Learning that the Saluki was going to be a 650B bike, my build up was inspired by the classic French randonneuses; Alex Singer, Rene Herse, Jo Routens...

To this end I did my best to build her up in a classic manner albeit with mostly modern componentry. Oldest parts on the bike are the wonderful Simplex RF shifters. The Modolo brake levers and SR Laprade seatpost I originally had have been replaced with Cane Creek levers("gum" hoods!) and a Nitto Jaguar post. My Saluki is something of a rolling advertisement for Nitto now. Front & rear racks, seatpost, stem, handlebar, bottle cages are all from Nitto. If they made a crankset or brakes those'd probably grace my bike too.

The color is custom, a candy metallic shade of Brandywine from House of Kolor (influenced by a wine bottle foil I had). Picture don't do it justice.

In addition to my Saluki I own an Alex Singer and a custom Rivendell. But the Saluki gets ridden more than either of them. It's a great "country bike" - perfect for exploring dirt and gravel roads. Or just rolling along a quiet road. I also commute on her. And I plan on using her for S24Os and brevets (who knows maybe even Paris-Brest-Paris in 2007).

John Price

jprice@2-10.com