Current Work
Kirk's Single Speed
Some final brazing and then off to the painter.
Had a good day behind the helmet. This bike is almost finished. I welded the entire bike and will braze the drop outs in a bit. Then onto the stuff that makes it a cross bike. Canti studs, cable hanger and some other fun bits.
I spent my late Saturday overhauling my gear box from the Clausing. I was lucky enough to find a complete gear box and from it had all the spare parts I needed to get all my tumblers working again. It was a rather huge undertaking but I had the diagrams and also a second of everything (except what I needed obviously) so I went knee deep into the repair. Here is a few shots of the internals of only one small part of a lathe.
Almost finished:
Cheers,
Drew
Testimonials from CX
Today I received two wonderful e-mails from people who have my cross bike. Here is a cut and paste of the two e-mails.
From the latest cross bike out the door:
Lady Blue is awesome!! What a great bike! On her maiden voyage, she delivered me to a 2nd place finish! I was a little nervous having not been able to get out on Saturday and having the first ride be a race, but she is so smooth and buttery and solid in the corners and responsive and quick and stiff all in one package. She fits like a glove too! Love, love, love it. Thanks so much for everything!!
Unfortunately they didn’t have a podium, so I couldn’t sport the t-shirt for the podium shot. Bummer.
From the cross bike that I built for NAHBS in Indy:
Hey Drew,
The Wisconsin Cycling Association cyclocross season began yesterday. Interbike took a three-week bite out out of my fitness, but I felt compelled to go if only to show off the bike. Interestingly, it wasn't the only custom bike there. I saw one Courage, one Lynskey, and one Speedvagen (okay, semi-custom). Mine was definitely the prettiest girl at the dance, though.
The course is one I know well, and have ridden many times before on aluminum 'cross bikes. I was amazed again by how much smoother, faster, and more comfortable the Engin is.
I began the race (Masters 1/2/3) with modest expectations, but soon found myself in a group of four behind the leading group of three. I was getting gapped occasionally, and expected to be dispatched eventually. However, half-way through the race, I felt our pace decreasing, so I moved up and gave a little acceleration. To my surprise, no one came with me. I kept going, expecting to get reeled back in, but instead I began to pick up remnants of the leading group. I ended up a very surprised second-place.
Thanks again for the bike. It's a great machine, and great motivation. Without it, I might have just called it a season and skipped 'cross this year. I'm glad I didn't.
Regards,
Denny
These two e-mails made my week and it just started.
Cheers,
Drew
True Temper (big props!!)
Best S-Bend chainstay to date. Took a while but here they are.
After a first run that was not very desirable (I did not use any of them) I took a gamble and ran my Deda inventory REALLY low hoping the new (like just finished this week) 29R chainstay would be good. They are way beyond good. The bend for the tire is perfect, the finish is great and they have lots of meat at the drop out (i.e. disc brake) end and are good and light at the BB end. Very exciting day. Ben at True Temper is great and makes me feel like he pays attention.
Cheers,
Drew
Single Speed Cross
I NEVER ride my geared mtb. I always wanted to have a single speed cross bike.
I had intentions of building myself one this year but it got sidelined. I think Kirk is going to rip it up with one gear. He is like a diesel engine when it comes to his riding style. He never speeds up super fast but can really keep it going. He came in 2nd in the expert mtb single speed series this past year. Maybe this will help continue the trend.
The frame is all mitered and ready for prep before tacking.
Nice looking rear end. This is going to be a rather lightweight (for me anyway) bicycle. Not so light it will be flexible but lighter than a bike made to be totally abused.
Cheers,
Drew
