Unfortunately, I didn’t win the ebay auction for the Rivendell frame I posted about last week. Kind of bummed about it because I had gotten my hopes up, as it was essentially my dream bike. Basically, what I wanted was an upgrade from my RB-2 frame with same geometry, but a little bit more room for bigger tires and fenders. Seeing as Rivendell is the high-class reincarnation of Bridgestone, the bike had everything going for it. But ah well. It’s probably for the best as there is a wedding to pay for.

This has me now thinking about my “dream bike”, or “bikes” rather because I’d need more than one. Dream Bike #1 would be the upgraded Bridgestone. This one would be for going fast, light touring, and brevet riding. I have everything else on the bike just right; it’s the frame at this point that needs tweeking as I’d like to roll on 700×28 or 700×32 tires, maybe even 38mm 650b tires, with fenders. If I were to go with a Rivendell, I’d want a Rambouillet, but if I’m going to be spending that kind of cash, I’d be interested in getting a custom built one from Ira Ryan or Coast Cycles.

However, I’ve been looking at the Soma Speedster which is also a pretty attractive option for much less scratch, since it’s made in Taiwan. The geometry pretty closely matches that of my Bridgestone, has more generous tire clearances (someone out there’s already done a nice build using 650b wheels), plus it has sexy chromed lugs, which is the one aesthetic detail I’d have been sure to add on a custom build (that and I’d want it to be a deep purple like this Kalavinka). The only downside is it uses a threadless headset, but that’s something I could live with. It’s something for me to consider, though no rush at this point. Since it’s a production bike, there’s no urgency here for me to jump on the deal like the Rivendell I bid on. Again, there’s a wedding to pay for.

Dream Bike #2 would be a track bike. Luckily I already have exactly what I want in that department. The frame is by Coast Cycles and is absolutely fantastic. It’s the reason I’d consider Coast Cycles as a custom builder for Dream Bike #1. I didn’t have the track bike custom built for me. I had seen it a couple of years ago on Coast’s site and lusted over it, so when I saw it on the eBay auction block a year later I had to pounce on it. Luckily, that auction ended in my favor.

Dream Bike #3 would be the heavy-duty loaded touring, commuting, fire roads, and all-around rough stuff bike. This one I have spec’d out in my head and is something I’d love to put together whenever finances and time permit. The frame would be a Rawland Sogn done up with plush 650b tires, a Sugino compact triple crankset with wide Shimano mountain bike gearing in the back, Paul Neo-Retro brakes, mustache bars with bar-end shifters, Tubus racks when necessary, and the usual Brooks accouterments.

In addition to those three bikes, I’d want a mountain bike. I don’t know enough about that aspect of cycling to have an idea of what a dream mountain bike would be, but the titanium GT I have now is pretty sweet and does me just fine.

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