
	You called me out here to check out the bike shop.
32
Well, it'd be troublesome if no one knowledgeable was around. But to come after being called out of the blue is so like you Todoro.
	-...................
Everyone, listen to me please. Argh, what a mess.
	-Domachi, it's okay if you get drunk, I'm driving on the way back. Todoro, you too.
Man but road bikes are expensive. If you look--
	-Have you all decided on your order?

33
And I was thinking 'oh this is neat' but it's all so overpriced..
	-A connoisseur I see.
	-Mim and everyone are going to look, not you.
Well, it is true that prices have become ridiculously high as of late.
But entry-level bikes haven't changed in a long time. On the contrary, the performance has improved.
	In any case, could I take your orders now?
	-Then, for starters, stir fried water spinach and oh, who's having beer?
34
But really? $10000 for a bike? I can't understand that sort of thing at all.
-Speaking of which, Todoro, what's that about,
	Today you brought in a different bike didn't you?
-So you bought something like that Todoro?
	On top of that two of them.
	-It's not like I just went out and bought them.
The first one I bought, the one I came in on today, was about $1400 retail.
-Which one?

35
Anchor RNC3
	with a Tiagra 9-speed group set
-An entry neocot (??)
It's a good bike, isn't it?
	-After changing out the wheels I've had nothing to complain about. It's a bit heavy, but good enough as an everyday bike.
-That's right, despite the price, road bikes never change in that respect.
For safety, tires and brakes, then the front fork, and for speed, the wheels.
Fundamentally, as long as you consider those 4 points, the rest is just preference.

36
In the first place, for a cheap bike isn't considering the price enough?
	-That's true.
$1000 for the main body, $500 for parts
	in total, $1500
Well about that much is necessary if you're starting off with a road bike. If you can afford up to $1500 for the body, your choices increase significantly.
-$1500..
	-Wasn't your budget $500?

37
In terms of parts, you have the helmet, group set, lights, tire valves, flat kit. These are the absolute basics.
After that you have things like biking clothes, shoes, sunglasses, rain gear, bottle and bottle cage, a bike computer and bike rack. It'll probably be convenient to have these things.
-Todoro said something like that, although I don't really remember it.
-Although, for something you'll play around for two or three years with, $1500 is a bit much even for an adult's pastime.

38
If you compare it to cars..
-Well, there are those who put the two in the same category.
But if you look at it as a hobby, $1500 for a bike is quite an adult's hobby.
Since it's not for practicality, if you can't justify such an extravagance don't feel compelled to follow through with all of this.
-Earlier, you said 30 is the perfect age.
	-Yes.
39
After 30, a man is his bicycle.
Of course, even if you're not past 30 or a woman it's fine.
In comparison,
Let's think about how young men often act.

40
Especially at that age when one is still growing up, one tries to appear larger and show off their prowess over machines with power much greater than their own.
-That's you, that's you!
	-Really now?
Motorcycles, cars--using that sort of excessive power, one can span long distances and reach incredible speeds.
Lately though, motorcycles and cars have fallen a bit out of fashion and have been replaced with the likes of computers.
	In a moment one can go any distance and feel as though they know about anything.

41
But the likes of that is not one's own power. There are those who realize this.
Blindly searching for one's dreams in adolescence, working to expand one's potential in their 20s.
But by 30, one's potential is at its peak, and the limits of dreams are laid bare.
-Well?
	-Well, I suppose I don't think of becoming a superhero anymore.
When one stops growing, it's at this age when one must face their own capacities.
That sort of time.

42
After all, a bicycle is something which vindicates one's actual capacities.
'With my own power, how far can I go; how fast can I go?'
Of course, growing up is a precious time
Biking at such an age allows one to heartily test one's own abilities.

43
Of course, that means finding out one's current limitations, and therein lies the cruel reality.
But on the other hand, there is also hope.
If you strain your legs to their utmost limits, undoubtedly you'll advance forwards
Well, for the most part.

44
'Tailored to one's own ability' can be said to apply perfectly here.
-$1500...
	-...............
Earlier you said $1500 would buy two or three years of use but
	-That was a bit of a lie
Ocasionally some parts will need replacement
And it's very likely that if you get a premade bike you'll gradually want to change out some parts.
I ended up changing out the brake arches and wheels, along with the saddle.

45
It it has a really custom feel to it.
Basically that's true, but 'custom' is a bit of a misnomer.
All bicycle parts are custom-made
	But in reality there's no notion of 'customization.'
Fundamentally, a road bike starts with buying a frame, and then choosing the parts to your liking.

46
Although you can buy a finished bike, it's a given that you'll probably change out some parts.
	And even though it's called finished, oftentimes the pedals won't be included, and the saddle and stem are often changed out.
-Seems like a pain..
	-On the contrary, it can be fun
For that reason, there quite a few people who assemble a bike from scratch.
-A bicycle? By themselves?
	-Easier than plastic models I imagine.

47
But as opposed to plastic models, a bike moves and supports a person, so you take on that responsibility.
-Seems fun
	-You're enjoying this aren't you
Although for some parts you'll need special tools, a hardware shop will probably have them. With an Allen key and Phillips screwdriver one can do all the necessary assembly.
	[upper note: Allen key, also called a hexagonal wrench or just a hex wrench]
	[bottom note] While commonly called a hex wrench, 'Allen key' seems to be used in the bike world.
So anyone can do it properly?
	-Well, not on the same level as a professional.
Even using the same parts, if a talented pro assembles a bike, everything will run just right.

48
But knowing this there are people who still want to do it themselves. Although their reasons for doing so are different, really it's part of the hobby.
And you, Todoro?
	I leave it to the shop, servicing too.
Wonder what I should do
	For a first one, a bike shop
	Is this guy for real? Besides wouldn't this be your second bike?
Of course, in order to leave you in the dust.
	-Actually
Why'd you come here, big brother?

49
I believe he said he came to return the bike
What!?
You running away? Win-and-run?
	-When did I win?
	-Lose and run?

50
Well after all it's not mine, and it'd be strange to hold onto it indefinitely.
Huh
	Dammit, then it's my win! My win by default!
Like I said--
	-Okay then, Rin--
	-I'm buying a--
	-is mine!
	-bike of my own.

51
Huh
	huh?
	whaat?
	Wait what, what?
I said
I'm going to buy my own bike

52
You bastard, you're aiming for Rin after all!
	-This drunkard