I got my very own Romulus today!

I had test-ridden one this past weekend at Bicycle Outfitters in Los Altos, but wasn’t quite sure about the size … they had a 57 in stock but not a 55, and I had been riding around on Lee’s 55. Both sizes felt fine to me, but I had some reservations about getting the larger bike. So Lee and I went up to Rivendell today, and Grant very kindly took some time out of his busy pre-Christmas schedule to talk to us and measure me and let me check out a couple of different sizes, and in the end I decided that the 57 was the better bet for me. Since Outfitters still had that 57 in stock, and I was entirely too impatient to wait to get one assembled at Rivendell, we schlepped back to Outfitters with Grant’s blessing.

We didn’t leave Rivendell empty-handed, though – Lee had been admiring the Baggins Bags on the website, and they had a Little Joe available, so Lee got one as a thank-you gift from me for letting me hog his bike. Oh, and for giving me one of his nicely broken-in Brooks saddles. I had bought a ladies Champion Flyer S some time ago and I decided it was too short for me, so Lee offered up one of his Brooks, a black Champion Flyer, which is as comfy as can be for me. So I’ll be returning the ladies saddle (yay for Wallingford’s return policy) and substituting the mens’ version, which Lee will put back on his old Bridgestone. Lee has what I call a BrooksButt™ - he has no problems breaking in leather saddles. What a talented guy I married.

So, my lovely new Romulus has a black leather Brooks saddle and black-and-white handlebar tape, which look tres snazzy on the light metallic blue frame. Silver colored SKS fenders for the winter complete the ensemble. It looks stunning, if I do say so myself. It was nearly dark by the time we got home tonight so I only took a short spin around the neighborhood, but I think I’m going to be a very happy camper on this puppy.


Thanks for all your encouragement! I can't say I wouldn't have done it without you, but you definitely helped speed up the process.

- Jo.