It PAY'S To Do Research!

Yep, I've said it before and I'll say it again, Ill be the first to admit I don't know everything about bikes!  The most assured path to failure is thinking you know everything.  That's why I consider myself blessed to have met so many wonderful folks throughout our seven years of doing this who do know just about everything and have been kind enough and patient enough to tutor me. 
See, for the majority of our years doing this, we have worked primarily on the most basic of veloist transportation.  Easy enough for one with a modicum of mechanical talent to be able to spend a few days tearing apart and reassembling to get the knack for.   But there are other, more exotic rides and systems out there that, at times, have made me seek out guidance.  On the mechanical side I have been enriched by my association with Bullet over at "Hand On Bicycles" and for the historical I have uncle Chippie!  Then I have the Internet.  Of course you have to separate fact from opinion, which at times can be challenging.  So yesterday, once I had located the appropriate parts to assemble one of the frames I got last week from the estate sale, I began trying to get an idea on the value of the bike. It is a Sampson, a manufacturer I am not familiar with.  Lo and behold, what I thought was just a plain looking aluminum frame turned out to be a higher end, 90's titanium frame!  This "Sampson" apparently comes from a lineage of very expensive rides!  Nowadays they fetch from $2000 and up per bike!  Mind you, the one we built is anything but original!  Oh nay, nay.  This one was nothing but a frame when we got it but we did tricked it out with some really nice stuff!  Among the new parts acquired we garnished it with an Easton carbon seat post, Shimano Tiagra brakes, Shimano 9 pack rear, Campagnolo Veloce rear derailleur, Shimano Sora 3/9 integrated shifters, Shimano SPD pedals and a Vuela Areomax wheel set dressed with Continental 700X23c tires!  WOOF!!  What a ride!  And even with all them goodies we were able to put it out for a price to inspire drool from the avid spandex crowd!
And a hearty "Thank You!" to all the donations we received yesterday!  I do so love the fact that we are appreciated enough that when someone has or finds an old ride or bike parts they know just where to bring them!  A lovely couple brought in an older men's cruiser, with a busted head set for us to scavenge for parts.  I let them know, however, that we intended to give her a new life as it was just to sweet a ride to part out!  Also, while cleaning out his garage a gent stumbled on a bundle of bike tires left by his college attending son.  When asked what he wanted him to do with them, he simply stated "give 'em to RE-Cycle"!  SAH-WEET!  And of course a special Holiday thank you to two lovely ladies who brought in the holiday leftovers from their organizations luncheon, making sure to let me know they were treats for the kids.  Heh, heh!  There's NO way you can put a tray of sweets in front of me rimmed with oatmeal cookies and expect me NOT to sample!  But have no fear, the bulk of it is going home to them.  Oh, while we are on the holiday subject, just need to clarify one thing.  Had a couple come in the other day, and while test riding a couple of bikes, the husband made the comment that out of all the shops they had visited we were the only ones NOT decked out in Holiday splendor.  I'm not sure if he saw that as a bad thing or a relief, but to any future shoppers, let me explain.  I don't believe in capitalizing on Holidays.  It may sound odd and contrary to the "Business Operational Manual" but I am a firm believer that holidays are for family, and goes a little deeper then consumerism, and thus should be kept separate.  Angi has the house decked out (and almost complete) in trimming splendor, and that is enough.
So now, I must be off to put the finishing touches on the cruiser and then move on to a few more goodies we got in.  See y'all soon!

DECKED OUT 53CM SAMPSON!!
ONLY $440.00!!