Fifty Plus (50+) - It's finally here! The NEW bike!

Sorta 25 years in the making... I finally picked up my new bike, a custom steel Landshark. The builder is John Slawta in Oregon. I first saw a Landshark at an event ride many years ago. Since then, I would see one here and there and said to myself "Someday..." It took awahile because I just could not justify the expense... still can't but this is it... probably the last road bike I buy (now mountain bikes, another story).

It will be interesting to hear what you think of the paint scheme. I told he builder this "the reason I ride is to be outdoors' I think there is nothing sweeter than riding down a country road on a crisp sunny day,with the weeds and wildflowers blooming wold, hearing the birds chirp and feeling the wind in my face. I particularly love wild roses..." This was the builder's vision...

Although the bike looks whimsical, it's put together quite seriously. The shop, Main Street Cycles in Santa Maria, added alot of nice touches, some whimsical, some very functional. I think they had fun putting this bike together. The components are Ultegra 10 speed but I added Sram's new XX 36t cassette with an XT derailleur to give my old knees some climbing power. For some silly reason I like to ride hills but as I get older, it gets harder.

I would like to plug Main Street Cycles... if you are ever in Santa Maria, look them up. They are a high end bike shop. The owner, Scott, is an ex racer and knows how to put a serious bike together. He has two full time, experienced mechanics that actually know what they
are doing. Scott's shop is a regular stop for the professional riders during the Tour de California.

Anyway the photos:

Bike full view - in front of Main Street and more whimsical:
http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o288/bcipam/Bike%20Project/Landshark1MainStreetCycles.jpg

http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o288/bcipam/Bike%20Project/Intheweeds.jpg

Another full view showing he paint scheme:
http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o288/bcipam/Bike%20Project/Landshark4fromtherear.jpg

Showing the beautiful Sram cassette:
http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o288/bcipam/Bike%20Project/Landshark2details.jpg

That matches your personality.
Pretty bike.

A few more photos:

Cool Green CK bottom bracket:

http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o288/bcipam/Bike%20Project/GreenCKBottomBracket.jpg

Colored wired donuts - fun touch!
http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o288/bcipam/Bike%20Project/Landshark5ShinyDonuts.jpg

It's a Landshark!
http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o288/bcipam/Bike%20Project/Landshark.jpg

http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o288/bcipam/Bike%20Project/TisaLandshark.jpg

It's gonna be tough to post a new bike after that. Truly awesome!

Love it :love:

Very feminine - now all you need is matching shoes, girl just can't have enough shoes.:D

Seriously though - sweet!

Also here are some images from my trip to Santa Maria:

Santa Maria has some truly lovely beaches although one thing I noticed that creeped me out -- the sea foam is brown!
http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o288/bcipam/SandandSurf-GuadalupeDunes.jpg

The area is mostly agricultural - lots of lettuce fields. I found these wilds peas growing along side the road:
http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o288/bcipam/RoadsidePeas.jpg

You get off the train station in Lompoc and here is your view. Not shabby huh?:
http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o288/bcipam/SurfBeachatLompocTrainStation.jpg

The Santa Ynez River feeds into Surf Beach:
http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o288/bcipam/driftwoodontheriver.jpg

The Lompoc train station is nestled within Vandenberg air force base. I found this old WWII bunker built into the Dunes:
http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o288/bcipam/lookingthroughafenceataoldbunker.jpg

Very feminine - now all you need is matching shoes, girl just can't have enough shoes.:D

Seriously though - sweet!

OK no joking... I am very anti-girly! I hate to shop, have a few good shoes, no more. Just not into all the salon pampering, getting nails done etc. This bike is really not a reflection of my personality... It's too girly; I'm one of the guys. but I am not complaining, it's very pretty!

Great to see a bike showing whimsy. Too many are simply grim.

Pretty bike Pam, have fun. Beautiful pictures as well, thanks.:thumb:

OK no joking... I am very anti-girly! I hate to shop, have a few good shoes, no more. Just not into all the salon pampering, getting nails done etc. This bike is really not a reflection of my personality... It's too girly; I'm one of the guys. but I am not complaining, it's very pretty!

Yesterday I did a century with a women who I consider very tough - she suffers from both allergies and asthma yet she is still a strong rider, nothing girly about her. But what I don't understand is how, when riding close to her after 100 miles, she still smells good! There IS a difference!

Well I hope I smell good as well....:(

From The Rules, found here: http://www.velominati.com/blog/the-rules/

Rule 8 (http://www.velominati.com/blog/the-rules/#8):Saddles, Bars, and Tires:


Match the saddle to the bars and the tires to black; or
Match the bars to the color of the frame at the top of the head tube and the saddle to the color of the frame at the top of the seat tube and the tires to the color where they come closest to the frame; or
Match the saddle and the bars to the frame decals; or
Black, black, black

Im afraid you are in violation, in general. Please remand the bicycle to me, immediately.

Very nice. :thumb:
Since you are so "anti-girly" and "one of the guys", that paint job should be excellent for hiding the occasional errant snot rocket. ;)

Way cool!!!
And some very good photography.
Congratulations

Love it, very beautiful :) is that saddle a kind of Leopard affect? Anyway Enjoy :)

Is that clear tape that I see on the head tube to prevent the cable housing from rubbing against the nice paint job?

That part of California truly is beautiful. We used to tramp around that area when I was younger.
My dad worked at the Vandenburg Missile Range. Those are some nice pics you have there

Sea foam often is an ugly, dirty brown. Much depends on the season and the current conditions. Life in the sea isn't always as portrayed on the Animal Planet or SpongeBob Squarepants. And I remember oil washing up on the beach back BEFORE they had rigs in the Channel. Go figure.

Some folks might also be interested to know that the Japanese planned to assault the US along the California coast. That bunker you have shown here is undoubtedly just one of many fortifications, installations and watching posts built along that desolate stretch of coastline. The Japanese actually did appear in subs off the Cali coast, quite often as I recall reading. They would scout around a good bit and were a constant worry for the residents of the region. Occasionally, they would even shell the coastline with their deck cannon, after popping up from beneath the sea. Good times, man, good times.

Pamestique, Nothing like having the bike of your dreams. Ten years from now it'll still be your 'new' bike.

Brad

I think it is very, very nice. I like it a lot! If someone passed me on the street riding that, it would definitely turn my head.

A pat on the back to you for your excellent choice and for pursuing your dream.

Great cassette too! You must have been pretty serious about it to spring for those kind of bucks.

Gorgeous bike in a serious, hill-climbin', anti-girly way! I just got a new one too, but not like your beautiful Land Shark! Have fun riding!

Very nice bike, Pam. It even looks like you got tires fat enough to give some comfort...........

Congratulations on the bike -- it's a great design.

I have seen a few Landsharks in person and the paint is always spectacular -- I'm sure that it's even more amazing in pictures than it appears in your photos (though the photos are nice).

Your build is pretty cool, too - that XX rear cassette is a thing of beauty.

Great cassette too! You must have been pretty serious about it to spring for those kind of bucks.

+1
Especially since SRAM and Shimano now have 36 tooth cassettes available down to to much lower price points.

Looks very good even to a newbie like me. The paint job looks good too. I especially like the way the builder put his name on it without being garish like so many of the mainstream manufacturer's. How does it ride?

Is that clear tape that I see on the head tube to prevent the cable housing from rubbing against the nice paint job?

Yes... At first I thought it was a scratch - freaked me out for a second...

Sweet looking ride. I hope it fulfills the expectations you had when ordering it. There's nothing like getting a new ride that does just what you wanted it to.

Lovely Land Shark, one of the nicest paint schemes I've seen, and he's famous for fantastic finish themes! Maybe one day you'll switch back to a road cassette, but happy riding as it is!! Love that bike!!!!!

Congratulations, Pam. :thumb: We're gonna need a ride report and some ride pics.

And some bike specs, too!

Beautiful bike and beautiful photos. Thanks for sharing! :thumb:

That bike is a very fine piece of quality craftsmanship. It does look great in your color scheme, but to me it looks just as good under the colors. You will remain proud of it for a long long time. congratulations.

Very nice, Pam. While the custom paint will wow everyone else, I'm sure the custom frame will wow you with every ride.

OK, since I'm a newbie and you just bought a new custom bike maybe you can educate me. Understand this is not a critical question at all. I'm just ignorant on the subject. So...

How does a custom bike ride that makes it worth the extra money?
What did you get in your custom bike you couldn't get from a properly set up first class bike at the LBS?

Again, I'm being a bit defensive in my explanations; but I don't want you to think this is a challenge when I am merely trying to get educated.

OK, since I'm a newbie and you just bought a new custom bike maybe you can educate me. Understand this is not a critical question at all. I'm just ignorant on the subject. So...

How does a custom bike ride that makes it worth the extra money?
What did you get in your custom bike you couldn't get from a properly set up first class bike at the LBS?

Again, I'm being a bit defensive in my explanations; but I don't want you to think this is a challenge when I am merely trying to get educated.

A very valid question and I have to say you have a point. This ride is not all that different from my old bike. The geometry is very similar. Of Course with the old bike I had to go through a number of fittings to dial it in. This bike is dialed in from the beginning. I rode it today and it felt good. My last bike (which I rode for 8 years) was longer, shorter; this bike has a shorter top tube but is taller (I always needed a woman specific design). I had reach issue with the last bike, not with this one. I can tell the different in the ride although my old bike was a great steel bike and I could have stayed on it for years. This bike was specifically designed with me riding into my 70's. I have 60 now. The old bike was modified as much as it could be. This new one now has lots of adjustments. The components should last quite awhile, at least 10 years. And frankly it was a "I want" versus I need. Does someone really need a $8000 Madone ( even with the wheels and the blingy cassette I don't get close to that amount) when a $2500 bike is good? No...

Components: Ultegra 10 speed drive train but added the Sram XX cassette and an XT derailleur. The headset, bottom bracket and wheels are Chris King. Thomson seat post and stem. Origin 8 handlebars.

Ride report: The bike felt great. It practically (not kidding) rode itself. It felt smooth, steady and quick. When I stood to accelerate it was solid; stiff. I took the bike to Newport Beach and back. I had to fight a tough head wind all the way but coming back was fun!

http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o288/bcipam/Bike%20Project/IMG_3029.jpg

I also think I am going to change out the handlebar tape to black... there was just too much blue going on!!!!! I will also be changing out the spacers to silver from black.

That is a way cool, radical pimped out ride!

Gorgeous bike! If only Lilly Pulitzer made panniers and bike bags.

Wow, now that's a bike that will last a lifetime. I am always amazed everytime I do a Century or the MS150 of the cool bikes I see, people really have pride of ownership and really love their bikes. This one looks really sweet and easy to ride.

I really wasn't trying to "make a point". As I said; I'm just trying to get educated on the subject. As I've posted in other places this is my third and by far most intense summer riding a road bike. I bought the one I own here because it was the cheapest bike that gave me a reasonable degree of comfort on our rough roads. I bought the one in the States because it closely matched this one. Now that I've got more knowledge I'm wondering if a custom bike is worth it, or if I would benefit from a different bike, or if I should just stay with what I have. Hence the question to you.

If I understand your post the primary reason you bought the custom bike is because you wanted it and could afford it. It doesn't perform much different from your old bike. But, you get a great deal of pleasure out of owning and riding a bike constructed just for you. Trying to be non-judgemental; but to me that is a perfectly good reason to own one. In our society it is not fashionable to admit that someone buys something just because they want it and can afford it; such a pity.

Congratulations and much enjoyment.

http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o288/bcipam/Bike%20Project/IMG_3029.jpg

I also think I am going to change out the handlebar tape to black... there was just too much blue going on!!!!! I will also be changing out the spacers to silver from black.White might look awesome too!

If I understand your post the primary reason you bought the custom bike is because you wanted it and could afford it. It doesn't perform much different from your old bike. But, you get a great deal of pleasure out of owning and riding a bike constructed just for you. Trying to be non-judgemental; but to me that is a perfectly good reason to own one. In our society it is not fashionable to admit that someone buys something just because they want it and can afford it; such a pity.

Congratulations and much enjoyment.

That's it... really. It is an "I want" purchase versus an "I need". I may regret it at some point. It was alot of money.

A word on custom bikes: Many production bikes nowadays are very expensive. It's not unheard of to pay $5, 6 maybe 8,000 for a Trek or Specialized road bike. The owner of Main Street Cycles has a $10,000 Madone on order. In terms of that, my custom built was way less expensive. I do have some fit issues (typical woman stuff, long legs, shorter torso) so that was corrected with the custom build and I also want the bike to be ridden for the next 5, 10, 15+ years so I know as I get older, adjustments will be needed. The bike has that built in.

I have a good friend, my riding buddy, who is on a $800 Trek and she outrides me all the time. I already told her if she does one thing she should invest in custom wheels. My Mavic/Chris King wheels do roll really nice... you can feel a difference. I bought the wheels two years ago to upgrade my Lemond. I had to take them up to the shop last month for the new bike and have been on older wheels in the meantime. Just ain't the same. I am really happy to be back on my good wheels.

White might look awesome too!

The shop suggested white as well but I thought it would look dirty after time... seems like I always have trouble keeping things white!

I threw out all my white socks for that very reason. I do have white bar tape on one of my bikes, I just spray and wipe it with Mr Clean now and then, it stays respectable enough.

I think her new bike will perform very well because of the better fit, the shorter top tube that she needed. I don't know her old bike, but this one has a tight front triangle and it makes the ride feel really responsive. The wider gearing on the back will save her knees on climbs. Its well thought-out.

That was a nice picture of Newport Back Bay.

Pam, just for fun, what's the wheelbase measurement of the old bike and this one? Have you taken it down San Joaquin Hills Road yet?

Pam, just for fun, what's the wheelbase measurement of the old bike and this one? Have you taken it down San Joaquin Hills Road yet?

The Lemond has a slighter longer wheelbase (the bike as long and low and the new bike is shorter but taller). It's funny, when I load the bikes into the car, the Lemond would barely fit. The Landshark has plenty of room. I will be riding up San Joaquin (maybe Ridgepark) down Newport Coast this week. Will be interesting to see how the bike handles down a steep hill. I did Back Bay Sunday and I easier got up the little hill that dumps onto East Bluff. I have wondered if the bike will be twitchy - I was assured it won't.

There's that one part going down Newport Coast, where there was some road construction just past Pelican Hill North. The road fix was not all that smooth and if you descend fast enough, its a jarring experience. Your steel frame should take it, but my carbon was not as giving. You can swerve to the left but watch out for traffic.

I'll take "twitchy" as meaning responsive handling. I think a lot of "twitchy" is what you are accustomed to riding. You'll get used to it.

Wow, now that's a bike that will last a lifetime. I am always amazed everytime I do a Century or the MS150 of the cool bikes I see, people really have pride of ownership and really love their bikes. This one looks really sweet and easy to ride.
Pride of ownership is easier to develop with bikes, because they are so intimate - you ride them, you fix them, they are not complicated to understand, etc. Essentially, you the owner experience them. It also helps that they are a good bit less demanding when compared to other things one may own, like, say, an old Camaro.

That's it... really. It is an "I want" purchase versus an "I need". I may regret it at some point. It was alot of money.

Whoa, hold on there... You deserve it! Also, didn't you wait 10 years before taking the plunge? That doesn't sound much like an impulse purchase. What's to regret?

Having a custom frame presents only one problem that I can think of: They feel soooooooo good you end up not wanting n+1. That is a mighty tasty lookin piece of eye candy! Many happy miles with it!

The paint job is so beautiful. It reminds me a bit of the cherry blossom pattern from Louis Vuitton (I'm also a purse geek)... I absolutely love it.

Whoa, hold on there... You deserve it! Also, didn't you wait 10 years before taking the plunge? That doesn't sound much like an impulse purchase. What's to regret?

Having a custom frame presents only one problem that I can think of: They feel soooooooo good you end up not wanting n+1. That is a mighty tasty lookin piece of eye candy! Many happy miles with it!

My best friend ordered a Landshark 5 years ago (after I told him first about wanting one 20 years). He liked it so much, he ordered another. Then he ordered (not all at one time) 3 custom Ti bikes from Jim Kish. He is now thinking of getting another... I think he has a sickness. I could have bought two cars with what he paid for those bikes.

My next bike (if there is a next) will be another mountain bike. Not custom, off the rack!