Yes, I’d definitely ride first before buying. I’ve learned a lot in the last couple of years. Enough to make a decent appraisal of a bike (I hope). At the top of my list is no bent forks. Not even a little bit. I’m currently dealing with two. I think I could judge fit for myself pretty good as well.
If it does turn out to be an 84 it would be a no go. According to the catalog there was no 60cm offered. I have a hard time telling the difference between a 58 and a 60 from pictures. A 63cm is easier. This bike is not a 63cm frame. But it looks close to my Black Lightning’s which are 60cm.
And by now I know a 60 in a criterium frame is as small as I’d care to ride. I haven’t compared the geometry of this one vs my BL’s. Looking at those numbers on “paper” really doesn’t mean a whole lot because that is one area that I don’t fully understand. Basic dimensions I get, but differentiating between angles, rake and trail is beyond my comprehension.
Rain, rain, rain in the forecast until midweek. I mentioned to the seller that I did notice the photo op was at a car wash and commented something to the effect that at least he probably washed all the dust off. I heard an audible gasp over the phone before he said he’d never wash a bike such as this in a car wash bay. So he has much reverence to the bike’s specialness. Also it turns out he owns the car wash. I’ll have to wait for a dry day.
Sorry for the long bloviating post.
