The 2011 bicycle project was located and purchased yesterday.
Some of you know that I’ve been keeping my eye out for a project bike. Originally, my goal was to diligently search for a bargain, a “fixer upper”, and spend some time occupying myself on a restoration. But as is often the case, too much pondering leads to too many requirements (it must be lugged, it must be lightweight, it must have pretty components, etc.). So lately, since my project bike was planned to be more zippy than those in my current stable, I’ve even considered saving up for a Rivendell Roadeo. In fact, I seriously considered asking Jeremy Shlachter at Gallus Cycles to build me a frame. Now that I’ve seen his work in person a couple of times now, I hope to commission one of his frames one day.
But this project bike ended up somewhere in the middle of the spectrum. In other words, it appears to be in satisfactory riding shape, but I might plan to restore/rehab/upgrade it somewhat.
I’ll post some photos after it arrives. Until then, here are the hints…
1984
lugged
Reynolds 531
mid-level race bike
red
Sounds delicious, eh?
Pondero 
Sounds quite tasty indeed! There are a lot of great steel frame builders from that time period. Can't wait to see what you bought.
cool! I'm glad you found a good quality bike to work with. Hurry up and post some photos!
Somehow, all the best bikes are red.
Can't wait! Lugged + Steel = a worthy project.
It's almost as much fun to participate in a restoration project vicariously as it is "in-person". I'm anxious to see your photos.
Not even sure it's acceptable to drop project hints without a pic or 2. Waiting…
Sorry, Tex69, couldn't wait to share the joy, and couldn't resist the teaser. I figured there might be one or two out there who might be curious enough to check back to see what's cooking in Texas (besides my brain).
Can't wait to see the photos! Were you inspired by Robert Penn? :)Peace 🙂
American, Euro, or Asian manufacturer? (I have a soft spot for the japanese frames of that era, myself.)
Maybe I will get a "project dog"
Excellent! I can't wait to see what it is. Looks like a little quid pro quo going on with Mrs. Pondero there, I love it!
I think Mrs. Pondero's comment is intended for humorous effect, since she currently has five unfinished "project dogs" (furry rascals) now. I think she needs to, and intends to, finish some of these projects before starting another…I think. But I've been wrong about this before.