1957 Maton

Fixed

BTW, this one is fully fixed - no brake. Took it for a reasonable spin this arvo. The ratio is relatively high, so it's not exactly zippy. 

Riding it actually reminded me of my learning to ride a motor bike.....x12. You just have to be fully aware of your entire surroundings; who and what are going where and at what speed. It astounds me the number of people who rely on their hearing to cross the road. Often, if they don't hear a vehicle, they just don't bother to look! You have to plan your route second by second and totally re-calculate your capacity to stop. This involves constantly planning alternate routes - if the car indicating doesn't turn or the person crossing the road changes their mind, or if the car approaching speeds up at the last minute. 

And well....it was a HOOT! Also found that with the low cross bar, you can swing your knees right across, which makes for some tight corners at low speed.

I'm keen to try a lower ratio now.

For sale

I built (re-built) this bike with the intention of selling it. Just an exercise in design. When it's all up and running, I'll be looking for $750 ($AU that is) for it (including $450 worth of wheels). That'll be with a basic seat though. The leather San Marco saddle with the copper rivets (pictured) is an optional extra @ $250. 

I'm 6 foot and the bike's a little short from the bars to the seat for me. It may be better for somebody a little shorter.

Peugeot

The Peugeot has emerged, looking tres vintage in 'Claret'. (Not sure I'd be drinking any wine that colour, let alone something labeled 'claret'). Couldn't resist the white rims; kinda white-wall tire-like.

I'm very happy with the outcome (still some fine tuning to do), but it's been a prick of job! 

I've owned a number of Renaults (cars) in my time and frankly, the French , like the Italians, should stick to design and food and leave engineering to the Germans and Japanese. I'm still struggling to find a crank bearing set that actually fits properly. The steering shaft, seat posts and handle bar clamp (and bolt) are all NOT universal, so I'm going to be limited in what I can use. 

I've invested in my first real single-speed chain ring. I'm not into brand names on my bikes, but I like it!

Aidan's bro's bike

Peugeot

Following some negotiations, the Peugeot is reassigned to fix. Colour choice???? dunno.

Skylark from 43 Bikes

43 Bikes

Check out this site: http://www.43bikes.com/

Badges

His and hers

This weekend has seen a delightful pair of bikes in for a spruce up (or gutting as the case may be). 

The Peugeot - been looking for one of these for a while. This one set me back $30! Planned to make a flat-bar fixy with it, but the missus has taken a shine to it, so it may become her 'second bike' instead.

The Sun ($10) doesn't actually have much on it to make use of. Nice bars, a vintage rear derailleur. Frame's not bad. 

Annie's birthday

Pimped out Annie's bike for her birthday.

Father & Son

So here's Nick's (son) bike converted & Mick's (dad) bike preserved  (see post Feb 3 'Return of the Bishop Part 1' for prelude).

Clutch??

I wasn't sure about the idea of riding a freewheel with only a front brake, but have to admit I like it. While taking it for a spin, it occurred to me that it would be an interesting option to have a fixed wheel bike - with a clutch. It could be a lever (like a brake lever) or even a set up on a gear lever like the old 3 speeds with a neutral.

Why? Well for a start, you could corner much faster. (If you've not ridden a fixy before, you have to watch the pedals hitting the ground when you corner). Riding over significant bumps on a fixy is also an acquired talent, being able to drop the drive out and coast now and again would help. Another thing: after stopping, you could align your pedals for take-off. 

I know that for fixy purists it's an ethos thing -'commit'.

Drive conversion

It's not a fixy. Was lucky enough to pick up a pair of used Shimano wheels for bugger all. The rear is a standard road wheel with a cassette hub. I bought a $39 single speed conversion for it, reluctantly, but it looks pretty cool. 

Nic's Steele Bishop

So here's Nic's treddly. Nice colour choice Nic!

Meantime....

The goose neck on the pre-war Swansea I bought recently (post Feb 17th) has fused (rusted) to the steering column. My last resort is to apply heat. 

The person who came up with 'Stuckness is a simply state of mind' is welcome around to my shed to have a go!

Steel wool is good

Mick's sons bike (identical model, post Feb 9th) has undergone surgery and will return tomorrow from the powder coaters. He's chosen French Blue - including the flat bars.

The Bishop reborn

Mick decided he didn't want a paint job for his bike (post Feb 3rd), so it came down to new spokes, cables, tires and tubes, a scrub and a spot of white nail polish to touch up the really bad spots.