X's and more X's

So I decided I might as well make it official.
I just can't seem to stop myself.
I mean really, I can't.
So let's all acknowledge it and say that I'm now officially clinically insane.
Evil eBay got me again!
I'm not going to do it.
I'm not going to do it.
I'm not going to do it.
Then I did it:



My brother said not to.
Evil Hoku just shook his head.
I just can't control myself anymore.
Now, by ride is a mix of XTR, XT, and SLX.
Why, why, why did I ever get into this bicycling thing?
It's madness I say.
There should be a support group or some kind of rehab to check in to when it all spirals out of control.
It's too late for me, friends.
I have tasted the evil and I like it.
There is no stopping me now.
Intervention!
I need an intervention!
Or something.
It's so shiny. So light. The machined surface just begs you to touch and caress it.
Spin little wheels, spin!
Spin faster!
Shifting perfection.
Click, click, click.
I need more!
Something more I tell you!
Something like a matching XTR front derailleur.
My right eye is beginning to twitch. I rub my hands together in anticipation as I sit and stare at the evil auctions.
Buy It Now! it says.
Buy It Now!
Yes! Yes! Buy It Now!
From deep within my soul I summon the last gram of self control that still remains.
Grams? it is the grams that did it!
I saved thirty grams!
Justified.
No?
Yes! There are more grams to save.
The bike must become lighter!
Lighter means faster, no?
Yes, yes! Faster!
The voices never stop.
Buy it now.
Buy it now.
Wait. The wretched flame that burns within withers to embers.
There is no more fuel.
The check book is bare.
I see things now with a lucid clarity I have not known for some time.
From back before the time of the bicycle.
Who am I?
Where am I?
The fever has passed.
It simmers until automatic deposit and the account boils and the eyes madly begin to search out all things X.
I tell this tale as a warning.
Do not tread where I have gone.
The cost is great and the rewards are few.
There is no hope for me, my friends.
I cannot see past the search function.
I am compelled.
I must obey my master!
It never ends.