Evolution

• I really can't remember how long the Negroni has been hitting the mean streets of Chicago. A year? 18 months? It really doesn't matter, though, because this thing gets *around*. On top of four season daily commutes between Logan Square and Hyde Park, the Negroni frequents tony cocktail lounges in the Gold Coast, taquerias in Pilsen, and makes the occasional call on important gallery openings all around Chicagoland.

  And the build has evolved to reflect the caviar tastes of its owner. Thus the black Brooks Swift and white track chain. This summer, a fresh bottom bracket and splendiferous Specialites TA chainring in on the docket.

  But it's also a practical beast, suffering inglorious poundings and potholes, ice, rain, mud, and rivulets of sweat in every last bearing surface and crevice. Witness the Schwalbe Stelvio (white!) up front paired with a (so far) bullet-proof 25c Panaracer RIBMO on the back.

  He doesn't skid, but he certainly could with this combination.