I bought my Atlantis in 2006 to replace a Romulus that was flooded in Hurricane Katrina. The Romulus was perfect for the smooth roads and rolling terrain of Diamondhead, Miss., where we used to live. Now we live in Covington, La., a quaint, historic town across the lake from New Orleans. I use the Atlantis for hauling home groceries and library books, checking on the status of the house we're building and drifting around town, soaking up its Norman Rockwell character (a young couple rocking on a porch swing; a dad teaching his daughter to ride her first bike).

My Atlantis frame is different from earlier models in that it now has braze-ons for the front Nitto rack.

When ordering the bike, I made the following changes to Rivendell's Standard Atlantis Parts List:

* A plain Technomic stem because I like my handlebars higher than the Deluxe model allows

* Silver Shifter bar-ends (friction only) because they're long, elegant and easy to use

* Aero Shimano brake levers instead of the chubbier Cane Creeks because of feel and looks

* 37mm Pacela Tourguard tires vs. the usual 35mm's because I carry heavy loads over bad roads

* MKS RMX pedals with built-in reflectors because they allow me to wear normal shoes or sandals

* Elite, stainless steel water bottle cages instead of Nittos because I like the way they work

* A Schmidt hub dynamo because I've always wanted one. It's quiet, has low rolling resistance.

* Inolit 2+ headlight and Securit Plus taillight which stay lit at stops. LEDs mean no burnt out bulbs.

Accessories include a translucent, green, Mirrycle Jellibell bell; a Wald rear basket; East German army surplus rain pattern saddlebags; and a saddle pack originally designed to hold AK-47 ammo clips. The pack's side pouch, meant to hold a rifle cleaning kit, is perfect for my bicycle multi-tool.

ericnye@hotmail.com