Incoming

[Joel S]

About 15 years ago I bought a new Saluki, very pale green.  The bike was a 56cm, same as my custom but was too big.  I sold it barely used and when the Bleriot was available got a 55CM.  It seemed fine but after a 10 year layoff due to back surgery and fear of riding and injuring my back further Covid got me back out.  Since the back surgery I lost about 1 1/2 to 2 inches of height but that should not have affected standover.  Well the Bleriot is slightly large, I have relative little if any clearance, I probably was oblivious to this when I was riding it way back when, I simply knew it was comfortable to ride and loved it.   So a 14 year old bike was ridden for about 4 years prior to a car accident and now another 2 seasons (with lesser miles per season due to age and physical changes).  It was never my only bike so it had to share the miles I rode each season. 

I was lucky and last week bought Johnny’s 54CM Saluki which should arrive on Tuesday.  I will take the parts from the Bleriot which were originally on my 56cm Saluki and put the on the pewter 54cm Saluki which was originally owned by Ed Braley.  Needless to say the Bleriot frame, plus a headset and BB that did not come with the frame will be available.  I will also have Tektro side pull brakes since the incoming uses cantis.  A low mileage frame for sure.  I will post when it is ready to ship, take pictures, etc.  I would say the condition is excellent for a 14 year old bike with a few scratches.  More to follow.

Thanks to Jonathan for his patience while I got the money to him.  

JS

[David Person]

Congratulations Joel on getting back on the bike(s).  I had an L5-S1 fusion 7 years ago which put an end to my club riding.  But as soon as I knew I would be able to ride again (about 8 months post surgery) I bought a Sam Hillborne frameset from RBW and built up my 'dream' bike.  This past August I added a Surly Disc Trucker to the fold.  Both sport Nitto Choco bars with lots of handlebar height.  The Cirrus Kinekt suspension seatposts also help.

DP

[Joel S]

Thanks DP.  Mine was L/4L5, L5/S1.  2 cages and a few screws.  Got the sciatica about 90+% gone, back took a whole.  It’s been Radio Frquency Abkation treatments that helped me to ride again, I get about 12 months relief per treatment.  

Here is my Hillborne set up similar, Choco bats, very high.  I do love those black Hillbornes. 

[Roberta]

Congratulations. It sound like your quest for the perfect bike for you is over. 

[J S]

Thanks Roberta, I do think you are correct.  I’ve been hoping to find one of these since I have been able to ride again.  

[David Person]

Joel, thanks for adding a picture of your Hillborne.  Very nice.  Our conditions sound quite similar.  Severe sciatica due to an unstable L5 is what caused me to have surgery (as a last resort).  I'm finding I have to do lower back, hip flexor and hamstring stretches religiously in order to keep the back from complaining.

David

[Joel S]

David, thank you.

I’ve been doing some Pilates for lower back via YouTube.  I can send you a link if you like, it is way better than the excercises I have done before.  

[David Person]

Sure, you can send a link.

David