The Pilgramage to Waterford

[indysteel]

How exciting, not only that you're going to get a pretty steel bike out of the deal, but most importantly, one that fits. I'm green with envy. The bike shop that did my fitting for my Bianchi sells Waterfords. I'm leaning toward Ti, but if I go steel, they're definitely an option.

Have you thought about color, lugs, decals and the like?

[Thorn]

The model will be the RS-33. I wanted a bike that is light, has a good snap and yet is comfy after 100 miles. I left it up to them to choose the model that fit those requirements. So, it will be the oversized, oval steel S3 tubing, TIG welded, no lugs; the sport road model, not the racing model so that handling should be softer.

As for color, I had been leaning towards a fade scheme from a dark cranberry into a dark orange, but then I saw the Harlequin magenta/gold. Depending upon the light angle, the color can be some shade between magenta and gold. On a round surface, it has a nice effect with the colors that the paint can appear were all within my chosen colors. Figured I couldn't lose and it should be fun.

I'm putting over it their new stylized decals. I really like the script font--gives an elegance to the bike. I saw it today on several bikes. It looked good.

In the TMI side...the bike is being funded by stock options from a former job. I had worked for a small company. It was a good job. We got bought by a big multinational. The job went downhill, but I ended up with some "blood money"--I so liked my job that it was like taking payment to take away a good friend. Anyway...I decided that I would use the money to increase quality of life. I figure splurging on a custom bike fits into that definition so it will be bittersweet...but it also means I can justify frivilous things like harlequin paint and Campy Chorus. I've never splurged like this on myself before...feels wierd (but I better not get too used to it )

[mimitabby]

Thorn
the bike sounds absolutely awesome. I've seen the paint job that Waterford can do! (I like your color combo better than the one I saw though)

I really look forward to following your story...

[DebW]

Are you going for a steel or carbon fork?

My recent custom bike was also funded by a stock option windfall, though I'm still with the company.

[Thorn]

They're going to put on a carbon fork. His reasoning was weight. My bike is big because...uh...I'm big. I think I read on their forums that Waterford tends to go with carbon forks unless a high reliability usage is planned (e.g., cross country, self-supported touring).

Mimi--some of the bikes they had there were really cool looking. I'm not a pastel sort of person, but I was surprised how nice the pastels looked with the more traditional panels. I asked the guy if they ever had someone request a color combination that was a disaster in the making. He described one case where they did an "intervention". They kept the woman's colors, but changed where and how they were used on the bike. In the end, it worked and she was happy.

[mimitabby]

I would love to go to the Waterford factory!
you could give guided tours!

[Mr. Bloom]

Shows you how clueless I am...I thought you went to Ireland to buy crystal!