I guess I could've said, "why repaint?" - the catalyst thing was aimed at getting to what caused/inspired you to consider a re-paint, and you've answered it. Thanks! I agree it does look really nice as is, and it would be a tough decision to change it. The linked pic is really cool, too. I personally would keep the Trek as is and perhaps have a side project to create something like the linked bike from a salvaged or cheap CL find - a decent bike that just needs some love.

Beautiful. Very nicely done. Let's see a drive side shot! ;)

What size are those Conti TourRides?

A build I finished for my wife... and an early xmas present:

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8061/8...2fcb4dea_b.jpg

and in commuter mode:

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8068/8...d13a3878_b.jpg

its kind of a weird bike... it actually has 26" wheels and clearance for MTB tires. thread for this build here: http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...tone-XO-1-1992

Wow, how does it fit your wife? Looks like she might be either stretched forward really well or sitting too low.. Hope I am all wrong. I really like the build though, looks great!

haha its a very very weird bike. based on 26" wheels. the frame is a 48cm size. my wife is 5'4" and it actually does fit her fine. details on this build here: http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...tone-XO-1-1992

the first picture has a 80mm stem for my wife. I put on a 120mm stem (2nd picture) because I went for a ride with it today to test out the fenders.

http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=288328

New Surly. Single-speed and bulletproof for my upcoming car-free winter.

Is the color on the fenders slightly off or is it me?

It wasn't meant to be an exact match. These are 'cream' colored fenders, while the bike is a pearl tusk color.

and runningDoc - you've done an amazing job on that build. A+ for you.

You're right though; that chain-ring looks pretty comical on that frame. It doesn't look bad by any stretch, but I did have to rub my eyes and squint as I took a look at that!

Nice bike! I am more of a "stealth" bike guy, so I went with the charcoal gray. Vaya's are amazing bikes. I have used mine for commuting, single track and have weekend toured through several states. I am not taking anything away from other people's bikes, but you bought probably the best all around bike on the market in my humble opinion. I've had it loaded down with 50lbs of gear and it still rides like a dream! Congrats!

RunningDoc- Very nice build! I love it!

Looks pretty darn sweet. Kind of cappucino-ish.

My mostly stock Bergamo that this 69-year old rides 7 miles to a volunteer job 2 or 3 days per week. It's not fast, but neither am I.

A few pics of my Salsa Vaya. I bought it as a frameset a couple years ago....

http://www.watsonfx.com/vaya_pics1.jpg

http://www.watsonfx.com/vaya_pics2.jpg

http://www.watsonfx.com/vaya_pics3.jpg

http://www.watsonfx.com/vaya_pics4.jpg

http://www.watsonfx.com/vaya_pics5.jpg

http://www.watsonfx.com/vaya_pics6.jpg

Thanks for sharing all your experiences.

Great Vayas!!!!

Here is my Vaya, after almost 3000 miles since January. The best long distance commuter bike ever!!!! Now with wild new handlebar tape. The Retroshifters are probably the best upgrade I've ever made to a bike.

http://i784.photobucket.com/albums/y...ps478313d2.png
http://i784.photobucket.com/albums/y...ps81efdb84.png

Nice bike!!

Keeping with the Salsa theme here is my Fargo wearing its new Multicam clothes in the snow today!

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h6...428-picsay.jpg

Is Salsa going to take over for Surly as the official bike of BF Commuting? :D

This is what I have been riding this winter. I use a backpack instead of racks, I'd have to order another set or transfer from my summer bike. I think I'll order another set but wait until next year.

http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=289239

This is Kate, my wife's Torker Tristar which I'm upgrading from a 3 to a 5 speed S-A IGH for Christmas, and my own Ivy Mike, a Novara Fusion on which I commute daily in whatever weather we're having here in Austin.
http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=289299

No pics yet but I just got a 50cm 2012 Salsa Vaya Ti bike. I've had a 10 minute ride on it before it snowed and got a lot colder here. It's in in the bike stand now getting some parts from my LHT moved over to it. I'll probably be on it regularly in a day or two. I've been wanting a ti frame bike for a while and it was heavily discounted....

I got a 2012 Vaya Ti for 20% off. Haven't had a chance to build it up yet. I am not thrilled with the stock build so I am in the process of trying to sell the stock crank, wheelset, rotors, tires, and bars.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-y...2/SAM_1006.JPG

Mine looked exactly like that when I opened the box. Where did you order yours from? I got mine from Competitive Cyclist, ~30% off. It was the last one they had.

Ordered it from backcountry.com but it came in a Competitive Cyclist box. Guess they are the same company.

Yes, they are both the same company. When I ordered they only had a 50cm left.

That is a very pretty bike, nice lines and colours. I think if I were you I'd leave the racks off and keep using a backpack, because I think a rack/bags would ruin the art. Cool bike!

i think you did a great job. that is an excellent looking bike.

i like the hammered fenders and the water bottle. very very classy.

http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=289470

Here's my rig; a 1987 Schwinn Cimarron with some additions for commuting. Still using a backpack, but hope to move to a rack after the new year when I get some funds for some panniers.