Winding Down

 The title word rhymes with "finding" - not to be confused with the unwelcome weather condition, which we are always dealing with during the autumn months. I can't complain too much about the temps, though, because until recent days I've been able to head out on rides without having to put on any serious cold weather gear. I've been able to hit the roads consistently enough that I am closing quickly on my 4000 mile goal.

   Not a lot has been going on in the shop lately, which would pretty much be the norm for this time of year, but in this case, my projects have just been on hold during my patient search for parts. The Campagnolo Super Record components needed to complete my Colnago are fairly rare and usually on the expensive side, and to this point I have been repeatedly foiled by last-second "sniping" bids on eBay. I am determined to keep costs at a reasonable level in order to maximize my resale funds!
   I have another short-term project to keep me busy, with my wife's principal wanting to upgrade to a lightweight frame. He had actually been riding on a bike that was a couple centimeters too big, and was looking to improve his riding comfort as well. We had been searching all summer long, tempted by many sweet looking products, but wanting to stick to a reasonable budget.
   Mark and I had been shooting emails back and forth consistently, sharing opinions on the frames we found available on eBay and craigslist. There was a cool blue and silver Orbea Lobular frame that was sitting around for more than a month, at the same price level with no bids. It had an aluminum main triangle with carbon stays and fork, plus the original Zeus stem.

   I contacted the seller, telling him that I had seen the multiple re-listing of his auction without any luck. I then told him about our prospective plans for the frame and what we were looking to spend. Fortunately he was eager to sell, accepted the offer, and I have had it in my basement for a few weeks. Mark still wanted to be able to ride as many of the last few nice autumn days as possible, and didn't want to be left without a bike.
   However, tomorrow Sue is picking up the bike he has been riding, and I am going to swap parts to the Orbea. I'll let you know how it turns out.