One Down

So the first of many projects is almost to an end. After way too much time, I completed the build on my cousin's Trek. I can't even remember where this frame came from, but I had her in mind immediately when I found it. It turned out pretty well (I am not completely happy with the tyres) and I think it will give her a good start at riding the roads of nearly rural MN. Hopefully she will let me put some bigger tyres on it to cushion the ride, but she has had a true road bike in mind, so sporting the 32's right away didn't seem quite appropriate. It was also tough not too don fenders and a rack right away. Have to remember this is not my bike.

Bike Specs:
Frame: Old steel Trek 80's ish
Wheels: Tiagra hubs, Bontrager Fairlane rims, DT spokes
Tyres: Bontrager Race Lite 700x25 (should be Panaracer Pesela 28, or 32's)
Brakes: Shimano DuraAce centerpulls (I had never seen these before, great fender clearance)
Crankset: Shimano 105
Derailleurs: Shimano 105 rr, Ultegra ft
Brifters: Shimano Ultegra
Handlebar: Modolo Custom (nice and flat on top)
Stem: Sakae riser
Saddle: Ritchey Pro Ti rails (gotta have a nice saddle)
Extras: Tressostar tape (over another wrapping of tape), not sure what pedals she'll choose yet.

Hope Springs Eternal

We are finally getting some decent weather here in the midwest. The last couple days have started cold but managed to at least warm up during the day. These are the days that really make me think about how much I miss summer. It's too bad mother nature uses dimmer switches. A nice quick transition would be much more tolerable.

I switched back to the Pake C'Mute for c'muting. I might have to change it up this year as when I start riding it, my miniscule 6 mile ride leaves a lot of saddle time to just be dreamt about. This is the bike I primarily rode last year including a couple of "longer" rides (>100). It seems to be a truck of a bike, taking time to build up steam but wants to keep rolling. I am not doing it justice with such short hops.

So I am readying the Cross Check for my daily rider. It will also receive a rack and some panniers but they will be able to detach without a wrench. The more aggressive riding position shouldn't be an issue on the shorter jaunts, and it will have a little more get up to keep up with the guys from the shop. Just have to decide if I keep it single or run it fixed.

Along with that, I have a bicycle to create for my cousin. It's a project I have been slacking on for too long. A nice old Trek road frame that should fit her great. I have managed to procure a Shimano 9 speed drive train, and along with a mix of vintage and new parts, should suit her well for the time she has to get out and ride. A stop to the bike shop today will be warranted so I can make sure the frame is in alignment.

Then if I can get my mom's frame painted, that will be able to be completed. At least I have the excuse that I can't finish the paint until we have some warmer weather. I tried painting in sub 60 temps a couple years ago and I think the paint stalls in the drying process and remains tacky for life. That is going to be a great set up when it is all finished.

After those are done, I have another bike for yet another cousin in the queue. An old Gary Fisher that will be "hybridized" (spellchecker was just fine with this word) for a nice 'round town'r. I can't decide what type of setup will be good for that one. I would love to Albatross it, but I don't think he is going to go for that. I might just do it anyway, and see what happens. Worse case, he doesn't like it and I have another Albatross in my inventory. Always look on the bright side...of life (whistle appropriately).