Monday, December 28, 2009
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Sunday, March 29, 2009
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.
Saturday, March 28, 2009
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!
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Sunday, March 15, 2009
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.
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Sunday, March 8, 2009
Father & Son
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
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Meantime....
Steel wool is good
The Bishop reborn
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