2whls3spds

Rock and Roll

2011-09-07T19:41:00.000-04:00

Didn't quite make the Labor Day cutoff, but came close!

Got a quick test ride on the Giant Iguana today. Still have a few items to do and a couple of minor tweaks to deal with, but it is DONE! Now to get some time off to head out for a couple of days.

My shop is now the hub of excitement

2011-08-14T15:42:00.003-04:00

Well the hub part anyway, and I am excited to have them...

Was tidying up the work bench earlier today and realized that I had quite a few hubs laying on it waiting for someone to verify dimensions so spokes can be ordered....wonder who that would be?

Hard photo op to miss out on ;-)

These are the hubs laying on the bench. Sturmey Archer vintage, Sturmey Archer new and Shimano. One pair of the vintage hubs are getting laced onto a set of CR-18 alloy rims to go on my Raleigh Superbe for everyday riding. The original steel rims have a kink and hop that I cannot get out, but I want to save the wheels for shows. Another of the vintage hubs is for my wife's Colt, she is getting a dyno hub on it. The newer SA hubs are for the Raleigh Record build, that one is getting the CR-18 rims also. The Shimano hubs are just there for the moment, both are 8 speeds, one interestingly enough is coaster brake.

Boxes on the Back Porch...

2011-08-07T12:57:00.001-04:00

means BIKE PARTS!

Just got home from a week on the road to several boxes waiting for me. This is a good thing. Hubs are here for the Raleigh Record build. New Brooks Flyer for my expedition bike build/tour bike. The hubs I ended up ordering are Sturmey Archer. Ordered an X-RD5 for the rear and an XL-FDD for the front. I would have liked to have the 90mm drum for the rear, but apparently they aren't available state side at this point.

More parts have been ordered and will be trickling in over the next few weeks. Hopefully a complete bike or two will be coming out of the shop in a few weeks.

Pictures...forthcoming.

Aaron

Some people have no sense...

2011-07-22T20:09:00.001-04:00

But then again?

My brother called last week and said he was cleaning out the garage and his old bicycles had to go. If I wanted them it was now or never. If I didn't take them they were headed for the local thrift store.

He is about the same size I am so I knew they would fit. One bike I was familiar with, his Giant Excursion which is the twin to mine.

The others I had never seen. So grabbed the truck and headed up the road.

Here are pictures of the haul.

1990'ish Giant Excursion, not in quite as nice a shape as mine, but it has been ridden a good bit more and was used as a commuter.

Next bike up is a 1985 Raleigh Record. Nothing real fancy, just a good solid entry level 10 speed in it's day. He had started some sort of conversion on it. Plans right now call for a strip down and rebuild as a city bike for my son who lives in Boston. Going to go with Sturmey Archer drum brake hubs. More to follow on this one.

And last but not least...

1991? Raleigh Tactic. This was an odd little bike they only made for a couple of years. Steel MTB, frame is 4130 CroMo which is one of my favorite materials. Bike is a bit on the small side for me, not sure what my brother was doing with it. Looks like he might have used it as a backup commuter.

So now off to order parts and figure out how to shuffle bikes about to get these three in the shed.

What the Heck...a Rambling Wreck

2011-04-23T18:28:00.001-04:00

Well sort of; more like a work in progress that is progressing slowly. I still have a few more parts waiting to wander in, the saddle being the primary piece.

We have been busy cleaning up from the storms here in NC last week. We were fine but some of our neighbors weren't as lucky. We have also been getting major spring chores done around the home place. Things like painting, gardening and general clean up after the winter sloth.

I had hoped to have this done by Memorial Day...Fourth of July...Labor Day? Oh well I have plenty of other bikes to ride, just need to ride.

Aaron

Sneak Preview

2011-03-19T21:00:00.001-04:00

Not everything I work on is of the vintage or classic realm. I suppose this bike is pushing vintage seeing how it is 22 years old. I bought this bike new in 1989/90. Don't recall the exact date and I am too lazy to go and find the sales ticket for it.

This was my first mountain bike and I used it for several years for trail rides in the mountains. Eventually I put street tires, fenders and racks on it and used it as a commuter. It was stolen and recovered around 1996. I sold it to a buddy of mine around 1998. He used it as a commuter and had it stolen and recovered around 2001. It came back home in February of 2007.

It has been hanging out in the back of the storage/shop area while I accumulated parts for it. It is now being reborn as an expedition tour bike. I had it on the stand today to do some test fitting and component compatibility checking. So here is a quick look at the semi-finished product.

I kept the original 21 speed Suntour XCM drive train. I did have to replace the freewheel with an IRD after trashing the OEM Suntour one. Racks are Jandd Expedtion, fenders are Planet Bike Hardcore ATB, bags are Ortlieb Classic Rollers and a Lone Peak handlebar bag. Handle bars are Nashbar Trekking with an adjustable stem. Saddle will be a black Brooks Flyer. Still have a few odds and ends to round up for it, but it might be road worthy by Memorial Day.

I am looking for the next frame size up in this bike if anyone runs across one. I need the 23" frame, IIRC this size and colour scheme was only available from 1988-1990.

Aaron

Seeing How it IS Saint Patrick's Day

2011-03-17T20:22:00.002-04:00

I give you some pictures of the lovely "Green" at my place...

The smaller bike in the top photo is the newest addition to the family.
It is a 1973 Raleigh Colt in fabulous condition.

Go mbeire muid beo ar an am seo aris!
Aaron

I'm Baaaaaaaaaaaaaack

2011-03-13T20:43:00.000-04:00

Sorry about the impromptu hiatus.

Work has been a real beast these past few months, but with the current economic situation any job is better than no job.

As time has rolled along a couple of new members have been added to the metal side of the family.

I purchased yet another Twenty. This one is a 1975 Raleigh Stowaway, with the 451 wheels. These were never sold on the US market as far as I know, so this one must have wandered its way in from the UK somehow.

The newest member is a 1973 Raleigh Colt that I literally picked up today. I actually purchased it back in early December. But just got a chance to pick it up today. It is in spectacular condition for it's age and matches my Superbe in colour. It has the petite 18" frame that my lovely bride needs to be able to ride. It will need a bit of tweaking and a couple of upgrades prior to her riding it. But here is a picture...beauty shots will come a bit later.

I did get the 1964 Hercules completed and off to my sister late last year. More on that one too...in a bit.

Spring has Sprung here in the Carolinas, so riding season is hard upon us!

Aaron

I haven't died...honest!

2010-08-21T16:26:00.000-04:00

They say the older you get the faster time passes...I must be at the stage where I am approaching warp speed! :-D

I have been meaning to post...HONEST! We took a vacation in Denver in June. No pictures the camera crapped out. But did get a chance to try their bike share and ride their light rail. Both were excellent.

Just got back from a week in Boston, lots to see and do. We used mass transit almost the entire time we were there, and walked the rest of the time. I even got pictures. Here is a picture I snapped out behind the State House. Appears to be a late 1960's early 1970's Raleigh Sport in good condition for its age. FWIW those are the original tires!

I have much more to report on in a bit. Including several bike builds and acquisitions.

Aaron

I am NOT addicted...

2010-05-19T07:10:00.004-04:00

Really I don't have a problem and even if I did I would refuse to admit it! :-D

Here is my long awaited Raleigh Tourist complete with rod brakes. The bike is in amazing condition for being 30+ years old. A "buddy" of mine sent me a link to this one off a Craigs List ad in Davenport, IA, back in December. I live over 1000 miles away, so he negotiated and picked it up for me. I am working in Iowa City for a few weeks and was finally able to pick the bike up. It was advertised as a 1975 model, but is actually a 1979. That puts it near the end of the production of this particular model. IIRC it was phased out around 1984?

Very few upgrades planned for this bike, perhaps a full chaincase if I can locate one.

More pictures to come as I have time.

Aaron

Devil is in the Details!

2010-04-11T09:39:00.005-04:00

When I get a new to me bike, one of the first things I do is a quick and dirty ride around the block just to see what works and what doesn't. Next thing up is usually a complete tear down, cleaning and parts inspection.

Most of the bikes I buy are in need of TLC, some are worse than others. One thing I enjoy doing is bringing old dull parts back to life, in most cases, especially with the old heavy chrome a bit of cleaning and polishing is all it needs. These are the brakes off of the AMF Hercules that I am rebuilding for my sister to ride. The brakes themselves are fine, they just need new pads and cables. It is amazing how much nicer they look.

The AMF Hercules is progressing, I am almost done with the clean up of the parts, and have started reassembling things. Repacked the headset and the bottom bracket yesterday.

On another note: The Staiger has gone to live with my DD in Western Massachusetts as a commuter bike, if all goes well it will travel with her to Keene, NH as she returns to grad school.

Aaron

I can see clearly now...

2010-02-07T12:04:00.002-05:00

that I have a new headlight on the Twenty, and I suppose I can be seen more clearly from the rear now I have a new tail light too.

The headlight is the newest Cyo from Busch and Muller
the tail light is their 4D Lite Plus I was using the B&M Retro headlight which really looks nice on a bike the age of a Raleigh Twenty, but the original Sturmey Archer Dyno hub only puts out ~2 watts at speed. The Retro light takes 2.4 watts and the tail light was an Spanninga LED and would barely glow.

Now I have lots of light! I can see and be seen. The Twenty has been getting the most use so far this year as I am working out of town and it is easy to haul along with me.

The bag on the back is a Banjo Brothers Racktop Pannier bag. It has small panniers that drop down out of the side pockets.

Aaron

Progress?

2010-02-07T11:59:00.001-05:00

I guess this might qualify as progress, I have the AMF Hercules almost complete torn down. All that is left is to pull the fork and headset bearings. I have done a couple of coatings of heavy oil on the frame, fork and fenders and the shine is starting to come back. I have also been shining up the bits and pieces, the bike will never look new again but it will look like a well cared for 45+ year old bike when it is done. It should ride as good as when new. I will add a few pictures of cleaned up parts a bit later.

Aaron

Madame comes a calling

2010-01-10T09:02:00.001-05:00

Another lost bicycle has come home to roost...

This lady is a late 70's early 80' Peugeot Gran Sport Mixte. My sister bought this bike around 1989 to use for college, I seem to recall having had a hand in it. It has been in storage since the mid 90's apparently at one of my brothers' houses. He is in the midst of a remodel and needed the room so "home" she came. I asked my sister if she wanted cleaned up or? But she is waiting on the AMF/Hercules, the feeling being it will better suit her needs at this point in time.

According to Retro Peugeot catalog archives the bikes is a U18E an "all weather touring 10 speed...for touring under all conditions." But further research is proving otherwise.

Not sure what the future holds, it is a desirable Mixte frame in the large size (57cm) I am toying with the idea of a few upgrades and keeping it for Sunday afternoon pleasure rides...like I need another bike!

Aaron

Bits and Pieces

2009-12-24T13:52:00.000-05:00

I did a few minor upgrades to my 1972 Raleigh Superbe as well as my bride's 1971 Raleigh Colt.
Raleigh bikes built prior to around 1960 has nice durable steel parts, many of those had been replaced by plastic parts by the time our Raleighs were built in the early 1970's.

The gentleman that heads up the ABCE has seen fit to provide some very nice reproduction parts. While at the 2009 ABCE I picked up the parts and just recently got around to installing them. You can see the difference in the worn and abused plastic pulley versus the steel one. It is going to provide many, many more years of trouble free riding. I also replaced the cable stop/ferrules on both bike too.

Another one joins the "fold"

2009-12-05T15:49:00.000-05:00

Sorry couldn't resist :-)

Found this out in the Stuff etc store in Coralville, IA. Too good a deal to pass up, even though I already had two other bikes with me.

It is a Rolling Rock beer promo bike. As best can be determined from the late 90's. It was apparently made by Dahon, there is a single sticker on the downtube that says not to ride it until it has been properly serviced by a Dahon service agent. It has very low end equipment on it, but that doesn't really matter it is slated for conversion to a folding city bike with IGH, coaster brake, fenders and lights.

Anybody know their Dahon models well enough to know which one this is based on?

New Member of the Herd

2009-11-05T10:26:00.000-05:00

Meet the newest member of the fleet/herd/flock or whatever you call the collection of bicycles that are currently in residence here.

This one was given to me by one of the mechanics at my LBS, because he knew that I like "old stuff".

This is a 1964 AMF/Hercules. I don't know much about the Hercules/AMF bikes, only that they were built by Raleigh Industries and primarily sold in North America. The bike is typical of the British 3 speeds of the era. Sturmey Archer AW three speed hub, 26x1-3/8" tires, Dunlop steel rims, etc. I have just started the cleanup process so I have a ways to go. Initial impressions is that this is a well built bike and of better quality than what Raleigh was putting out by the 1970's.

This particular bike shows signs of much use, but no real abuse. It has been well cared for in the past, but had been neglected for a while. Mechanically it is in good shape and won't need much done. Cosmetically it is a bit rough, but nothing some elbow grease, oil and polish won't cure.

Hercules was it's own brand started in Birmingham, England in 1911 and was absorbed by Raleigh in 1960. The Hercules Museum webblog has a lot of information gathered in one place.

This bike most likely will be going to my sister to use riding around her neighborhood and the large park behind her townhouse. I will have to find out if she wants a basket and if so what type. Perhaps a Peterboro from Maine or a Wald Woody?

More to be posted as things slowly progress.

Aaron

Labor Day Weekend Riding

2009-09-15T20:31:00.000-04:00

I was "supposed" to Labor on Labor Day...but at the last minute my lovely bride got a long layover in MSP so of course having the opportunity to see her and only being 6 hours away was a no brainer. Put the work crew on autopilot, loaded the Twenties into the truck and away I went.

For those that don't know she is a Senior Flight Attendant (25 year veteran) for a US mainline carrier. Works fairly well for us, with both of us being on the road (most of the time).

We had a grand time and rode the bike paths around Lake Calhoun and Lake Harriet. The cycling infrastructure in the Twin Cities never ceases to amaze me. It was about a 7 mile run, but that was plenty for my bride and served as a shakedown/checkout ride for my Twenty since undergoing a fairly complete overhaul.

The weather was perfect for riding, and listening to the acoustical band at the bandstand at Lake Harriet. In all a wonderful and relaxing weekend.

I will be headed back to the Twin Cities for another weekend retreat for the ABCE. Stay tuned for a report on that!

Aaron

Double the Fun!

2009-08-12T19:57:00.000-04:00

Received my new to me Twenty from Ebay today!

It is a 1972 model and is complete and in great shape. Only thing missing is the head light bracket. It will need a new set of grips, the old ones are cracked. Other than that a complete and thorough cleaning and we are good to go.

These things are addictive!

Aaron

Migrating?

2009-07-26T06:54:00.000-04:00

I am trying out Wordpress for my blog. Same name just subsitute "wordpress" for "blogspot"

I have already migrated the existing blog over, but will keep both for the time being.

Aaron

Homesick?

2009-07-19T18:19:00.000-04:00

Do bikes get homesick for their homelands? Well maybe this will help a bit. ;-)

Found this British Red Phone Box in Iowa City, Iowa and could not pass up the chance. The box has seen better days, but that is to be expected seeing how at this time last year it was standing in 6' of flood waters.

BTW the phone box still has the original cards in it and claims it is Bournemouth S12400 at the Junc of Wimborne Rd and Alma Rd Winton Bournemouth so if you are missing a phone box it is currently in front of the Wig and Pen in Iowa City, IA.

The Twenty has gone through a few more upgrades. I have my Brooks B67 saddle installed, the new B&M Retro headlight, the Spannigia LED taillight, Schwalbe Marathon tires and a Banjo Brothers bag. It has become a sweet riding little bike with the current round of upgrades. Only things left are to swap out the crank for a nicer looking one, find a pump that will fit the OEM pegs, and possibly build up a different set of wheels using polished rims.

Aaron

Went Visiting Today

2009-07-19T18:08:00.001-04:00

Went for a ride today on the Twenty. Checked out a new to me bike shop in Iowa City, IA. 30th Century Bicycle, super neat shop. Met the owners Steve and Cody, hung out an enjoyed being around a bunch of sweet bikes. They stock Masi (among other brands) and have some beautiful bikes on hand. I also loved the selection of used bikes, they have an excellent selection with some interesting bikes available.

Aaron

I am sure the Housekeepers just love me...

2009-07-04T11:13:00.001-04:00

But you have to do what you have to do! Here is my "on the road" bike storage area and work area. Getting ready to install the new B&M Retro head light and B&M 4D Plus tail light on my Twenty. That big wad of wire on the bed is actually speaker wire, but it will have to suffice until I can source some proper generator wire and the correct slip connectors. More pictures to come when I get the install done. The Twenty has an AG hub installed on it so no batteries to mess with.

Aaron

There is a Bike in there...HONEST!

2009-06-28T09:40:00.000-04:00

This is why I need a folding bike! You can just barely see the Twenty right at the tailgate of the pickup. When I went up to this job site we orignially had scheduled a truck to come and haul at least two loads of equipment and job related items back to the office. Somewhere along the way the first truck got canceled, the foreman wrecked his pickup and was driving a crew van instead, so lets load up my truck...

Aaron

Dutch Chic

2009-06-14T20:22:00.001-04:00

Look what came to live with us ;-)

On a bike ride with a friend of mine (previous post) we ran across this at a local bike shop. Took my bride back to see it and for a test ride, the rest is history so to speak.

It is a 1966 or 1967 Columbia Commuter II. Not really a folder, but the handle bars rotate and drop down, the seat goes down, the pedals can be rotated inwards and the fork assembly comes off the frame for storage, it has a wheel driven generator, headlight, interesting fender mounted taillight and the Sturmey-Archer 3speed TCWIII hub(more pictures to come). The Dutch part comes from it being built in Weesp, Holland by the Magneet Company, no longer in business.

Not sure which markets it was available in. I have found one advertisement for it via Ebay where Mr. Donut was giving one away in a contest around 1969.

My bride loves it and wants a wicker basket for the rear rack.

Aaron

New Technology?

2009-06-07T07:31:00.000-04:00

Met up with a buddy of mine today for a ride about town. He has a sharp looking little Trek F600 quite the contrast to my nearly 40 year old Raleigh Twenty. But both bikes serve their purpose and got us where we wanted to go in comfort and more importantly got us back!

The Twenty has been undergoing some upgrades, it has new rims and spokes, Koolstop brake pads and a Kalloy 400mm seat post. I am still riding on the original tires...they were new when Nixon was in office, but new Schwalbe Marathons are on the way. Along with lights and a Brooks B67.

This is a good example of how the Twenty is paying off for me, I am riding a bike with a friend in a town over 1000 miles from my home. I had wanted to bring one of my full sized bikes with me, but due to space constraints the Twenty was my only choice.

Aaron

Loaded and Locked

2009-05-10T09:03:00.000-04:00

Here is one of the reasons I wanted a Twenty. It is locked down in the truck and I am headed out for a couple/three weeks at an out of town job site. It takes up a lot less space than a full sized bike and can be locked in the cab if necessary. So far all I have done to it is general cleaning. I have a new set of alloy rim wheels being built up for it. Plenty more pictures to follow.

Aaron

Another Part of the puzzle located!

2009-04-27T07:22:00.000-04:00

A while back I posted a teaser photo of a Rescued Hercules. It has not been on high on the priority list for rebuild. My day job keeps getting in the way of my fun! I was meandering through ebay listings and came across a gently used Hercules saddle. They don't show up very often and it was the correct one for the bike, so a bid was placed and I am now the proud owner of a very nice OEM saddle for the Herc. Yet another piece of the puzzle, a large part of the fun of dealing with vintage bikes. And I am sure the readers will agree this saddle is an improvement over the one that came with the bike!

Aaron

Hat Trick

2009-04-27T07:09:00.000-04:00

The alternate post title was a "Field of Green"...Raleighs. I just got the Twenty (the one in the middle) a couple of weeks ago. I have been trying to win one on ebay for quite some time, and finally did. Fun little bike and I have great plans for it. Sheldon Brown was a huge fan of the Raleigh Twenty. It lends itself very well to upgrades and is a very stable bike to ride. Not to ruin the hat trick, but I do have a ladies Raleigh Sports in the green also, but it is still in parts for the time being.

The bikes in order from smallest to largest are: 1968 Raleigh Compact RSW, 1971 Raleigh Twenty, and 1972 Raleigh Superbe. I will post more on the Twenty as it evolves.

Aaron

Giant Excursion

2009-02-03T12:32:00.000-05:00

Yet another bike from my collection! FWIW I did an inventory of bikes this past weekend, I currently have 20 in my shop/storage area and another 16 in the outside storage/scrap pile. None of them are what anyone would consider high value, and many in the scrap pile are department/discount store specials that were given to "the crazy guy that likes bikes".

The Excursion started out life as a European Trekking bike with flat bars. All I have done to it is add drop bars, brifters and a well used leather saddle. I am not sure I like the brifters or not, if not I will change them over to bar end shifters, which I know I like on a tour bike.

The bike is equipped with Shimano Deore LX drive train, a bottom bracket generator, full fenders and racks. It also came with the standard rear wheel ring lock. One neat feature that is also a PITA is the generator wiring utilizes the aluminum strips in the fenders. You have a small male snap end on the fender and the light wiring snaps to it, only problem is if you break one of the female snaps they are impossible to replace. I have managed to cobble together a suitable replacement, but would prefer to have something more original.

This actually the second one of these bikes I have had, the first was stolen and this one is the replacement. My brother found it in a shop in Clemmons, NC. Apparently Giant was a bit premature bringing these over to the US, because they never sold well in 1989. AFAIK they were only offered for one year.

Aaron

Some Days...

2009-02-03T12:26:00.000-05:00

Some days you are better off just staying in bed...or not working on your bicycle! This is the freewheel from my Expedition Bike build. I am reworking a 1989 Giant Iguana mountain bike to use for loaded rough road touring. The freewheel is showing some wear, so I figured take it off and replace it, simple right? Not now, I managed to break the removal tool and crack the freewheel housing AND it is still stuck on the hub. So I guess the next step will be to decide whether to purchase a new free hub or cold set the frame for the wider cassette hub. Anyone know if a Shimano 6 speed cassette will work with a Suntour XCM derailleur and shifter?

Aaron

A Good Reason NOT to read foreign bike blogs...

2009-01-19T21:16:00.000-05:00

I was reading People Powered Blog and was having a discussion with Nico about a bike he had posted on his blog People Powered had picked up on the bikes and had them on his blog of the day. I got to translating Nico's blog (using Google Translator) and ran across where he had taken a vacation in The Netherlands Found the Gazelle website with the tandem on it...now I want one!

We have a Raleigh Companion tandem that sees a bit of use, but I think the Gazelle would be much nicer and probably get ridden even more than the Raleigh does. So now the fun begins! Getting the money together and figuring out how to get a bike like that to the states.

BTW the Raleigh does have fenders and a rack on it, and it getting a center kickstand shortly.

Aaron

Almost There!

2009-01-12T19:13:00.000-05:00

From Redline R530

My Dutch inspired bicycle is almost done! I got my Basil Karvan II panniers installed, along with a Esge double legged kickstand. Thanks to Portlandize and Rat Trap Press for their input.

Just a few more goodies and I will declare the bike done. I want a different set of pedals the touring pedals from Velo-Orange look like what I want, then most likely a set of Power Grips. Still toying with the idea of getting a different tail light that is generator powered with the stand light, current tail light and PB Super Flash are doing just fine so I may pass on that for the time being. I am also toying with the idea of a set of cork hand grips, but that is more of an aesthetics thing.

Any suggestions are welcomed!

Aaron

Learn a New Language?

2009-01-08T19:48:00.000-05:00

Buy a bicycle that isn't sold in the US and have to translate a German website.

Bought this bike off the used bike rack at my LBS . Someone apparently had brought it from Germany and traded it in on a new bike. It is a Staiger Florida. I find it interesting that Staiger would choose to name it's entire line of bikes using names from North America...undoubtedly one of the least cycle transportation oriented countries in the world.

The Florida was from their Trekking line, and comes well equipped, with fenders, generator hub, B&M lights, chain guard and bell (typical in the countries it is sold in, but not in the US). I bought it with the original intent of stripping the components for use on a different bike, but got to riding it around and decided to keep if for a beater/grocery getter bike.

The only items I have added to it have been: the Wald folding rear baskets and the Euro style Wald front basket I also swapped out the suspension seat post for a slightly longer non suspension one. The bike came with a plastic/lexan chain guard, but it broke at the mounting points and has not be repaired/replaced yet.

This bike, with it's 27 speed Shimano drive train, shies away from my normal IGH bikes but has been well worth the $175 that I paid for it. As best I can determine it is a 2002-3 model, and apparently sold originally for ~$650usd

Aaron

Can you SEE me NOW!?

2008-12-24T09:18:00.001-05:00

This is an early Christmas present to myself :-D I frequently ride narrow two lane country roads with poor lighting and short site distances. I usually wear a highway worker style vest. But this will cut out one layer in the cooler seasons. It is ANSI Class 2 Compliant...which means I can get a job on a road crew if I need too ;-) It is a Carhartt which is what I typically wear for work anyway.

There will now be no excuse for NOT seeing me as I wander down the highways and byways. Hopefully in the future things like this won't be required or necessary for cyclists, we will insist that all cars be painted a hideous color so we can see them coming.

Merry Christmas and a Prosperous New Year to each and everyone, and if you happen not to Celebrate Christmas....Happy Holidays.

Aaron

Let there be LIGHT!

2008-11-29T08:38:00.000-05:00

And after installing a B&M Lumotec IQ Fly all I can say is WOW! I can see riding down the paved road, I can see riding down our gravel road, I can see riding down the grass lane to the barn! The beam pattern is fairly narrow but very bright and reaches out well. The other great thing is the LED powers up very quickly and reaches near full brightness even at a walking pace...great thing if you have to wheel a broken bike home (not that it would happen mind you)

Aaron

From 2whls3spds

Eye Candy for the Redline!

2008-11-28T15:37:00.000-05:00

I posted earlier on my Redline R530. Finally got some parts in for it. I had my LBS build up the wheel due to lack of time on my part. The front hub was sourced from WorkCycles in the Netherlands (many thanks Richard!) after unsuccessful attempts to get Shimano USA to even admit that such a hub existed! Headlight is a gorgeous IQ Fly from B&M. Got every thing hooked up and waiting on night fall. For beam pictures see Peter White's page. I wish these things were easier to source in the US. Next will be a basket, panniers, pedals and probably a generator powered tailight with stand light.

Aaron

Solution

2008-11-28T15:21:00.000-05:00

Sorry about the delay...again. Anybody have an application for Procrastinators Anonymous...send it to me, when you get around to it. :-D

David Hembrow was the closest, it is actually for grooves on shoulder. I call them rumble strips, the idea being that they are supposed to wake a driver up before they run completely off the road. Why anyone would be riding bicycle that far off the main part of the road I have no idea. This is a very monotonus stretch of road in the middle of nowhere South Carolina in the years I have driven this road I have seen only small number of cyclists, none riding on the shoulder.

Aaron

HUH?

2008-10-11T12:12:00.001-04:00

First time I saw this sign I did a double take. It is on a 5 lane road about as close to the middle of nowhere you can get along the eastern seaboard. Anybody want to hazard a guess? Solution will be posted later. ;-)

Aaron

Not 3 speeds but 2whls

2008-09-05T12:55:00.000-04:00

Sorry...I have been a bit lax in keeping up with my blog(s) Work; both day job and night job have gotten in the way of real fun!

I bought this bike back in May to use as a runabout. It still has a ways to go before I am done with the accessorizing. It is a Redline R530 in the XL size. It is nice to have a bike to fit and not have to mess with seat posts, stems and the like and hope it will be okay to ride. And as is typical it was not equipped the way I wished off the rack...are they ever? So far I have switched out the seat post for a non suspension, added a Brooks B-67 saddle, ordered a generator hub for the front, added a Vectra Xb tailight and a Spannigia LED battery headlight for interim use. I will get the Lumotec IQ Fly when the generator hub gets here. I also have a sweet set of Basil Karavan Panniers on order for it. Still trying to decide which front basket I want to use, probably a mesh metal one.

I will post more as I ride the bike more and the rest of the parts straggle in.

Aaron

Teaser...

2008-07-12T17:03:00.000-04:00

I got the bright idea of a "teaser" post from Alex over at Hank and Me with her new Bakfiets. This is a picture of the bike as found. It came from a town dump in NH! Why would anybody throw out such a beautiful and serviceable bike! Ticks me off more than a little bit. It was rescued by pastorbobnlnh a fellow Bike Forums member. He is more into vintage Schwinns, so it was passed on to me. It was rescued from his "magic" dump. That dump has produced more than a few nice bikes over the past couple of years including a nice Robin Hood that went to a new home in the Midwest.

But back to the Herc. I have finally cleared the project palette to the point that I have room on the workstand for it!

It is a 19?? Hercules Skyliner. The year has yet to be completely determined, it is probably between a 1947-1954, based on the paint, the name and the fact that Hercules was absorbed by Raleigh/TII in 1954. The bike has several unusual features: single speed freewheel and rod brakes being the two most outstanding. It was built at the Britannia Works in Birmingham, England...says so, right on the head badge. ;-)

Parts have been ordered! We hope to have it back together in time to take to the ABCE Tour in September. Stay tuned for updates!

Aaron

What the...IS THAT!?

2008-07-07T19:33:00.001-04:00

That is the typical reaction when people see this bike *big grin*
In reality it is a 1968 Raleigh Compact RSW 3 speed. It was Raleigh's answer to the Moulton after they had turned Alec Moulton's design down back in 1961. Alec Moulton secured funding and was quite successful.

Raleigh's answer was the Compact RSW you see above, they began production in 1965 and stopped around 1974 producing some 100,000 units. It was also made in a non folding version known as the Shopper Mk I,II, or III. It is a fun little bike to ride, but bloody heavy. It weighs almost as much as a full sized Raleigh Sports! The kids around my area refer to it as my clown bike...I wonder why. ;-) And yes at 6'-2" and 200# I can ride it just fine. I snagged this one off of Ebay after being tipped off by a buddy of mine.

For the tech specs: It has a Sturmey Archer AW 3speed hub, 16" Dunlop tires. Original tires were completely White as was the original Brooks Mattress saddle. The seat post and saddle are not OEM. The tires are Dunlop Redlines and were a suitable replacement. They also came with an optional dyno hub and fender mounted headlight.

Lady in Blue

2008-07-03T19:05:00.001-04:00

Or perhaps Blue Lady...

This is my bride's favorite bike, it is a bit old and shows signs of having had a less than gentle life.

My wife has never been an avid cyclist, she did have bicycles growing up and she did ride them about the neighborhood.

When we got married we searched for a suitable bike for her to ride so we could do things more things together. For her, being of below average height finding ANY bike to fit was a challenge. We did find a nice GT Slipstream with 24 speeds in her size, but like many people she has had a real problem with making the front and rear gearing work to her advantage.

We attended an ABCE Tour in New Brighton, MN in 2006. Had a wonderful time and the Blue Colt was one of the donated door prizes. It was preordained! The stars aligned! Destiny! Or whatever you want to believe. ;-) we won the Colt.

She was the only person attending that would be able to ride such a small framed bike. We had it shipped back to our home in NC. Once home we added the lovely wicker basket. It has become her favorite bike, it gets ridden to the video store, the grocery store, the mailbox and where ever else she choses.

The technical details: It is a 1971 Raleigh Colt 3 speed with a coaster brake hub. The Colt was a "tweens" bike. The frame is a petite 17" but with the upright riding position works quite well. The rear hub is the awful TCW II coaster brake hub, but is working well at this time, so we shall leave it alone.

And here is a "family" picture of the two Raleighs that get the most use (out of the dozen or so I own)

Queen of Fleet Street (well my street!)

2008-06-16T17:57:00.000-04:00

I had long wanted a Raleigh Superbe in my size. Tall framed Raleigh bikes are hard to come by, especially in the Walmart infested part of the country I live in. We had a small Raleigh dealership here for a few years back in the early to mid 70's, but they were expensive bikes in comparison to the ones available at the department stores, so not many were sold in this area. I listed it as one of my dream bikes on a thread at Bike Forums. A generous member contacted me and offered one he had just picked up for what he paid for it along with the cost of shipping. The rest is history, I have my dream bike and ride it every chance I get. I am loath to leave it parked anywhere I can't keep an eye on it...it took over 20 years to find it!

The bike that started it all (not really)

2008-06-05T16:52:00.000-04:00

I like to think that this was the bike that started it all. It was in the fall of 1982, I was walking home from somewhere, because the car was broken down...again. It was an MG, but then again they alway were breaking down. LOL

I had to get to work or I was going to be fired for not showing up. Happened to pass a pawnshop, and this beauty (it was then ;-)) was sitting in the rack out front. They had a $50 price tag on it, I got it for $25, good thing because that was about all the money I had in the world at that point. I had not owned a bicycle in several years so it took a bit of time to reacquaint myself, but what they say it true. Once you learn to ride you never forget. This bike became my only local transportation for the next 4 years. It was ridden in street clothes in whatever the weather of the day that was provided.

It spent a couple of years with my brother as a campus bike, then came back home and was ridden by me until 1990 when it went into semi retirement. I dug it back out a few months ago, put air in the tires a few squirts of oil in the hub, cleaned the chain and off to the grocery store we went. I have since added new tires, seeing how the old were dry rotted.

Sharp eyed purists will notice that it has the wrong fork on it...my brother was standing on the pedals late one night when it went neutral on him, he hit a parked car, broke the forks and dented the head tube. Forks were replaced, the head tube is still dented. And dear brother got stitches in his shin and chin ;-)

Aaron