Welcome guest, is this your first visit? Click the "Create Account" button now to join.

To disable ads, please log-in.

Shop at TeamEstrogen.com for women's cycling apparel.

Page 1 of 2 12 LastLast
Results 1 to 15 of 22
  1. #1
    Join Date
    Jun 2007
    Location
    Ohio
    Posts
    7

    May I brag just a little...

    To disable ads, please log-in.

    I'm too excited not to share this. I've always wanted to build a 100% custom bike. Finally did it. Meet Elly. My 14.6 lbs of awesomeness!



    More photos here: http://mcdeb.smugmug.com/Sports/Elly/23880511_n94gvg

    You'll notice an elephant with angel wings on the seat tube and metal one on the head tube. My Mom passed away in 2005 at only 62. She was an amazing joyful woman with the biggest heart of anyone I've ever known. And she was my best friend. She adored elephants. Most of my life. whenever I went anywhere, she always said "I send my angels with you". It was her way of wanting to keep me safe. My previous bike says "Live for Mom" on the top tube. So I needed a way to carry Mom over to this new bike. When I came up with the idea of an elephant with angel wings, I knew she would totally love that. So now Mom's angels ride with me.

    Here's the deets on the bike:
    - Project managed by by Swallow Bicycle Works of Loveland, OH. Major good ideas, a perfect fit and all around awesome people.
    -Titanium custom frame hand built by Mosaic in Bolder CO
    - Custom paint job designed by me! Painted by Spectrum Powder Works in Colorado. Love the mint green and cream matte finish! We left the rear chain stays raw Ti. Sexy!
    - 2013 Sram Red component group
    - Enve carbon wheels built by Tom at Swallow Bicycle Works.
    - Enve carbon fork.
    - Custom head tube badge.
    -Speedplay pedals
    - Chris King hubs
    - Selle SMP saddle
    - Thomson seat post
    - Chris King headset
    - Bars: 3T Ergonova Pro
    - Stem: 3T ARX PRO

    Had my first ride this morning. It was perfect! Light, fast and strong. Oh my, I'm in love.

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Apr 2006
    Location
    where the wind comes sweeping down the plain
    Posts
    5,251
    Yes, you may brag.
    Wow- it's truly a gorgeous bike!! Congrats on your amazing custom ride! I love that you incorporated your mom on your bike and that you have little touches of her all over it.
    Someday I would love to build a custom bike...
    Check out my running blog: www.turtlepacing.blogspot.com

    Cervelo P2C (tri bike)
    Bianchi Eros (commuter/touring road bike)

    1983 Motobecane mixte (commuter/errand bike)
    Cannondale F5 mountain bike

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Apr 2009
    Location
    Tucson, AZ
    Posts
    4,632
    Hey, I know Swallow! (If I'm at home, I get post-ride caffeinated beverages at the Starbucks next door.) I'll have to stop by one day.

    That is a gorgeous bike. I love the paint job, and the elephants are adorable.
    At least I don't leave slime trails.
    http://wholecog.wordpress.com/

    2009 Giant Avail 3 |Specialized Jett 143

    2013 Charge Filter Apex| Specialized Jett 143
    1996(?) Giant Iguana 630|Specialized Riva


    Saving for the next one...

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Sep 2008
    Location
    Atlanta, GA
    Posts
    230
    Incredibly beautiful--and what a touching story. Congrats!
    2011 Cervelo S3/Bontrager Affinity RXL
    2009 Cannondale Synapse Carbon Feminine 4/Bontrager Affinity RXL
    '70s Nishiki Mixte

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Feb 2012
    Location
    Florida
    Posts
    452
    She's a beauty!
    2013 Kirk Frameworks JK Special/Selle Anatomica
    2012 Gunnar Sport/Brooks B17
    2001 Calfee Tetra Pro/Selle Anatomica
    1984 Raleigh Sport/Brooks B66

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Apr 2012
    Location
    Rowland Hts, CA
    Posts
    461
    Gorgeous bike. Thanks for sharing!

    ______________________

    2012 Specialized Amira Elite, upgraded carbon handle bars, Jett saddle 143mm switched to 145mm 2012 Selle Italia Max SLR Gel Flow saddle

    2011 Specialized Ariel Sport,suspension post,Serfas Rx Women's Microfiber saddle

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Aug 2010
    Location
    Wilts, UK
    Posts
    903
    Beautiful, wonderful colours. What a fantastic way to honour your mum too.
    Dawes Cambridge Mixte, Specialized Hardrock, Specialized Vita.

    mixedbabygreens My blog, which really isn't all about the bike.

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Nov 2009
    Posts
    10,889
    Beautiful, and such a wonderful way to honor your mom!

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Jan 2011
    Location
    Austin, TX
    Posts
    208
    Beautiful bike, love that paint scheme!! Now I want a bike just like yours!
    JEAN

    2011 Specialized Ruby Elite - carbon fiber go-fast bike
    DiamondBack Expert - steel road bike
    Klein Pinnacle - classic no-suspension aluminum MTB

  10. #10
    Join Date
    Jun 2006
    Location
    pacific NW
    Posts
    1,038
    That is one beautiful fancy pants bike! Enjoy!

    Rodriguez Adventure
    Bacchetta Bellandare
    HPV Gekko fx
    Custom Rodriguez Tandem
    2009 Specialized Tricross
    2012 Trek Mamba

  11. #11
    Join Date
    Feb 2008
    Location
    Edge of Colorado Plateau
    Posts
    701
    Congrats on the build. A sweet bike for sure. Love the color scheme and how you brought in memories of your mother too. Hope you guys enjoy riding together many miles.

    Red Rock

  12. #12
    Join Date
    Jun 2007
    Location
    Ohio
    Posts
    7
    Thank you all for the sweet comments.

    Debbie

  13. #13
    Join Date
    Sep 2006
    Location
    Central Indiana
    Posts
    6,034
    Wow, that's a work of art. I've seen some Spectrum painted bikes in person. They do amazing work. Congrats on your new bike!
    Live with intention. Walk to the edge. Listen hard. Practice wellness. Play with abandon. Laugh. Choose with no regret. Continue to learn. Appreciate your friends. Do what you love. Live as if this is all there is.

    --Mary Anne Radmacher

  14. #14
    Join Date
    Dec 2010
    Location
    Boise Idaho
    Posts
    1,162
    ohhh, iris king cages too. My mom's name was Ellie and she died in 2007, how wonderful for you to have "flying elephants" to be your Angels.
    Sky King
    ____________________
    Gilles Berthoud "Bernard"
    Surly ECR "Eazi"
    Empowering the Bicycle Traveler
    biketouringnews.com

  15. #15
    Join Date
    Oct 2011
    Posts
    69
    What a lovely bike! Must ride like a dream, congrats. And what a wonderful way to honor your mom.

    How are you liking that saddle? I'm curious if the front rising up causes any pressure. Needing a new saddle and have considered the Selle SMP.

 

 

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •