Anticipaaaaaaaation

Took myself to the Oregon Manifest custom bike show this afternoon. Couldn't get anyone to come with me, so I hiked up to the MAX and then walked the two blocks to the show (Bleriot needs a bit of love before riding again, which would be tomorrow; I should get on it).

Found Cecil at the Showers Pass booth. (Really nice new rainpaints coming there! I told Ed that I review women's cycling products for a certain well-read website and newsletter.) After a visit, wandered upstairs. Natalie was talking to some folks, so I admired Sheila Moon's styling wool knickers, waited a bit longer, and then Natalie and I got to talking. Then we went hunting for a pen, and I put down a deposit. 18 months :-)

Now, SO many things to decide.

Decisions:

• Well, the reach and seat kick-back will be perfect :-)
• 650B wheels
• 130mm rear spacing (Bleriot has 135mm)
• S&S couplers
• Front rack with light mounts and light wire management and a place to pop my impending VO front bag with decaleur
• braze-ons for rear rack, but it mostly won't be there
• deep raspberry red (color of that fleece pullover I'm often wearing)
• wireless computer
• I'm ok with the Rivendell Silver (Tektro 556) brakes
• Frog pedals

Indecisions:

• drive train: Shimano w/brifters or the setup on Bleriot? Yeah, this is a big one. I like the range I have on Bleriot!
• which metal fenders? This bike won't look retro like Bleriot.
• handlebars? FSA Wing Compact Pro? They have a flat top.
• things like headset and bottom bracket.
  

I'm sure all my friends will be offering suggestions.

Fitz took it very well.