Cast Iron I have

Saturday, June 4, 2011

If I had $1,000,00.00

If I had unlimited budget to build a custom bike, I would want one that fit like Claire.  I would have my builder start with her as a blueprint and then make her more pretty.  A more graceful looped top tube or a swan frame.  Prettier lugs.

Then I would steam punk that baby out.  Cooper plate on the tubes, brass coated lugs.  An reproduction antique front light that was secretly powered by a dynamo hub and LEDs.  Brass plated fenders and chain guard with an ornate pattern cut out.  Leather saddle and handle bar grips.  I would want to find a way to put cream Fat Franks on it.  I would want wicker panniers.  I would have a bike that was beautiful to look at, but still had that wonderful ride quality that is so Claire.

And I would be afraid to ride it anywhere in case it got stolen.

But all that stuff is just appearances.  I have no complaints about how Claire fits or rides or handles.  At some point I may have to have her dismantled and sent away for professional powder coating, since the paint isn't as hardy. But that isn't going to change how she handles.

I really enjoy riding that bike and she is perfectly matched for riding with T.

The Nishiki on the other hand.....  is fine.  I only use about three of the speeds when it is just me, but when I have the toddler trailer or the panniers loaded, I need the extra ones.  I just don't know enough about road bikes to know if I could do better.  Or to use it to its full potential.   None the less it fits comfortably and I feel like I can go fast on it.

Either way, I have bicycle contentment.

2 comments:

  1. That would be one cool bike. There have to be locks that are reliable enough to prevent theft, aren't there?

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  2. Yeah, but custom bikes are THOUSANDS of dollars.

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