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@vthejk
So this seems wrong calling it a 'current project' as I bought my frame back in 2022. But I wasn't on the forum back then, and the bike's been a bit of a journey. So, here goes.
It actually starts a little before, in the winter of 2021/22, when two of my bikes were stolen. In hindsight, it was entirely my fault for having them locked in the garden but fully visible through the low fence; as it was, two miscreants hopped over, cut the locks, chucked the bikes back over and made away.
This was an oddly serendipitous occurrence, though. The bikes that were stolen were a very 'road'-sy Giant Contend (which I didn't love) and an 'off-road'-sy Cannondale CAADX, (which I dearly loved). The Giant was found in the hands of the intrepid robber at around 3 am. The Cannondale, with my fave WTB Nano tires and parts I had bought for it just that morning, was never found. I decided pretty much the same day that I would sell the Giant and claim insurance for the Cannondale and put the money towards buying something nicer, replacing both bikes in purpose and splitting the difference in their styles of riding.
After months of haggling with Bikmo (#neveragain) I had my monies. I nearly bought a Fairlight Secan in 56R, but a missed sale purchase and delays in getting my insurance money led me to Stayer. It was always meant to be, I think. I spent some weeks on and off comms with Holly and Sam before speccing my Groadinger UG frame, full with all the mounts for a rear rack, mudguards and a third bottle cage.
I'll have to scroll through to find the last picture of me, happily cradling my newly-acquired frame, outside the station, looking as pleased as a dad with his newborn child. Almost. Round 2 of the build up soon. In the meantime, here's how my bike collection looked before the Stayer, and then some gratuitous frame and forks before I slathered them with bags and cables and a front mech.
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