Since I've been commuting downtown again, I've been doing so on my Trek 5200, with my laptop and gear in a backpack. However (and call me a wimp), carrying an 11 pound backpack has proven to be a real downer. Since my Cannondale XR800 has a rack, but is really too small for me (it's a long story), I've been pining for a nice, appropriately-sized touring/commuting bike to help me carry my load. Something that will take fenders and a rack with ease. To that end, I've been specifically pining for a Rivendell Rambouillet all-purpose bike.

So, today I headed out to test ride a Rambouillet and/or Atlantis. Long story short -- nice, but I couldn't really justify the cost. I also rode a Lemond cyclocross bike that rode nicely and was dirt cheap, but since it had no rack braze-ons it wouldn't easily take fenders and a rack. At another shop I rode a Kona "Jake the Snake" cyclocross bike, and it was really great. It had braze-ons for a rear rack, etc. However, I still wasn't ready to commit.

Then it happened. At yet another bike shop I walked around with the salesperson, being very uninspired by the offerings. Until, almost as an afterthought, he says "Well, we have this 1999 Serotta Rapid Tour frame, and it's a 58cm. We've been trying to sell it for $800, but no bites. I'd let it go, with the installed brakes, for $750." Well. I looked at it for a while and saw that it has every imaginable braze-on, was in great shape, and well, it's a Serotta. This frame retailed for around $1400. So, after a bit of measuring and considering, I went for it. I'm having all the components moved from my Cannie to the Serotta, at the labor cost of around $150. So, In essence, I'm getting a super-nice, lugged-steel, sport-touring bike for around $900. Not bad!

My lovely wife is going to drop the Cannie off at the shop this week, and the Serotta should be built by next Saturday. I'm having it built up with white cable housing and bar tape, which should look great with the classic lines and kelly green color of the Serotta. I'll post pictures here once it's in my grubby little hands.