Choosing a bike, part 2

[LovelyGirl]

Welcome to the world of riding a Rivendell. Sky (my bleriot) is my everything bike. If you bought direct from them I am surprised they didn't put the rack on for you. IMO they should as you just made a major lifetime investment. PHOTOS for sure!

PS. If you get stuck call us, the bike hermit can answer some questions, he puts racks on Rivendell's all the time including Betty

Thanks, Sky King! I did buy directly from them. I made the 6 hour drive and went to pick up my bike at Riv's Walnut Creek HQ; when I got there I decided I would indeed spring for the big expensive Nitto rack. The guys didn't know I was going to do it, and my fenders were already on, which was problematic for them. I asked the guys if they would mind installing it (I thought they'd be happy to since it was another $240 sale on top of my bike purchase. Also, I was fully prepared to pay for their labor). They said that they were sales guys, not mechanics but that they would look at it. They decided they couldn't do it. They HAND-DREW me an exploded view of how to do it and wished me luck. Seriously, they could tell me how to do it step by step but they couldn't have actually done it for me? Like I'm better qualified somehow? How can you draw me hand-written instructions and not be capable of installing the rack? Well, that was a total bummer because I really wanted my bike to be totally ready to go. Grant Petersen walked in as I was about to leave, and I was a smidge starstruck. I chatted with him for a few minutes but I couldn't bring myself to ask him to help me with the rack. He's an important guy with a lot on his mind, it was Saturday, and worst of all, my best friend who accompanied me has an 8 month old who was positively screaming in the van at this point. So I just swallowed my disappointment and promised myself I'd get it set up the second I got it home.

Well....I got home Sunday NIGHT, and took it first thing to a bike shop. They told me it'd be ready the next day. I called today and guess what, not ready until tomorrow. Sigh. Those pictures are going to be slow in coming. But I'll get them up here as soon as I can!

[tulip]

Wow! They should have put the rack on for you, though. Glad you got your local bike shop to do it. I want a Betty Foy!!

[Sky King]

Well I suppose you can now sell your hand drawn map on one of the Rivendell fan websites to cover the cost of having your rack installed. We have had Grant out to Idaho a few times, he is a character for sure. the bike hermit was astounded though as he puts racks and fenders on, for no cost, for our customers.

Never the less, Can't wait to see the bike. Nitto racks are worth every penny, love mine. I have a Nitto M18 on the front and a 26 " Campee on the back.

[LovelyGirl]

I got her all set up finally! I think it will all be worth it! On the back is my 4 year old. My older one is in school and my little guy goes everywhere with me. He's a great companion. My other companion is an 8 year old American Eskimo Dog - Dayton Dogg, as he's known around these parts! Nobody worry, we are abiding by the weight restrictions on the rack

[bikegranny]

Very, very nice. Congrats. It's a wonderful to figure out what you want, and get it!

[Megustalaplaya]

Beautiful bike! Congrats!

[IBrakeforPastry]

Congratulations! I wish I had been a little more patient when I decided this fall to get a new bike. I rode several (all aluminum) and I listened to people here who suggested I try steel. There weren't any in my size in the local shops, and, as I said, I got impatient and wanted a new bike. NOW I bought a nice one, but with winter approaching I haven't had a chance to take it out much, and of course I'm telling myself I should have waited. So I'm already shopping (researching?) for n+1. Enjoy your new ride in Sunny CA!