Back in the Saddle (Saluki Saddle)

Build nearing target configuration... the Saluki is riding again. Today was the first commute since the not-so-lucky one that ended up with my crash for this bike.  The bike handled great, fully loaded with work clothes and laptop/notebook load so it was a critical test.  Nothing like that new drivetrain feel, silky smooth.  The fenders and racks stayed where they were intended to stay which is always nice. I'm very happy with the decision to go with the Berthoud steel fenders, those things stay where they are meant to stay, no noise!

The dyno hub is emitting an annoying chirp at least on the return home trip and I did have some interesting shimmy on the front end w/ my heavy morning load.  Otherwise the Saluki completely reminded me why I wasn't riding anything else much up till the day I crashed her.

Pictures at the Jefferson Memorial seemed appropriate. I love swinging by on my way into work when I have (make) the time. It is a privilege to have such amazing scenery on a daily basis.  I'll post a more detailed photo exploration of the build soon.  For now here are the glamour shots!

Rolling Again

And now off to happy hour... and yes I'm going to ride the bike!

The Saluki's Back!

Back from the powdercoater and ready to build... which is going to happen today!

I'm really happy with the green and the kind of 'semi-flat' topcoat that I got, the cream headtube looks great to.  The lug detail painting is a bit of a disappointment unfortunately.  I was going for british racing green tone in a flat finish. I think I just missed that deep dark green by a shade or two but given computer monitors and selecting powder sight unseen I think it's close enough.  The finish feels pretty nice and I'm hopeful it proves very durable and long lasting.

Here is a dump of pictures.  I think I'll end up trying my hand at cleaning up the lug painting when I get some time.

Exit hole for my internal cable routing (bottom of seat tube). There is a matching one up on the down tube as well. I ended up drilling it myself and using a deburring tool to clean it up.

Cable guides for the dyno wiring were added. Pretty nice brazing work I think

Thanks to Rob at OC for the expertly wrapped package... dyno cable's for the build, a King Cage and a pound of coffee!

The build is officially started...

Re-Building the Saluki (Components Highlights)

It's been almost 9 month's since the Saluki and I ended our regular commute home with a spectacular and damaging rear-wheel over front-wheel  single bike accident.  I was healed and riding again within a month but the bike repair has lingered, a frustrating project from start to finish with alot out of my control.  It has also been more expensive by far than I ever imagined.

But it would seem that the frustrations are close to being wrapped up and I am expecting the re-finished frame, fork and fenders to be returned by the powdercoater 'soon' (I'm hoping w/in a week).  Anyway I've decided to focus some positive energy on the fun part, the build... and the REALLY fun part, the ride.

This build is meant to make the Saluki my ideal everyday commuter here in the DC-VA area and nearly everything has graced one of my bikes before, many were on the Saluki during that fateful ride last August.

I'm glad I splurged on this before I saw the full costs of the frame refurb!  Regardless I'm excited to try out the legendary CK headset on this bike.

No drama here, I had this exact crankset on the Saluki when I crashed.  I love the solid feel I got from this set and when I look down and see the perfectly straight chain ring that also felt good.  I could always throw on a VBC double if I needed the flexibility in the future.

The one and probably only shot of the BB... it came with the original 'Purple-Luki' and is still going strong.

Retro Paul Lever's, the sticker is starting to fade but the finely machined aluminum is holding tough.  I love these levers! The Ergon grips on Nitto Albatross bars will complete the cockpit.

What better pair for the retro Paul levers than retro Paul 'Stoplight' Canti's... these are sweet brakes. I do need to locate another canti post 'sleeve' which I appear to have lost.

Another oldie, practically NOS Nitto stem... I love the scalloped sides and the 'arrow' on the top.  

Vice Pedals, doesn't get better than this.

I'm told that 'scooping' a B67 is pretty rare... well here you go.  Probably only comfortable for me at this point but paired with the Albatross I'm mighty comfy for my regular commute distances.  Longer trips would require one of my Brooks Flyers most likely.