The Saga of the BT Bike is Complete

Two years ago, I lost my bike. Stolen, accidental, or both - it was gone. I came to BT for sympathy. I got so much more. I was given a bike by our own Fred D, who lives within 90 minutes of me. I also received a saddle, and aerobars in the mail from others.

I had always hoped to pass the bike along when I was in a position to replace it.

That time has come, not exactly as I had planned. I rode two half-ironmans and the Nations Tri on the bike, as well as several other races, and all my training. I had planned to ride it at IMMT this summer, also hoping to see Fred D there again.

Well, I finally went for a fitting on the bike, and it became a new bike purchase. I fit much better on a 58cm frame, but this was a 56cm. That would be enough to replace it, but then we found that the seat post was corroded inside, and worn out on top, making precised adjustments to the seat angle impossible. By the time I was going to pay for a fit and buy a new post, we really looked at the bottom bracket needing replacement too, and the head unit was wobbly, one wheel had issues. It did have several thousand miles of solid use. So instead, I bought an entry level Trek roadie, much like the one I had been on. It's the right size, it's new, and it's enough. It's black and blue. 1.1 series.

I transferred the aerobars and Cobb saddle I had received from other BTers, and the bike was donated to Recycle Bicycle in Harrisburg. It needs work, but they have volunteers who rehab bikes and splice together what's usable.

So I'm on the cheapest roadie in the shop, no name brand shifters or anything, and I couldn't be happier. It fits. Fit is everything, right?

I have some aero extensions to put on the pay it forward thread. I also have a brand new adjustable stem that I was trying out, but now think I won't need with the good fit and transfer of an older stem that has a bit higher angle. Adjustable stems are good for anyone nursing an injury, sitting more upright, but planning to move lower with time.

Thanks again to the generous BT community. I've given a couple updates on this over the 2 years, and Fred said it was a gift - nothing owed, but I feel accountable to paying it forward and making sure you all know where it went.