55/Rad

Those who are familiar with the history of my paint story, skip down to where it says "HERE'S THE UPDATE". For the rest of you, here's the background.....

Almost a full year ago, I went searching for a dream bike to build. I targeted Colnago, Pinarella, Opera, Seven, Serotta and several others. I fell in love with the Opera Pelladio but came to the conclusion that I didn't want to spend the kind of money it would take to get a new one and there wasn't any used ones to be found.

As an aside, I test rode an '04 Lemond Tete de Course for the fun of it. I already had 2 Lemonds and really wanted my "dream bike" to be something different. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE Lemonds but I am also a poseur who needs his ego fed. The Tete was similar to the Serotta Ottrott, Seven Elium and Opera Pelladio in that it was a unique combination of both carbon and Ti - and I certainly like the fit. I fell in love with it on the test ride.

As I continued exploring frames, I kept coming back to the Tete and the issue with owning another Lemond. I test rode the bike 2 more times and liked it even more. Then I found a guy in Alabama who was closing his shop and re-investing into another, bigger operation. His old shop carried Lemond but the new one didn't and he was looking to sell the store demo - the last Lemond he had. Of course, it was the right size so I immediately bought up the frame for a song.

However, I still had the issue of owning another Lemond. At the time, I was also looking into a Vanilla - www.vanillabicycles.com - but had decided against another steel frame and the long wait - 12-18 months - to get one. Yet, I couldn't get past how beautiful these bikes are and how gorgeous the paint jobs are. So, I decided to take my newly acquired (though not perfect) frame to the same guy who paints the Vanillas (and also happens to be right here in Portland) - Dean Cannard at Acme Bicycle Paint - and get him to do a special job on this frame. This was back in July and 3 days after I had received the frame.

My instructions to Dean were to create a paint job that would go on the front page of his website (should he ever build one) and be something he would be proud of. I purposely chose not to give him too much input other than a few descriptions of what not to do (not gawdy, pay a little respect to the natural carbon and Ti appearance) and some color preferences. You have to understand, this was akin to asking Richard Sachs to build a frame even more special than he normally does for anyone else without telling him what kind of riding I do. (okay, not exactly but you get the point) Since the frame is so unique, he got very excited and enthusiastic about exploring the possibilities. He originally stated that it would take about a month and I explained that he could take even more time if necessary as I needed my own time to acquire the rest of the components.

Fast forward to today. It has been close to 9 months and this frame still isn't finished. Many of you are familiar with this story - the delays and frustration and the promise of something special. To Dean's credit, he has never lost any enthusiasm but he has been hampered by a host of other business issues that have kept him from dedicating his time to working on my frame. A Vanilla bike he painted recently took top honors at the custom builders show in Houston and the phone has been ringing off the hook ever since. And hired help can only do so much prep work before he has to step in to do his thing. He is an over-the-top, anal perfectionist in everything he paints and it shows in every bike he completes. I would put his work up against anybody in the business - Joe Bell, Brian Baylis, Cyclart...anybody. Needless to say, my attitude from the beginning as been that if I wanted the best, I needed to be willing to put up with the process. Unanswered email, phone calls and weeks on end without any sign of progress were par for the course. I knew this and accepted it from the beginning.

But that doesn't mean it hasn't been frustrating to me. Even to the point where it's become a running gag on these forums. I've taken a lot of good natured, but somewhat serious ribbing about this. (to the person who mentioned that Dean might be hiding the fact that he damaged the frame until he figures out how to repair it - it's fine, I see it every week)

HERE'S THE UPDATE - Somehow, somebody connected to this forum was able to get a message either directly to Dean or to somebody Dean listens to and respects (Sacha White at Vanilla?) and encourage him to check out this forum and the things that were being said about him. Specifically, what I've written over the past 9 months. His reaction was a true understanding of the power of this forum and how it can help or hinder a small business like his - something I've been trying to tell him for months. And then, to call me today with a renewed vow to get this frame finished. We spent a good hour going over everything and set up some solid goals. Of course, we've been here before so I'll have to wait and see, but I am encouraged. And considering I was inches away from pulling this job, it's nice to be enthused again.

Anyway - to whomever on this forum helped push this along, I thank you.

55/Rad

cryogenic

you ARE going to take pictures once you get it, right?

55/Rad

I'll be pulling some favors to get some pro photos done after this process is ultimately completed.

55/Rad

cryogenic

Can't wait to hear about it... I've drooled over those vanilla frames ever since I've started browsing these forums. I had no idea the wait time on those things was so asinine. Needless to say, sounds like you're going to have one heckuva bike when you get it back. Picked out the components yet?

55/Rad

Oh yeah, they are all here sitting in their boxes. Here's the setup:

Crank - FSA K-Force MegaExo
Shifters, ders, chain - Campy Record
Cassette - Campy Chorus
Bars/stem - Deda Alanera
Brakes - Zero Gravity (cro-mo)
Pedals - Look Keo
Seatpost - Thomson Masterpiece
Saddle - Selle Italia SLR Carbonio
Wheels - 2 sets - Rolf Prima Vigors and American Classic 350's.
Tires - Tufo C Elite tubular clinchers

55/Rad

cryogenic

I'm all sorts of jealous now... I'm building up my first road bike and debating on components to go with. I wish I could afford a record drivetrain and AC 350 wheels. Alas, I can't so I'm debating. I have a thread a few posts down somewhere there... Anyway, hope the guy gets your bike done soon so you can put it together and show it off for us.

55/Rad

I read your thread and chimed in. Sounds like a great bike! The AC 350's don't have to be too expensive. Certainly in the $500 range if you shop hard.

55/Rad

CAAD5AL

Sounds like a step in the right direction! FWIW, in the short time I've been around, I've noticed that while you often joked about your frustration, you've always been careful to credit the painter and his work, and not discredit his reputation at all. I'd imagine he recognizes that, and will make it a priority now, you know? Good karma, or something like that

Hipcycler

"....and the award for the longest thread I have ever read here goes to...."

--55/Rad!

The power of radio Rad....the power of radio.
Radio gets it done.

55/Rad

I have been accused of carrying on when I should be carried off. Oh, well, that's why I work in TV.

55/Rad

53-11_alltheway

I can't wait too see this bike. Are we talking a few weeks until it's done?

I like your idea of customizing something different--- a Ti/CF bike. Steel bikes have been done before.

Hipcycler

All I know is that after reading your backgrounder there, I realize that while my frustrations involving waiting for my new Klein continue to increase, I've got a long way to catch your wait story!

...and might I add that's a title I DO NOT want!!!!
I WANT my Klein Reve'!
No more dog bills...
No more truck repair bills...please!!!!!!

"And the award for most exclaimation points used in a thread goes to .....
Hipcycler!"

55/Rad

One could hope. I'm also hoping he'll get some more "encouragement" from this thread.

55/Rad

Patriot

Accused of carrying on?

I know the feeling.

This thing better be the most awesome thing any eyes on this forum have ever seen, or the disappointment level could end up being pretty high after such a huge build up.

I liken it to the unfortunate possibility of everyone awaiting a monster eruption from Mt Rainier, only to end up with a little puff of smoke, and a tiny belch of dust. Burp!!!

How's that for encouragement?

Hipcycler

Ah Patriot...good point.
It reminds me of the Harley-Davidson 100th party here in Milwaukee. The buildup to who would be the headliner grew to mammouth proportions. It became a legendary tale here....who was this mystery performer.

Alas, when the time came there could be nothing but disappointment when it turned out to be Elton John.

Nothing against Sir Elton, but after all the buildup and the rumors about it being the Stones...well...

Patriot

At least ol' Willie, or the like, coulda chimed in. Then at least it would've had a bit of "HOGness" to it.

55/Rad

When I spoke to him yesterday, I addressed this very issue - about how the expectation can get blown out of proportion. I even retracted my desire and challenge for something overly unique in favor of something simpler that could get done in a reasonable amount of time. Deans response was that the gauntlet had been thrown down and that he was up for the challenge, especially with so many eyes watching for the result.

Without specific direction, there is always the possibility that I may not like the result as much as I would hope. But since I trust and appreciate his style and taste - as well as his craftsmanship - I'm willing to take that chance.

55/Rad

55/Rad

Patriot - if his work fails to meet my satisfaction, you can bet I will strip the frame and be calling you. Am I still the only forum member to see your work on Trinity in person?

Members - I've said this before - Trinity is far more beautiful in person than any picture here has indicated. Patriot's paint work is fabulous.

55/Rad

Hipcycler

I remember the picture of that bike here....I went, oooooooh the first time I saw it.

Rad...what he comes back with a SpongeBob Squarepants theme or something...I mean...Yikes!

Patriot

OH please. (blush) You are far too gracious.

However, I have had lots more practice with the other frames I have redone now, so my abilities are getting slowly better. I think dog hair would probably do a pretty good job too. I love his helmet work.

I would never consider putting myself within Dean's category though. That guy is lightyears ahead of me as far as talent goes. After all, it's what he does all day long for a living.

celticfrost

Elton John??!! That almost makes me happy my Harley was stolen. The new Harleys don't shake any more. Way too much refinement IMO. I suppose the people that buy the new ones are the same people that listen to Elton John.

And now, back to topic. 55/Rad, I sure hope it's worth the wait. I'm not sure what kind of time frame the painter initially gave you, but unless you're an expectant mother, 9 months seems awfully long to wait for your baby. Hopefully he'll take this into consideration and you'll end up w/ a real beauty.

Time for me to ride.

Patriot

Ok, I need my poseur points and ego boost for the day.

Just kidding, but for those (which is not very many) who have not seen my sweetheart yet, here she is,

Sorry Rad, don't mean to boil your blood by posting this while you are in severe deprivation.

HigherGround

Very funny comments indeed!

Actually I heard what the design is going to be, but I've been sworn to secrecy. Let's just say you'll have to change your Bike Forums member name to 55/Plaid...

Patriot

Blue and green plaid?

What, are Scottish or something? Next, you'll have a set of bagpipes hanging off the back, and the new style in cycling shorts will be a kilt.

55/Rad

No no no. 55/Rad is pronounced "55-ROD".

But you are on the right track - I'm going with a 60's theme and I may have to change my name to:

55/Mod