looks like wild rose sports, slc has sold some real cool pieces...
until you put some of the mentioned not pc parts on it.
I didn't even mention them properly yet!
Hahaha, I love this place.
Even with a thorough explanation and hopefully sound reasoning, despite the fact every other bike I've built is entirely period...
Still the little dig!
Anyway, it's potentially just for one ride
@newsboy. I have grander, longterm PC plans, so don't fret too much. Or do! And, hey, maybe this horrible sariligious first build won't be entirely awful in the meantime?
The first thing I bought for this bike was actually for the latter PC version anyway (even if it's not technically period correct, seeing as how it's stamped '94):
Hard to look too far past a Ritchey fork for a Merlin, although I have my eye out for an earlier, fillet brazed version, ideally in yellow, as a nod to the Fat Chance ti roots of the bike. There's an amazing and perfect one on eBay right now, up in Canada. It's been there a while actually, as the seller is asking $1000 for it! If said seller happens to be on here, and fancies making some kind of deal, feel free to hit me up here or in the PMs. You've got some lovely, albeit pricey stuff!
These beautiful black chrome Ritchey Logic forks are a great place to introduce
@RetroRider_IT to the story, too. As he provided them following a Wanted thread I'd put up. This single purchase ignited a very interesting and fruitful relationship between us both, and we're now intertwined on several parts, bikes and projects. Marco is just one more reason why I feel eternally grateful to this place, and the international community it provides.
Ciao Marco! Grazie mille per tutto!
More on Marco's contribution to this particular bike and build in the next post.