Built a bicycle!

Bicycle is finished! With any luck this bike will last me a lifetime. It is especially gratifying to know that I did all the work myself, quite an achievement given that I knew almost nothing about bikes when I started this project! :)


Here is a list of what I worked on:

Wheels
- 'Trued' the wheel spokes
- New tubes and all kevlar reinforced tires w/ reflective band

Shifting
- Converted down tube shifters to bar-end shifters
- New cables

Handlebars
- Swapped out drop bars for upright porteur French style bars with a 90 degree angle curve
- New extra tall stem
- Slightly different brake levers

Pedals and crank
- New symmetrical pedals (non-toe clip) and reflectors
- Repaired the crank arm (it fell off!)

Style
- Brooks woman's saddle
- Hammered Japanese style fenders
- Leather bicycle bag (perfect size for my lock)
- Removal of rust (diet coke + sanding) and touch up paint

Yay! I am slowly on my way to a more car-free way of life

DIY bike skills

Bike just about complete... new tires, hammered fenders, new handlebars and stem, cables, bar-end shifters, and a new Brooks saddle. I also learned how to true a wheel! The only thing left is to swap out the foot pedals and get some decent handlebar grips. I am still getting used to riding busy streets, but I have been commuting by bike twice a week (my goal is to slowly work up to every day). Yay!

Ok, now back to science!

sweet old school bike

Right now I am procrastinating on scientific writing in favor of fixing my bike... a 1971 Atala Competizone painted black except for the original chrome trim on the lugs and forks... mmm shiney.

With a little help from Marty I just replaced the tires with a new brand with thicker rubber, kevlar reinforcement, all-weather tread, and reflective bands (perfect for year round commuting). Next on my list is to install a pair of Honjo-esqe hammered metal fenders.

I also need to put in a taller stem with swept back handlebars for a more up right riding position (also helpful if you have a shorter torso/arms compared to the frame design). At some point I will also swap the downtube shifters (on the frame) with the bar-end variety (end of handbars) to make changing gears a little easier. Last on my list is purchasing a Brooks saddle, I just need to decide on which model and color to get...

Hopefully when I am all done I will have a stylish commuter bike that akin to a 1940's French portuer bike. :)