Pretend New Bike Day: The Stolen Clem

[Bicycle Belle Ding Ding!]

I really wanted to title this “The Pilfered Clem” but I can’t because pilfer means “to steal stealthily in small amounts and often again and again.” I didn’t bother with any of that - I took possession of the whole thing. This isn’t the New Bike Day post you all know and love, but just humor me and say this counts. Pretend New Bike Day!

Since JP went to the dark side and got an e-bike, he does not so much as cast a glance at his Clem H. An opportunist and possessive woman by nature, I quietly began to make this masculine bike a bit more to my liking. Pretty soon, I began to love it and think of it as “mine.” I took it in for a tune-up and deep cleaning and just like that it’s MINE ALL MINE. Leah of the One Best Bike now has two. Two-Bike-Leah.

When I picked up the bike at REI, the mechanic had neither seen nor heard of Rivendell Bicycle Works, but he knows quality and he was fascinated with the Clem when he pulled it off the rack. I told him about Riv and then he took a ride and was totally infatuated. If not today, he said, then later (soon), he’s going to get one! He couldn’t believe what a great ride it is - “This is going to be expensive,” he said. “Yes,” I agreed, “but when you love it and use it relentlessly the price will seem cheap for what you’ve got.”

So today is Pretend New Bike Day. Someone sent me a personalized brass bell, so that went on the bars. I slapped my old B68 on the seat post, affixed a gray Saddlesack, a Bananasax in sapphire on the bars, and removed the front rack. This is now my Clem.

I took some photos to share here because it looks fantastic all polished up and decked out! I even got wild, new, tie-dyed Keens that happen match the colored spoke ends. I love how this bike is different from my Betz but still has that Rivendell ride and quality.

[Leah Peterson]

[Steve Butcher]

Such a fun story; which I enjoyed reading; even on Instagram!

[Carl]

That blue is so pretty. Glad it will be loved as it deserves.

[Bicycle Belle Ding Ding!]

Thanks, guys! I am riding it mostly NAKED which is very fun to say, but only means unloaded. The Betz can haul the stuff. Two-Bike-Leah now has options! Also, it is very fun to tell folks that this is the bike I ride when I’m slummin’ it! 😂😂😂

[REC (Roberta)]

I got to ride that very bike when I visited Leah last month.  It it rode beautifully and looks great now  (although I thought it looked quite nice then.)  The blue is deep and rich.  I think now the only "problem " you'll have is when the son with the little Clem out grows it,  and wants to ride the big Clem.  

In the meantime,  enjoy your Betz alternative and please keep telling your stories. Your enthusiasm is wonderfully contageous. 

Roberta 

[Leah Peterson]

I do so love you, Roberta. Come back and we’ll go ride the wetlands! I miss you.

Sent from my iPhone

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[tc]

Somehow, I knew this would happen. (Lol we all did😁). It’s a great bike ~ Clems rule! Congrats!

Tom

[Howard Ramsay]

Variety is the spice of life.

[Ray Varella]

Try absconded with or purloined, Leah😉

Ray

[Leah Peterson]

You are good, Ray. I’m disappointed in myself now - but the good news is I know who’s got the right answer for me next time!

Tom - you saw this coming? Well, my day of reckoning will come; my 13 yo can’t ride the little Clem forever, and then the Purloined Clem is back in jeopardy. Of course, if the Anniversary Mixte is as great as I’m expecting, I’ll be comforting myself with that bike. Lemonade, out of lemons, people!

Sent from my iPad

> On Apr 5, 2019, at 6:01 PM, Ray Varella <rayvar...@gmail.com> wrote:
>
> Try absconded with or purloined, Leah😉
>
> Ray
>