eventually i put in fenders (planet bike cascadia 45mm hybrid) and loaded up the whole frame, rack, fenders, wheel, and spokes with black reflective tape (i love how its invisible on the black frame).



i loved it, but then there was a minor issue with the rack-braze on (it came loose) and it they tried to fix it (honestly I never planned to actually take off the rack on this commuter) and the braze on would not be salvaged.... so they ordered a replacement bike for me!

but the diabolical managers at the bike shop said that I could have store credit for the old bike and buy a new one if i wanted. they had a 09' Mendota in storage... and offered it at a price i couldn't refuse (well for NYC prices anyway). I watched a movie/did some errands walked back 3 hours later and it was ready:



I've bought a origin 8 space bar and a looong stem (to offset the bar) which are arriving this week. And white reflective tape is on the way.