Current Work
Glass half empty, Glass half full
We rented bikes on vacation and it was bitter sweet.
How else could someone explore an entire island for $12 in one day? Car seems really boring and lame, walking takes forever and that is why they invented the bicycle. We rented some really rough bikes and it was very apparent I am a bike snob. I enjoyed the entire day but man did I think to myself this bike is a real junker.
Here is a snap shot of a meal Andrea and I had while away. We were able to cook in since we had a full kitchen available.
Nice beach view that we got from riding our bikes out to the point of Sanibel Island.
Owens bike is soaking in the tank now and I should get it finished this weekend.
Cheers,
Drew
Stem and Post + Mini Vacation
Owen's stem and post all done.
I always prefer to get the stem and post done before starting construction on the frame. That way when done with the frame it is shipped off and you are ready to begin the next bike.
Here is Owen's stem and post. I get lots of requests for these items without a bicycle purchase but I just don't want to offer them. It is a 2 part decision. 1) I like that it adds value to the product and keeps the stem and post a more desirable item. 2) I can not justify building one if I should be working on a frameset that someone has been waiting a year for.
After brazing:
After finish work:
Andrea and I are off for a small vacation this weekend. This summer we are expecting our first child so this is our last escape before life as we know it forever changes.
Have a great weekend.
Cheers,
Drew
Great American Bicycle Exchange
I am having a new bicycle built.
I am fortunate enough to be trading a new frame,fork, stem and seatpost for another builders frame, fork, stem and seatpost. I am not revealing who the builder is. I am going to show pictures of my new bike. Curious if anyone can guess the builder based on the photos. The shop is kind of the give away.
The exchange is taking place this summer so sometime in May I need to get working on the bike I am trading.
Mike's bike is all done and Monday I am getting started on Owen's 29R.
Cheers and keep dry,
Drew
Spring is poking its head
I hope this weather is here to stay!
I have ridden my bike 3 of the last 4 days. That is amazing for those that don't realize 1) the insane # of hours I worked for the last 3 months 2) how nasty the winter has been and 3) that I can actually do it considering I have not ridden for 2 months. That was the longest I have gone not riding a bike in like 20 years. Trust me I regret it and I feel it!
One of my goals this year is to ride 4 centuries and commute 4 days a week minimum. I accept that I work a lot but I need to get a schedule that allows me to ride and work (plus spend time with the family). This weekend gets us more sunlight which is the last part of the equation that makes it all that much easier to pull through (or as my friend Ben says "push through").
I am going to attempt to maintain at least 1 blog entry a week so this does not get old for people.
Have a great 2nd half of the week.
Cheers,
Drew
Comments
rough bikes
There is a certain amount of joy and freedom in having a sh*t bike. You don't really worry about it, if something doesn't function you don't really care, and you can leave it out front at night. As long as it keeps rolling...
The front one looks a bit like a Retrotec huh?
Retrotec
The only thing that bike has in common is bent tubes. It really was a junker. Fun day regardless.