ok, so several months ago i posted in here saying i was waiting for a sweetpea and as of last friday, i finally have it. so i figured i should come back and share 'cos i'm really really happy with the way it turned out. Natalie really went above and beyond and it totally exceeds all my expectations! And man, it's so light and fast (especially when compared to my previous 'round town bike, an old old trek hybrid, so i guess it's not *really* a fair comparison!)

More pictures on flickr, but here's one. I'm waiting for my rear rack to come in, and then I'll be outfitting the bike with the Bobike rear seat for my 3 year old and hooking up the Follow-Me Tandem for my 5-3/4 year old. Seems almost a shame to do it, but that's what the bike was designed for (hence the loooong wheelbase) and since all I want to do is ride this bike, I have to be able to bring the boys along.



the nitty gritty details:

• 50/34 170mm Shimano Ultegra crank
• 11x34 IRC Elite cassette
• Shimano XT M771 long cage rear derailleur
• Shimano 105 10-Speed front derailleur
• Velocity Synergy 650B wheels
• Nitto B603 handlebar, Velo Orange stem, Rivendell Woodies
• Dura Ace bar end shifters + Paul Thumbies
• Chris King bottom bracket and headseat
• Tektro 556 long-reach brakes
• Brooks B68s saddle
• Velo Orange touring pedals
• Honjo fenders