Hello Ian,
I hope that you have been having a good weekend.
Thank you for measuring the standover height of your bicycle again. Your bicycle is a good size for me.
1) What is the general condition of your bicycle?
a) Especially, I am thinking about the chain and the chain rings. Do they have much life left in them or are they close to replacement?
b) How about the wheels and spokes and brake pads?
c) How about the wheel bearings and the bottom bracket? Can these be re-greased? If so do they need to be re-greased before I leave Britain if I buy your bicycle?
d) Do you recommend that I have your bicycle serviced before using it on remote roads?
2) I am wondering what "o.n.o." after the price of your bicycle means. Will you explain?
3) Also, is the price negotiable?
4) How do you suggest that the payment be made to you?
5) I am hoping to cycle in Central Asia this winter. I am wondering about stopping in England to pick up a bicycle on the way to Asia. I mentioned some changes that I seem to need made to your bicycle in order to use it on rough and steep roads:
a) Thorn Comfort MTB bar. 645 mm wide (for rough tracks)
b) Ergon GP1-L Anatomic grips
c) Marathon XR 2.25" tires
d) SKS P65 mudguards (silver)
e) Thorn Mk5 Lo-Loader (with 6 mm fittings)
f) cassette with 9 speeds in the range 11-36
g) New gear levers
If I buy your bicycle and pick it up in Britain, how do you suggest I have these changes made to the bicycle before I fly to Asia?
I have wondered about:
1) asking you to send the bicycle to Thorn Cycles so that they make the changes.
2) send the extra parts (that would be taken off the bicycle) to my address in the USA.
3) or sell the extra parts in Britain through some company there
Where in Britain are you located? I am wondering about picking up the bicycle in your locale and paying you for it at that time.
Thank you for your care and thoughtfulness in this correspondence. I will appreciate any ideas that you give to me about these matters.
Sincerely yours,
Tim