Saturday, October 11, 2008

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.

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

Oooh! Oooh!
Another Sweetpea will be on the road!
I got stuff you might want.
Let's talk over coffee, yes?

tangobiker said...

Wow Lynne ... this sounds auspicious! Congrats!