May I brag just a little...

[McDeb]

I'm too excited not to share this. I've always wanted to build a 100% custom bike. Finally did it. Meet Elly. My 14.6 lbs of awesomeness!

http://mcdeb.smugmug.com/Sports/Elly/i-Pwq9LHv/0/L/DSC0337-L.jpg

More photos here: http://mcdeb.smugmug.com/Sports/Elly/23880511_n94gvg

You'll notice an elephant with angel wings on the seat tube and metal one on the head tube. My Mom passed away in 2005 at only 62. She was an amazing joyful woman with the biggest heart of anyone I've ever known. And she was my best friend. She adored elephants. Most of my life. whenever I went anywhere, she always said "I send my angels with you". It was her way of wanting to keep me safe. My previous bike says "Live for Mom" on the top tube. So I needed a way to carry Mom over to this new bike. When I came up with the idea of an elephant with angel wings, I knew she would totally love that. So now Mom's angels ride with me.

Here's the deets on the bike:
- Project managed by by Swallow Bicycle Works of Loveland, OH. Major good ideas, a perfect fit and all around awesome people.
-Titanium custom frame hand built by Mosaic in Bolder CO
- Custom paint job designed by me! Painted by Spectrum Powder Works in Colorado. Love the mint green and cream matte finish! We left the rear chain stays raw Ti. Sexy!
- 2013 Sram Red component group
- Enve carbon wheels built by Tom at Swallow Bicycle Works.
- Enve carbon fork.
- Custom head tube badge.
-Speedplay pedals
- Chris King hubs
- Selle SMP saddle
- Thomson seat post
- Chris King headset
- Bars: 3T Ergonova Pro
- Stem: 3T ARX PRO

Had my first ride this morning. It was perfect! Light, fast and strong. Oh my, I'm in love.

[Tri Girl]

Yes, you may brag. ;)
Wow- it's truly a gorgeous bike!! Congrats on your amazing custom ride! I love that you incorporated your mom on your bike and that you have little touches of her all over it. :)
Someday I would love to build a custom bike...

[Owlie]

Hey, I know Swallow! (If I'm at home, I get post-ride caffeinated beverages at the Starbucks next door.) I'll have to stop by one day.

That is a gorgeous bike. I love the paint job, and the elephants are adorable.

[skinimini]

Incredibly beautiful--and what a touching story. Congrats!

[murielalex]

She's a beauty!

[TigerMom]

Gorgeous bike. Thanks for sharing!

______________________

2012 Specialized Amira Elite, upgraded carbon handle bars, Jett saddle 143mm switched to 145mm 2012 Selle Italia Max SLR Gel Flow saddle

2011 Specialized Ariel Sport,suspension post,Serfas Rx Women's Microfiber saddle

[hebe]

Beautiful, wonderful colours. What a fantastic way to honour your mum too.

[Catrin]

Beautiful, and such a wonderful way to honor your mom!

[Hi Ho Silver]

Beautiful bike, love that paint scheme!! Now I want a bike just like yours!

[lauraelmore1033]

That is one beautiful fancy pants bike! Enjoy!

[Red Rock]

Congrats on the build. A sweet bike for sure. Love the color scheme and how you brought in memories of your mother too. Hope you guys enjoy riding together many miles.

Red Rock

[McDeb]

Thank you all for the sweet comments.

Debbie

[indysteel]

Wow, that's a work of art. I've seen some Spectrum painted bikes in person. They do amazing work. Congrats on your new bike!

[Sky King]

ohhh, iris king cages too. My mom's name was Ellie and she died in 2007, how wonderful for you to have "flying elephants" to be your Angels.

[MGM]

What a lovely bike! Must ride like a dream, congrats. And what a wonderful way to honor your mom.

How are you liking that saddle? I'm curious if the front rising up causes any pressure. Needing a new saddle and have considered the Selle SMP.

[McDeb]

MGM - I have the same saddle on my other road bike (but in blue). I have tried soooo many saddles and I keep coming back to this one. So long as it is positioned just right, it's perfect for me. I feel no pressure at all with it. I got lucky to find it in the mint green to match the new bike. Love that.

Debbie

[Jiffer]

:D SWEET!!!!!!!!! :D

Yes, please do brag. I love bragging. Bragging's good! ;) At least on THIS site. Isn't that kind of what it's for?!

Love the bike and the elephant angel is awesome, perfect and sweet. Your mom would love it.

May you and your elephant angel have miles and miles of glorious rides together! :)

[emily_in_nc]

Your bike is GORGEOUS! I had no idea a ti bike could be that light. I knew it was comfy as all get-out, but not usually as light as carbon. Amazing. Beautiful. I am in full-out bike envy!

Enjoy it completely, and you will have sweet thoughts of your mother every time you ride!

[Crankin]

Emily, my ti bike is only a pound heavier than my carbon bike (not counting the titanium rack).

[Blueberry]

Beautiful bike! I love the custom head badge. Great job with everything. Looking forward to ride reports!!

[chatnoire]

LOVE this! Thanks for sharing!!

[Desert Tortoise]

What a beautiful bike! I especially love the details. How did you come up with such great ideas? I was thrilled when I got matching cages for my stock bike.:o