grand bleu redux

The happy ending to a long, sad story. Originally purchased one of these back in the summer of 2006 as my winter bike. Liked the frame details, including the fastback seat lug, forged ends, and sloping fork crown. Took it down to the frame, built it back up, and had a great time riding it. Everything was wondeful until Dec. 13 of that year, when the bike was stolen. Tried like hell to get it back (police report, flyers, fist-shaking at the Fates, etc.), and when that didn't work, set about getting another. After several months of searching, turned up the same year, model, and color of bike, and in the same condition -- mint. That it was in California didn't stop me. Got it, rebuilt it exactly the same as the bike that was stolen, and now I'm riding again -- with a big, big lock, needless to say. (The original is still on Velospace too, may she rest in peace.)

Update: In April 2013 I said the heck with running the bike in essentially stock configuration, and upgraded the hubs, cranks, and derailleurs, and also built up a second set of wheels for winter, shod with Nokian Hakkapeliitta studded tires. As you can see in the second shot, they go where cars fear to roll.