I got this in more OEM form for $40, maybe 9 years ago, but a lot has changed since. Single-speed, clearly. Fitted with 700c wheels to squeeze in some 38mm tires. Record hubs. Record bottom bracket to narrow the q-factor and clean up the chainline. Chorus levers. Record seatpost. The Stronglight 93 cranks are what drew me to the bike in the first place, but it didn’t take many rides to fall in love with the rest. I have embraced the mythology of Reynolds 531. I’m a Raleigh guy now.
I will never sell this bike. I’ve done multiple gravel centuries on it, some light single track, and plenty of road miles, and it’s simply happy to do whatever. It’s the bike that will bring me back to bikes when life gets heavy and/or I’m out of shape, and when I’m in shape it flatters me. I know it’s silly to do, but I enjoy believing it has a personality, because I like the personality I believe it has.
by notgr