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Well, as some of you may be aware been looking for a large British Steel hand built frame for a while. Mrs HM is operating a one in one out policy so a little creative accounting was required.
On Friday a suitable frame was smuggled up along the west coast by the light of a swinging lantern from Swanage to Weston. The Customs man was successfully avoided and the contraband landed at a secret coastal man cave of retro.
This morning I left my good lady with a smile and a kiss, to go for a ride around the Weston area on my Marin Bear Valley SE in good clean trailworthy and fully rideable specification.
I arrived at the smugglers rest, the workshop was sealed and three hours later I emerged with my new ill-gotten steed.
I was then treated to the Worlebury equivalent of Bruntingthorpe proving ground. 10 miles of an assortment of terrain, gradients, surfaces and track widths ideally suited to testing out new bike and rider. On occasion, the latter was found wanting. The bike was a revelation. Responsive, flexible and sure footed. Giving me the confidence to push on faster and harder both uphill and down.
As for Mrs HM, do you think she'll notice?
My thanks NeilM for his expert build and five hour+ return trip to secure the frame. Also to numerous others for their advice and support throughout the seeking.
For those interested. This was virtually a zero expenditure build. The only significant purchase being the Exage rear U brake costing £10 from Gloucester Bike Project, (thanks Matt) the seat post being Karma'd by Rob (xlite I hope) and sundry items stolen from NeilM or other bikes/builds I've attempted.
The Marin leftovers will be available shortly.
Hope you like it!
On Friday a suitable frame was smuggled up along the west coast by the light of a swinging lantern from Swanage to Weston. The Customs man was successfully avoided and the contraband landed at a secret coastal man cave of retro.
This morning I left my good lady with a smile and a kiss, to go for a ride around the Weston area on my Marin Bear Valley SE in good clean trailworthy and fully rideable specification.
I arrived at the smugglers rest, the workshop was sealed and three hours later I emerged with my new ill-gotten steed.
I was then treated to the Worlebury equivalent of Bruntingthorpe proving ground. 10 miles of an assortment of terrain, gradients, surfaces and track widths ideally suited to testing out new bike and rider. On occasion, the latter was found wanting. The bike was a revelation. Responsive, flexible and sure footed. Giving me the confidence to push on faster and harder both uphill and down.
As for Mrs HM, do you think she'll notice?
My thanks NeilM for his expert build and five hour+ return trip to secure the frame. Also to numerous others for their advice and support throughout the seeking.
For those interested. This was virtually a zero expenditure build. The only significant purchase being the Exage rear U brake costing £10 from Gloucester Bike Project, (thanks Matt) the seat post being Karma'd by Rob (xlite I hope) and sundry items stolen from NeilM or other bikes/builds I've attempted.
The Marin leftovers will be available shortly.
Hope you like it!
