So I decided on the
Berthoud stainless steel fenders as my backup choice. When I got news that my bicycle was shipping from Rivendell I checked again with Jitensha and order my Berthoud fenders from
Wallingford Bicycles. They took me many days to install, including need to get a replacement stays from the excellent
Peter White after I cut them too short. The handlebar tape that I had ordered with the bicycle was a bright yellow. Six coats of
Amber shellac brought it to the color of the honey Brooks b.17 and is a stunning contrast to the pea sage green frame. I'd wanted a
Baggins Hobo handlebar bag for a long time, but on my Safari I knew the rear facing pockets would interfer with the brakes on that bicycle. It is a great bag, I keep my digital camera in one of the rear facing bags for easy access and I have twice stashed artisan loaves of bread in the main pocket. I wanted a saddle bag that was just big enough for a spare tube or two, a multitool, tire levers and a few other tools. The
Berthoud small saddle bag fits the bill perfectly.
I've put about a hundred miles on the bicycle now, commuting, shopping and just riding around. It handles so well, feels faster and rolls better than my venerable Safari. My Brooks is just starting to feel good and I've just about got everything adjusted just right. I can't wait to get it out on tour! In the fall I'm going to get a new set of wheels built up around a SON dynohub and the bicycle will finally match my initial design I came up with over a year ago.
See my
Atlantis Gallery over on my
bicycles page for more pictures of my Atlantis
