May rides, may they all be wonderful

[north woods gal]

We were all set to walk into my local bike shop and plunk down $1500 on the new All-City Log Lady single speed. Thought it was a done deal after all my hard work keeping notes and collecting data and riding single speed all week. The shop was a little busy, so while waiting my turn I wandered into the used section. You guessed it.

Against all odds, there was a very lightly used steel custom built single speed 29er. It's a Gunnar Ruffian (hand-built steel custom frame made by Waterford, here in Wisconsin). All highest end parts on the build, too. Basically a $5000 build, but we got it for less than half. Owner had other bikes he wanted to finance. Bike has barely 100 miles on it. Quality-wise, it'll be the best bike I've ever owned. Could have paid $1500 for a new Log Lady or $2150 for this one. The Gunnar frame, by itself, costs $1500. No brainer.

Having it outfitted with new Racing Ralph tubeless tires and checked over. Will pick it up in a few days. Gearing wise, it's identical to the Krampus, which I've been riding successfully in one gear all week, now, so I was ready to take the plunge. Never figured to get something like this, however. More details to follow after I get the bike home and start riding.