The bad news is this means that Obi is done. Apparently, I bent not only the forks, but the frame itself. It's simply not safe to ride in this fundamentally compromised condition.
Indulge me for a moment as I repeat for the umpteenth time that I really loved this bike. Each time I bought a new/old bike, it highlighted some aspect of how Obi already was awesome. As I kept searching for more roadster/upright style bikes, I was reminded of how nimble and responsive Obi was with the semi-upright position and riser bars. As I sought out lugged steel, it pointed me back to Obi's great mixture of cro-moly comfort and lightness. Lately, I'd even started to appreciate the color... a kind of purplish burgundy.
I bought it at City Bicycle Works in 1994, I think -- no later than 1995, in any case. I remember that both my bike and girlfriend were quite new on some morning rides through Land Park and I know that this particular girlfriend (a cute little reporter from the Bee!) came into my life in 1995. My friend Dave Valdez -- a bike cop and candidate for World's Nicest Guy -- took me to his favorite bike shop and made sure I got the right bike for my size and plans. I rode it off and on over the next decade and a half, but it was in the last six months that Obi found his groove. See my earlier post on "Making My Specialized More Belgian."
More later on the task ahead -- rescuing the brand-new components, choosing a frame and building a new bike. But tonight, I just want to be sad about Obi. Here's one more look... didn't he look proud of his new fenders and drive train?
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I am so sorry to hear about your accident, and now that the bike is a goner. But I am glad that you see the silver lining in this story - new bike! Obi was a good bike, but he would have wanted you to move on. It will be interesting to follow your selection process.
ReplyDeleteYou killed it!
ReplyDeleteWell, at least your bike had a name. Mine is "That Black Specialized I'm Pondering Selling So I Can Buy A New Cafe/Commuter". Not nearly as mellifluous.
Filigree, I can't tell you how pleased I am to see you on here. I think you know what a huge fan I am of Lovely Bicycle. Thank you for your kind wishes and I will definitely keep you posted on the replacement process.
ReplyDeleteMatt, you know I will recommend only adding to your bike count, not eliminating one that works for you. But that's what got me to my present state of looking for new storage possibilities.