C'est fini---presque

The transformation began as I opened the cardboard box containing the Alfine rear hub, by our friends at Shimano. This 8-speed, 36h, internally geared hub is the perfect choice for this bike project. After some careful gear-inch calculations (gracias, Sheldon, RIP), I decided to install a 22t cog on the hub to most closely approximates our Trek 7100's gear combination of 28-38-48, 14-34. Using the original Stronglight 50-40t crank, the Peugeot overall gear range is actually broader than the previous bike's arrangement (although the spacing is different).

I carefully laced the hub up to a Salsa Delgado Cross rim with Wheelsmith 2.0 spokes, and voila! Gorgeous. We opted for the index shifter. Since we're keeping the 50-40t crank, I need some sort of chain tensioner. While Alfine has an offering, I opted for the stock Simplex derailleur with the limit screws adjusted for non-movement. Chainline is almost perfectly split between the chainrings. I'll work on replacing the incredibly worn pulleys, however.

For the front hub, I opted for the SRAM i-Light dynamo hub (36 hole as well, same rim and spokes). After some careful lacing and tensioning, voila encore! By the end of the week, the wheels will be complete with Schwalbe Marathon Plus tires, 700x32c, but for now, they are sporting my Panaracer Pasela 28's. They'll do.

Next was the saddle. That was easy! Brooks B-67 S in brown. Tons of charm and lots of future miles.

For now, the stem and handlebar will remain unchanged, but I have plans to widen and raise just a smidge to clear the iBert (pics at bottom). The shellacked cork grips work quite well.

Now on to my favorite part of the refurbish--the lighting. Of course, Peter White has the most extensive knowledge database and inventory on the subject, so I began studying. For the front light, I chose to mimic my Brompton's headlight, and go with the Busch & Muller Lumotec IQ Cyo R Senso Plus, with the metallic finish to somewhat match the original setup. LOVE THIS LIGHT!

Wiring the project was probably my favorite part, reminding me of my high school days of wiring various DC lights to my 1984 Subaru hatchback and installing miscellaneous car audio equipment. The fenders have a convenient lip or channel on the underside, allowing for clean routing of the wires. Since the bike originally had lights mounted on the fenders, I used the existing grommets for passing the wires through the fenders and into said channels.

Notice the Brooks Leather grip washers I used to properly space the front fender underneath the Tektro 556's (left over from shortening them for the Brompton).

I did have to run the supply cable down the back of the fork leg, using unsightly zip ties. Oh well.

On the underbelly, there are some cute little flaps that bend into place to hold the wiring as it transitions from front to rear wheel.

The original wiring provided with the headlight was about 6 inches too short, so a quick splice was necessary to reach the taillight. Speaking of the rear light, I decided to stay with a fender mounted light, and the B&M 4D Lite Plus was just the ticket. Both lights incorporate a standlight, using a condenser that stores energy to keep the system lit while the front wheel is not spinning.

And, finally, here are some shots with the iBert "frog" seat and Basil panniers. Notice theTrail-Gator attachment on the seatpost. Of course ours is blue.

A little night shot with my poor little camera.

A parting shot, one of my new faves.

L'original

Here's a catalog shot of what the Projet looked like new and a shot of what it looked like before mods (detailed pics coming this week):

Looks like it's missing the toolbag on the rear rack, the frame pump, the front light, and the original tires. All else is l'original. On Tuesday or Wednesday this week you will see the bike completed in its modernized state.

New "Projet"

My wife's creativity is quite influential, and her multiple projects have inspired higher thought concerning her bicycle and its current "un" creativeness. I began thinking of ways to set up a comfortable bike for her uses that would be worthy of her creativity. After much introspection, I decided to search for and build up a bike using a Mixte frameset.

Should I buy new? I considered offerings from Soma and Velo-Orange, but methinks that some newly manufactured frame would be in diametric opposition to my objective--to be creative. Anyone could click a mouse and lazily await a delivery truck. Boring. So, I then turned to the local classifieds--LOADED with all types of bikes, from the lame to the not-so-lame.

Unfortunately, most folks in the area are unfamiliar with the Mixte nomenclature, so an exact search term match only yielded one bike, which I had seen in the shop just a few days earlier as the owner of this bicycle was attempting to assess its value. I didn't like it in person, so I definitely didn't like it via the interweb.

Luckily, I have like-minded friends who are absorbing things of a classic nature, specifically Brad. He directed me to an ad for a '70's Peugeot with, you guessed it, a Mixte frame.

Here are some pics in its almost original 1976 spec:

Squeaky and violatingly uncomfortable mattress seat (no box spring included). You can see part of the original rat-trap rear rack.

The back of the stem has a mini Peugeot badge. Nice touch.

Mafac "Racer" brakes. Functionally sound, at least by 1976 standards. Imagine spreading lard on your current braking surface--that's about how this works.

Presumably metal-cored plastic brake levers, again with the Mafac make stamped into the component.

Tyre dynamo complete with rubber shavings guard. The stainless fenders were in surprisingly good shape, and have a lip that runs along the edge for housing the generator light wiring.

Sadly, the girl whom I bought the bike from was misled in her current tire purchase, being duped into 27 x 1" tires on 27 x 1-1/4" rims. Totally not a good idea. This mistake led to some pretty significant dings and general out-of-roundness of the rear wheel.

Build plan:

1. Replace brakes with Tektro Long-Reach sidepull calipers. Matching Tektro flat bar levers.
2. Replace pedophile style grips with some cork grips with a layer or two of shellac.
3. Replace Craftmatic saddle with a Brooks B-67.
4. Build new wheels:
• Front wheel build with SRAM i-light hub, Salsa Delgado Cross rim (36h).
• Rear wheel build with Shimano Alfine 8-speed internal hub, same rim.
5. Install Lumotec IQ CYO R Senso Plus Chrome-finished LED headlight.
6. Install Busch & Muller 4DLitePlus taillight.
7. Pletscher centerstand kickstand.

Pics to follow as the "projet" moves along. Au revoir!

What Does This Symbolize to You?

So, I ride past a particular crosswalk every day, twice per day in fact. After some time, I noticed something rather peculiar. At first, it looked like a rather normal-looking lawn chair. Upon repeated inspection, these chairs are apparently in high demand, or are a frequent target for criminal mischief, so obviously one would avoid leaving said chair unattended. The picture below violates several basic principles, some related to cycling:

Rule # 1 when locking up an item of potential value: Lock the item to something >= the strength of the lock itself. My guess is that someone could look really angrily at the chain link fence and the chain would work itself free. I don't think the chair is much stronger than the chain, either.

Rule # 2: Ensure that monies spent on locking mechanism <= item being locked up. I'm pretty sure the chair is less expensive than the lock and chain.

Now for the fun part, SYMBOLISM, a la Robert Langdon. I'll leave my thoughts on what this symbolizes in the comments, I'm interested in your thoughts . . . .

Happy Birthday, scar!

June 4th, 2009. The day I saw the inside of my leg. I can't believe 1 year has passed already since this pivotal occurence. The scar has healed quite well, although it still turns bright purple when I'm riding, and it develops a terrible itch at times. I'm reminded of a part of Ricky Bobby's prayer for grandpa Chip, in which he asks for a blessing to "heal him and his horrible leg. It smells terrible and the dogs are always botherin' with it." Maybe that's why I don't have a dog. Well, one of the reasons . . . . .