So, what I just did doesn't qualify as irrational. Perhaps if I were more religious, or were still enamored of Kierkegaard, I would say it was a leap of faith. To those who know me best, it might just be a typical act of visionariness (Is there such a word?) or pure and simple insanity.
What did I just do? I've bid on another bike on eBay.
However, it isn't just any bike:
It's a 1997 Miss Mercian. The fellow who's selling it bought it after a hip injury prevented him from using a diamond (or "men's") frame. He set it up, he says, as a tour/commute bike.
If I were rich, I would buy the bike just to give it a good home. And, yes, that is one of my intentions. However, I thought of some practical ways in which I could use the bike.
The frame size is a centimeter bigger (at the seat tube) than any of the Mercians I now have. And its top tube is a centimeter and a half longer. If the bike fits the way I think it will, I might swap the drop bars for North Road-style bars, or Porteur bars (like the ones on Helene) on a stem with a shorter reach. And, of course, I'll change the saddle. Then it might become my transport bike. (In that case, I might even put drop bars on Helene.)
I've given myself a limit as to how high I'll bid because the bike is in England, which means that shipping it will be expensive. But I do like the way the bike looks. And I don't think I would change anything else, at least in the beginning, besides the bars and saddle. The components are all good-quality, and the bike has a rack and fenders.
The auction for the bike ends Sunday afternoon. This will give me something to obssess over between now and then!
Good luck with the auction! I'll keep my fingers crossed for you. North roads bars would look mighty fine on that bike.
ReplyDeleteJillian: Thank you. Actually, I am leaning toward North Roads, as they sweep back a bit more than the Porteurs I have on Helene.
ReplyDeleteI'm also thinking of swiping the Gyes Parkside saddle off Marianela to use on the bike in question. I know it's sacrilege to put a Gyes on a Mercian, but I don't really want to spend another 125 dollars or so on a B67, which the Parkside resembles. Besides, I won't have to break in the Parkside. And, I think the brown leather will look nice with the green bike. (I'm also thinking about cork grips for the North Road bars.)
Hey, wait a minute: I have to win the bike first!
How did I miss this post! This is what happens when I am too busy to read blogs for a few days : ((
ReplyDeleteHow lucky to find a mixte in this size! And since I already know you won it, congratulations! Wonder how she will compare to your 2010 Miss M, very exciting!