I’ve never believed in love at first sight. Interest, yes. Attraction, yes. But head-over-heels love? I think not. But sometimes the interest is so great and the attraction so strong that you can’t shake it, even if you aren’t looking for love. That’s how it was with my husband; interest and attraction turned quickly into a crush I couldn’t deny.
And that’s how it was my Viva Juliett. I first saw Juliett at the San Francisco Bike Coalition‘s Winterfest where Mike’s Bikes had donated her for the benefit auction. She was cherry red and luscious cream and shiny chrome and I was smitten. But I certainly didn’t need a beautiful but impractical bike so I didn’t bid on her.
Still, I couldn’t forget her. After two test rides and much consternation, I took the plunge and brought her home. Now, two years later, I can’t imagine how I didn’t see her practicality along with her beauty. I love this bike.
Juliett came equipped with almost everything I needed for my short commute and for errands all over town.
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- Wide, swept-back bars let me know right away she was an upright bike.
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- Her striking chain guard caught everyone’s eye.
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- Quickly followed by elastic cord dress guards and color-matched accessories.
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- Looks like a disk brake, but it dissipates heat from the hub roller brakes.
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- The spring-loaded aged Brooks B-67 saddle came standard.
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- There are seven gears in that hub, protected from the elements.
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- The front rack is an accessory well worth the extra cost.
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- With the front rack, I really need the wheel stabilizer to prevent the flop.
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- The original kickstand couldn’t handle a heavy load like this center stand.
It’s been two years and I’m still in love. Do you have a bike that you’re head over heels in love with?
Location: Gamble Gardens, Palo Alto, California, USA
ken
February 14, 2013 at 5:05 am
I’ve got a 1993/4 Univega mountain bike that fits me like a glove. It was love at first sight and it has never let me down. The only upgrades are a rack & slicks and it has carried me all over Britain and Holland. Its awfully scratched now from the ferry crossings, its a bit tired too and some parts are well outdated, but even though I have 4 other, much newer bikes, it is still my Uni that does everything I want it to. I’m happy!
Rachel Unger
February 14, 2013 at 7:57 am
I feel the same way about my 2010 Vita.
We go everywhere together – errands, centuries…
I almost bought a Trek Navigator 3000 from a rental place because I enjoyed riding that so much, and it would have been my new errand bike – except we were in South Carolina at the time and that would have been a pain to ship.