“Bike building is a lot like the Internet. They both involve a series of tubes.” Elliott McFadden, Violet Crown Cycles

On Friday, I dropped off my latest custom city bike to the customer. She choose the Ma Ferguson, the step through “woman’s” style to replace a her recumbent. She had gotten the recumbent for comfort but didn’t care for the low seated position and inability to stand on the pedals when climbing. The Ferguson offered her a nice middle point between a performance bike and a recumbent. English roadsters like this offer a comfy upright and visible position and the ability to get out of the saddle when you want.

Originally, the customer had picked a creamy vanilla color for the frame paired with pink rims, but later she called me back and changed the rims to yellow for better visibility. I have to say I was initially a little disappointed in the color change, but once I built up the bike, I realized the color combo was really nice looking. It went from girlie to classy. Lest we not forget the practical as well as stylish, she choose both a front basket and Basil Blossom Jugendstil rear pannier bags in addition to the sturdy AXA Defender frame lock and chain. She also went with the 7 speed Nexus with standard roller brake over the 8 speed with premium brakes for a little economy with almost the same gear range.

Component choices aside, I really like the look of this bike and may have to reconsider my preference for Bianchi celeste when I get around to making another bike for myself.

Boy, was she happy to ride this thing! When I delivered the bike, she took off after a brief dialing in not to be seen again while her husband settled accounts on this special birthday gift. A happy cyclist’s face upon delivery is a great feeling.