I re-discovered bicycles in 2000 when I was looking for a fun way to stay encouraged to get some cardio exercise. A visit to a local shop in Midland MI provided me with a left over Trek Navigator (all steel) which I enjoyed immensely. I kept playing with it to make more useful, but without any guidance. Picture an upright rail trail bike with aero bars and a sprung Brooks B67 saddle. I finally decided to try something else. Another LBS in the area had a several years old Fuji Touring that he tried to make more appealing by "racifying" it. I got it, and rode it a while but did not like the feel, position, or handling.
The B67 purchase was from Harris Cyclery by phone order. It introduced me to a wider vista of bikes. Jay suggested I check their web site and when the Ram came out, it became my dream, but not yet affordable bike. meanwhile, I tried a series of bikes off ebay. A univega Activa, a Waterford 1100, a Trek 560. I liked the fully lugged Trek best, but at 57 cm it was too big for me and like the others mentioned above, re-sold it.
Local friends suggested a race style bike, so I bought a reynolds 853 frame and carbon fork and a local shop helped me build up my own 50 cm 700 size wheel go-fast. It was a great light bike, but I kept trying to make it more comfortable for longer rides. Finally, it was sold too. In 2007, funds came together and I called Keven in Walnut Creek and ordered a 52 cm Ram. After my 1st ride on it, I realized I am an unracer. Looser clothes, platform pedals sans cleats, sandals, even in winter. Yeah.
Later that year, an opportunity to get a Saluki came along and I jumped on it. It gets less miles becuase I am not the tourer I thought I would become, but it will be ridden this afternoon for example. It sold me on 650B bikes. The same seller had an Ed Braley mustache bar concoction that has become my hill training ride of choice, with Pascenti Pari-Motos for rubber.
Finally, I picked up a pre production sample frameset of the Rivendell Road from a 650B list member. A project he never got around to. I built it up (had it painted 2 yrs ago) and absolutely flat out love it. It's fast, comfortable and eye catching. 650B converted, light, responsive, can carry racks and bags and fenders too. It gets most of my miles now.
The Trek was given to a coworker's wife for her to start exercise with. It's still trucking along, afaik.
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