Several weeks ago I was driving and was in a small fender bender. I was clipped from behind by a 4x4 that was making a turn. Long story short, what I thought was just some soreness is, according to the family physician, a case of whiplash. It appears it may be several months before enough healing takes place that riding any of my current bikes isn’t painful.
Last night, much to my surprise, my wife asked why I didn’t just get a bike with a longer head tube so I could ride in a more upright position. After verifying that I wasn’t hearing things I ordered the aluminum touring frame from Nashbar. It is scheduled to arrive in two days! Realizing I have a new toy with which to play and that I should be able to get the entire build completed for under $200, made me feel a bit giddy.

Now, I’ve got to get busy going through my numerous parts boxes so I can get this build started. I also feel a bit justified and/or vindicated in keeping all those extra sets of wheels, handlebars, brifters, derailleurs, stems, and saddles. I'm pretty sure the fork saved from my Cannondale T800 will work, and even be a pretty close match in terms of color. I've got a 27 speed Ultegra set that should work, and a set of Mavic Open Pro wheels with Ultegra hubs that I can use. Since this will most likely see time as a temporary commuter, I'll put on the pair of Shamino M424. And, well, I'lll just have to see what else I have. If anyone’s interested, I’ll try to post photos along the way.