If you're like me, you're looking at the picture wondering ... what is new? Well, it's the Chris King DreadSet Head Set. Perfect for the rastafarian/peace-loving hippie/blingin' BMX rider on your list -- and also available in 10 other colors, or any combination thereof, with over 6,000 choices (to complement your lime green chain or pay homage to your home team). Aaron has been lusting after it for years. Literally. Even as a silly girl, I was pretty impressed at the (expensive) shiny red-green-and-yellow contents of the small box. And that wasn't even counting my herculean efforts!
Boys are amazing at two things that I will never understand or comprehend: sports statistics and vehicle specifications. If I wanted to buy Aaron a bike part, and was able to consult with the expert at Sultana Cycles about it, in 5 minutes I would know exactly what I needed in the correct size, most durable material, hippest color, best model year, most reliable manufacturer, etc. in my price range and scheduled to arrive in the fastest possible time. That would, however, ruin the surprise ... so when I called Chris King to place my order -- based solely on the color -- I got my own surprise. I didn't even know what a head set was, let alone what the head tube is, the size of the head tube (to the closest 1/8th of an inch -- foreclosing any possibility of accurate independent measurement), or whether it is threaded or unthreaded. Also, some bikes have an integrated headset that can't be replaced with Chris King bling! Sheesh. I searched the internet. I complained to my assistant. I called strangers with my questions. I researched the cost of return shipping. I poked around Aaron's bike and kept my ears open.
After much effort and reconnaissance, I can now identify the unthreaded 1-1/8th-inch head tube on the Bontrager. I got it right and Aaron loved it.
As Christmas approaches, I know I will never get him a better gift, ever, in the next 50+ years of blissful marriage. But ... in the bike world, I guess Chris King is forever.
