The one(s) that got away (or, that Atlantis in Cincinnati)

[Mark Wilkins]

Last week, I asked the group about experiences with purchasing a bike from someplace far away, and having someone assist you with inspection, shipping, transport, etc.  Thanks again to all who offered their opinions and stories.

The reason I was asking about this: I had seen a 58cm Atlantis complete in Cincinnati (about 460mi away from me) for what I thought was a pretty good price.  My real problem, though, is (and has always been) that I hem and haw until the opportunity slips away.  And so, it happened again.  Contacted the seller last night to see if he'd ship it, or hold on to it until I could get out there, and the bike had been sold on Friday.  Still...the CL posting is up...mocking me... (http://cincinnati.craigslist.org/bik/4931485051.html)

"You need a good kick in the ass!"  That's what my wife says, anyway :-)

Oh, and if you're the one that bought that bike: Congrats!  And...if you have second thoughts, or it doesn't fit quite right, don't hesitate to drop me a note ;-)

Mark

[Bill Lindsay]

You didn't want that one, anyway.  It didn't have a kickstand plate!  ;-)

It's like baseball.  When you are at-bat, be patiently aggressive.  Wait for a pitch to hit, but when your pitch comes, get all over it.  My 58 Atlantis appeared before I was truly ready for it, but it was exactly what I wanted and local, at the right price, so I jumped, and got it.  Mine doesn't have a kickstand plate either,  :-(

[Mark Wilkins]

Thanks, Bill. 

Yeah, and I would have missed the mid-fork braze-ons, too. :-)

Mark

Sent from my iPhone

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[EGNolan]

Well, a friend o' mine & a sometimes member of this list, I believe got this 58, so I'm sorry it wasn't you, but it should pair nicely w/ his AHH.

 

Best,

Eric

Indpls

[Avery Wilson]

Yep, Mike got it. I've seen it and ridden it. It's sweet, but fear not - another will surely come up!

On a side note, being the first Atlantis I've ridden, I was completely surprised at how eerily similar to my AHH it is. I mean, I could barely tell the difference. It seems like with an Atlantis, you gain tire clearance, which is awesome, but give up very little.

[Mark Wilkins]

Haha...no need to feel sorry.  I am truly happy for the person that got it.  I definitely had my chance...and let it go.

And I was just thinking how nicely it would have paired with my Rambouillet...

[dougP]

Kickstand plates and mid-fork braze-ons can be added.  If you can live with some roughness in the paint in those areas, the old Testors model paint is a good match. 

dougP

[Mark Wilkins]

C'mon, dougP! I was trying to make myself feel better!

[Michael Fleischman]

I picked it up last week and it is now at it's new home in Indianapolis. Seller was super nice. I have been looking for one for a while. Nice to find one semi-locally - almost had a seller ship one from California last fall.

It seems to be getting along with my AHH quite nicely.

Mike

[dougP]

Mike:

We have a couple of guys here in our SoCal Riv group that have the Atlantis plus Homer combo.  Seems to work.

dougP

[Deacon Patrick]

I'm sure Johnny Fever at WKRP will be happy to help with the next transaction that happens in Cincinnati. Grin. And now I can't get the tune out my bloomin' head. Sardonic grin.

With abandon,

Patrick

[Michael Fleischman]

The AHH has been a great bike. Hardly a complaint. I do feel some slight flex when I load it down for s24o's. I have some 35 Panaracer T - SERV's on it and it handles well on most surfaces I have tried.

I am looking to ride more trails and fire roads with the Atlantis. Trying to decide on tires now. I put some Schwalbe Little Big Bens I had laying around on it - for the time being. Considering leaving fenders off. At some point I'll put my Albastache's on and take off the Dirt Drops. Immediately put a rack and basket on the front. Will probably throw a rack on the back soon. That is where I am at with it. Any input appreciated.

Mike.

[Aaron Young]

Never let a kickstand plate be a deal killer, because you can never completely trust a kickstand. 

-Aaron "Kickstand Skeptic" Young

The Dalles, OR

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[René Sterental]

FWIW, my Atlantis with the Compass Barlow Pass tires is riding a lot nicer than my Hunqapillar with its 50mm Big Bens on pavement. I'm on my second week commuting to work twice a week and riding one day in the weekend on the Atlantis, simulating that I only have one bike. When I posted to the group my thoughts on downsizing, the bike I had been riding prior to my two year hiatus was the Hunqapillar and when I compared them briefly, it felt the most comfortable. Now, since I switched the Atlantis handlebars and out the Barlow Pass tires I had purchased when they just came out, when I tried riding the Hunqapillar on Saturday to go downtown, I didn't feel comfortable. The Bosco Bullmoose felt too high, the bike felt rough and heavy. I was definitely slower than on the Atlantis and it felt a lot less agile. I rode the Hunqapillar unloaded. 

So if you asked me now which would be the bike that I'd keep for sure, I'd be leaning towards the Atlantis. Not sure how it would ride if I loaded it for an S24O with my heft, but I guess I can always try it down the line. 

Next time an Atlantis your size shows up, go for it!

René 

[Mark Wilkins]

Michael: Sounds like it's found a great home. Enjoy!

Rene: I definitely will go for it. In fact, I may have to become
more active in my pursuits. As I was turning the idea of owning an
Atlantis over in my mind, I started to get really excited. I think
it's just a matter of time. :-)

Mark