Listed here are some of the vehicles worth mentioning, all bicycles at this point, that have undergone more than general maintenance and small repairs in my hands. In other words, everything here has been completely rebuilt, refurbished, overhauled, and in most cases, modified by me. Listed in more or less reverse-chronological order, most recent at the top and earliest at the bottom.
Sir Wild Toad (pt. 2)
Sir Wild Toad, pictured March 2020
The bike gained weight over time as it evolved into something I would willingly ride more often for transportation.
- Campagnolo Mirage 53-39 tooth crankset, Mafac Racer brakes, Zefal frame pump, Sun Venus 700c wheelset, Nashbar Softgrip tape, 70mm Dimension stem with threadless adapter, Brooks B17 Imperial Narrow saddle.
- SunRace 11-34 tooth 9-speed cassette, Shimano Tiagra 4600 derailleurs, Continental Speed Contact 700x37c tires, 420mm Nitto Grand Randonneur handlebar, Delta Megarack, SKS B45 fenders.
2004 Specialized Sequoia Elite
Pictured March 2020
- Custom wheels by Colorado Cyclist, installed by a previous owner. Shimano 105 drivetrain. Triple crankset, 11-34 tooth 9-speed cassette, Deore rear derailleur, Continental Sport Contact II 700x28c tires.
Nashbar flip-flop SPD/flat pedals, Salsa handlebars.
1984 Takara Prestige
Pictured February 2020
Formerly my fixed-gear, I moved to the top of a steep hill, rode it once, and stopped. Rebuilt as an upright road bike for a friend co-worker who had his bike stolen.
- 2x7 drivetrain with original cranks and a 14-34 tooth Shimano MegaRange freewheel. Tourney rear derailleur.
- Weinmann RM19 aluminum wheels found at the local bike co-op. Vittoria 27x1-1/8" tires.
Pictured April 2020
Purchased from the original owner in summer 2018, Donna Jean Sears of Pittsburgh.
- 8-speed 11-40 tooth rear cassette, Shimano Acera derailleur, Sugino 175mm 110mm bcd crankset, 40-tooth narrow wide chainring, Panaracer Gravelking SK 700x35c tires
- Intelligent Design Works front wheel with Sanyo dynamo hub, Herrmans dynamo LED lights.
- Velo Orange fenders, Velo Orange French bottom bracket, Tektro R559 brake calipers, Kool Stop Continental brake pads, Sturmey-Archer brake levers, Origin8 front rack, basket from Home Depot.
- Previously built with a SRAM DualDrive 3-speed internal gear hub with 8-speed 11-34t cassette and SRAM 3.0 derailleur before I blew up the hub going up hill.
Pictured October 2019
Formerly a single-speed coaster brake tandem.
- Sun Mach IV rims, Shimano 7 speed roller brake cassette rear hub, Shimano dynohub, DT Champion stainless spokes
- 13-34t 7 speed cassette, Shimano Tourney derailleur and twist shifter
- One-piece-to-three-piece bottom bracket adapters, 124mm cartridge bottom brackets, early '90s Shimano Exage cranksets (165mm rear, 170mm front)
- 42t chainrings all over, two Biopace and one round
- Topeak rear rack and Blackburn front rack
- 1960s Falter Star Rider pedals
- Tektro front V-brake, Shimano XTR rear V-brake on an adapter plate
- Sunlite 1-1/8" threaded fork, Ritchey Logic headset, 1970s Schwinn Suburban front handlebar
Pictured December 2019
Ideal commuter bike, v2.2. Started with bare Tange chrome-moly mixte frame in near mint condition.
Current configuration (June 2019 - December 2019) scroll down for previous configurations
- Weinmann 650b rims,WTB Horizon, Shimano Alfine dynohub, Shimano 9 speed rear hub, DT stainless spokes
- 11-34 tooth 9 speed cassette, Shimano Acera rear derailleur, Shimano Claris 2403 front drailleur, Sugino XD 170mm cranks, 30-46t Sugino+Shimano chainrings, MRP bash guard, Nashbar Double Track pedals, SunRace bar end shifters (right side indexed), Shimano UN55 68x113 mm bottom bracket
- Nitto Technomic 70x180mm stem, Origin8 42 cm handlebars, Tektro RL340 brake levers, Schwinn Approved Weinmann LS2 brake calipers filed for more reach, Kool Stop brake pads, Sturmey-Archer stainless brake cables, Jagwire L3 shifter cables
- Brooks Cambium C17 saddle, Herrmans H-flow headlight and H-track tail light, Planet Bike Eco Rack, 1960s Falter aluminum fenders
I couldn't get the shifting to work out no matter what, and thought the frame was misaligned. Took it to a shop, they were stumped. I began planning another build with the components so I disassembled this bike and saved the frame for a future project. Later, I found out that 9-speed road shifters and mountain derailleurs are not compatible. Silly mistake.
Current configuration (June 2019 - December 2019) scroll down for previous configurations
- Weinmann 650b rims,WTB Horizon, Shimano Alfine dynohub, Shimano 9 speed rear hub, DT stainless spokes
- 11-34 tooth 9 speed cassette, Shimano Acera rear derailleur, Shimano Claris 2403 front drailleur, Sugino XD 170mm cranks, 30-46t Sugino+Shimano chainrings, MRP bash guard, Nashbar Double Track pedals, SunRace bar end shifters (right side indexed), Shimano UN55 68x113 mm bottom bracket
- Nitto Technomic 70x180mm stem, Origin8 42 cm handlebars, Tektro RL340 brake levers, Schwinn Approved Weinmann LS2 brake calipers filed for more reach, Kool Stop brake pads, Sturmey-Archer stainless brake cables, Jagwire L3 shifter cables
- Brooks Cambium C17 saddle, Herrmans H-flow headlight and H-track tail light, Planet Bike Eco Rack, 1960s Falter aluminum fenders
I couldn't get the shifting to work out no matter what, and thought the frame was misaligned. Took it to a shop, they were stumped. I began planning another build with the components so I disassembled this bike and saved the frame for a future project. Later, I found out that 9-speed road shifters and mountain derailleurs are not compatible. Silly mistake.
Pictured December 2019
Snagged one when they were going at a massive discount.
- Sturmey-Archer RS-RK3 3-speed hub, mechanical disc brakes and eccentric bottom bracket
- 700x47c Vredestein tires, cream to match the Superbe. Origin8 saddle.
- Copper handlebars replaced with silver Sunlite alloy bars
- Sunlite rear cargo rack
- Rear reflector moved lower, new-style Raleigh badge riveted to rear fender to imitate older Raleighs
I'm not usually a fan of new retro stuff, but they did a great job on the details here.
Pictured January 2018
Tange 4130 chromoly steel frame, surprisingly light frame with heavy wheels
- Fixed gear, 52/20 gear ratio for interchangeability with the other 2-speed wheel
- 700x32c Continental Tour Ride tires, Weinmann DP-18 rims, Planet Bike fenders
- Profile quill-threadless stem adapter, Dimension 70 mm stem, Pure Fix track handlebars
1978 Schwinn Varsity
Pictured October 2017
Just a simple overhaul. The bike was given to me in exchange for a crash course on how to overhaul a vintage bicycle, and sold to a classmate. It received alloy wheels, a 6-speed freewheel, a rear rack, and Continental Tour Ride tires off another bike after the photos were taken.
1970s Kmart All Pro 3-speed
Pictured September 2017
My first commission after moving to Pittsburgh. The customer was ready to start commuting around town and specifically asked for cream Schwalbe Delta Cruiser tires. Definitely a color scheme that I would like to use on another build.
1965 Hercules (Raleigh-made), pictured August 2017
- Weinmann DP18 700c rims, Continental Ultra Sport 700x25c tires, DT Champion stainless spokes with yellow nipples
- KMC Z410 NP chain, 1970s Brooks vinyl mattress saddle, 1976 Raleigh handlebars and stem
Pictured April 2020
First Raleigh purchased brand new.
Stock:
- SRAM Rival 11-speed rear derailleur, hydro disc brakes, dropper post!
Modifications:
- DT Swiss M1900 Spline 650b wheels, WTB Horizon 650x47c tires, SunRace CS-MX8 11-speed 11-44t cassette, Brooks Flyer saddle, Shimano EH500 pedals, Planet Bike ATB 29er fenders, Topeak Explorer ATB rack, Gorilla Cage bottle cage thing, Raceface 38t narrow wide chainring.
- Original 700c wheels with WTB Riddler 37c tires for
- Original 700c wheels with WTB Riddler 37c tires for
- Been with me since July 2017
Pictured June 2017
Two beautiful Motobecanes refurbished for their original owners. Both have Reynolds 531 frames and Stronglight cranks and received new cables, chains, brake pads, tubes, Continental Tour Ride tires, and bearing overhaul.
The yellow one has a Brooks Professional saddle, Campagnolo shifters and front derailleur, a Suntour GT rear derailleur, narrow-range freewheel, and triple crankset.
Pictured June 2017
Two beautiful Motobecanes refurbished for their original owners. Both have Reynolds 531 frames and Stronglight cranks and received new cables, chains, brake pads, tubes, Continental Tour Ride tires, and bearing overhaul.
The red one has the original Huret Jubilee rear derailleur (front was cracked and replaced with Suntour) and Ideale leather saddle. It required a longer bottom bracket spindle to fix a persistent chain line problem.
Pictured June 2018
Current configuration (June 2017 - ) scroll down for previous configuration
- Original 3-speed Sturmey-Archer AW hub laced into Sun CR18 20" alloy rim, Biologic Joule front 20" dynohub wheel
- 152 mm crankset, 36/13t gear ratio, Schwalbe Marathon tires
- Original 3-speed Sturmey-Archer AW hub laced into Sun CR18 20" alloy rim, Biologic Joule front 20" dynohub wheel
- 152 mm crankset, 36/13t gear ratio, Schwalbe Marathon tires
- Kool Stop Vans brake pads, KMC chain, Wellgo folding pedal/nylon pedal, WTB Speed V saddle, 26.8 x 450 mm alloy seat post
- New riser stem with upside down chopped drop bars, brake levers with upside down cables
- '80s KF BMX fork with Velo Orange headset
- Herrmans dynamo LED lights - headlight has been stuck into old headlight housing. Nashbar trunk bag
- New riser stem with upside down chopped drop bars, brake levers with upside down cables
- '80s KF BMX fork with Velo Orange headset
- Herrmans dynamo LED lights - headlight has been stuck into old headlight housing. Nashbar trunk bag
Pictured June 2017
Ideal commuter bike, v2.1. Started with bare Tange chrome-moly mixte frame in great condition.
Current configuration (May 2017 - May 2018) scroll down for previous configuration
- Weinmann 650b rims, Panaracer Col de la Vie tires, Shimano Alfine dynohub, 1970s Sturmey-Archer high flange rear hub, DT double-butted stainless spokes
- 1986 Suntour 14-30t 6-speed freewheel, Shimano Tiagra 4601 GS rear derailleur, Shimano Claris 2403 front drailleur, Sugino XD 170mm cranks, 30-40-50t Sugino+Specialized chainrings, Wellgo folding pedals, SRAM PC830 chain, SunRace friction bar end shifters (left side for both sides), Shimano UN55 68x113 mm bottom bracket
- Nitto Technomic 70x180mm stem, Origin8 42 cm handlebars, Tektro RL340 brake levers, "Schwinn-Approved" Weinmann LS2 brake calipers (front filed for more reach), Kool Stop Eagle gray brake pads, Sturmey-Archer stainless brake cables, Jagwire L3 shifter cables
- Brooks Cambium C17 saddle, Herrmans H-flow headlight and H-track tail light, Planet Bike Eco Rack, 1960s Falter aluminum fenders
Current configuration (May 2017 - May 2018) scroll down for previous configuration
- Weinmann 650b rims, Panaracer Col de la Vie tires, Shimano Alfine dynohub, 1970s Sturmey-Archer high flange rear hub, DT double-butted stainless spokes
- 1986 Suntour 14-30t 6-speed freewheel, Shimano Tiagra 4601 GS rear derailleur, Shimano Claris 2403 front drailleur, Sugino XD 170mm cranks, 30-40-50t Sugino+Specialized chainrings, Wellgo folding pedals, SRAM PC830 chain, SunRace friction bar end shifters (left side for both sides), Shimano UN55 68x113 mm bottom bracket
- Nitto Technomic 70x180mm stem, Origin8 42 cm handlebars, Tektro RL340 brake levers, "Schwinn-Approved" Weinmann LS2 brake calipers (front filed for more reach), Kool Stop Eagle gray brake pads, Sturmey-Archer stainless brake cables, Jagwire L3 shifter cables
- Brooks Cambium C17 saddle, Herrmans H-flow headlight and H-track tail light, Planet Bike Eco Rack, 1960s Falter aluminum fenders
Pictured June 2017
Bought as a pair with the one that I'm keeping for myself. This one has had its front brake, generator, and tail light replaced, as well as its paint. It also has new Kenda K40 26" tires and a KMC Z410 chain. The aluminum fenders were replaced with ones from a Free Spirit 3-speed and painted the same color as the frame. Built for a friend of a friend.
Pictured May 2017
Another bike that was previously barely ridden, but this time abandoned outdoors. Frame made by Giant in Taiwan, originally with a 5-speed derailleur drivetrain and steel wheels. I gave this bike a reconstructed (or re-laced) 700c alloy wheel set with a Shimano Nexus 3-speed internal gear hub which improved the ride quality so much that even I was surprised.
Pictured May 2017
Brought from the re-use center and looked like it had barely even been ridden. Even the tires looked new. It did need a new crank since the original one was kid-sized. Completely overhauled in one day and caught it on tape - click the name of the bike for the time lapse video and other photos.
1986 Schwinn Le Tour
Pictured May 2017
As a replacement for the '77 Peugeot (yes, the small one), my friend purchased this bike from the original owner who didn't ride it too much. It was in beautiful condition and received a full overhaul, new fenders, and tires from the Peugeot. The 27" chromoly steel frame and Suntour XC 2x6 drivetrain components are beautifully finished.
Pictured March 2017
A 1971 Triumph, made by Raleigh. Built as a replacement for the 1965 Hercules as it was too small for my friend.
- 3-speed Sturmey-Archer internal gear hub, 46/20 tooth gear ratio, 26x1-3.8" Vittoria Randonneur tires
- KMC Z410 chain, Dia Compe Gray Matter brake pads, 1965 SA gear shifter
- alloy 85mm stem, upside down handlebar from a 1979 Schwinn Suburban
- Chrome Schwinn front fender, front wheel from the Hercules
- Lock-on handlebar grips, Crane Suzue brass bell, 1988 Brooks B72 saddle
Pictured March 2017
I got this bike for cheap and stripped it, putting the 700c deep V/3-speed coaster wheels onto my Schwinn, and using the other components on other bikes. The frame sat bare until a friend decided they wanted it. Assembled it with stem shifters and a double crankset from '80s road bikes, derailleurs and 7-speed wheelset from an early '90s Schwinn Crisscross, hand brakes since it didn't have any, porteur bars & VO brake levers from the damaged Peugeot, a Retrospec wide urban saddle, and fenders from a 1971 Raleigh Sprite. Much faster ride than it was before, and much more unique.
Late '90s Litespeed Blue Ridge
Pictured March 2017
By the time I had been living at this apartment for a year, it was well-known among the friendly apartment staff that I was the bike guy. One of them had a bike that a brother built for her that had apparently covered countless miles and needed a tune-up, so that's what I did. Aside from cleaning, adjustment, and lubrication, I gave it a new SRAM PC-830 chain, Kool Stop dual-compound Eagle 2 brake pads, and stainless brake cables. The brifters were very fiddly and sticky and needed a bit of cleaning and lubrication.
- 3/2.5 Titanium frame. Shimano 105SC 1055 groupset: 12-26 8-speed rear, Ultegra triple crankset
Pictured February 2017
Very used frame (Reynolds 531), fork, and bottom bracket purchased from U.K. for a very reasonable price.
- Re-purposed old parts: crankset, bottom bracket spindle, Huret shift lever from 1971 Raleigh Sprite 5-speed. Mafac Racer brakes from a 1977 Peugeot UO-8. 39 cm drop bars from 1986 KHS Gran Sport. Zefal frame pump and rat trap pedals & clip straps from 1980s
- New parts: Sun Venus 700c wheels, Continental Ultra Sport 700x25c tires, Middlemores saddle, MKS toe clips.
- SunRace 11-34 tooth 10-speed cassette, Shimano 105 5800 SS derailleur, SRAM PC-1031 chain
- Nashbar Softgrip tape, 50 mm stem with threadless adapter.
-Total weight 21 lbs when first completed.
Pictured January 2017
- Made by Raleigh, 3-speed Sturmey-Archer internal gear hub, 46/20 tooth gear ratio
- Velo Orange Model 5 leather saddle, SRAM brake cables, Dia Compe Gray Matter brake pads
- Michelin World Tour 26x1-3/8" tires, 1971 Raleigh pedals, KMC Z410 nickel plated chain
Pictured January 2017
A somewhat-new fixed gear/single speed frame with parts picked out by the customer/friend
- 3-speed Sturmey-Archer hub dated 1969 (month stamped 14 - what's up with that?), NOS late '70s gear shifter, Continental Sport Contact 700x37c tires
- 1972 Schwinn handlebars upside down, new rear rim and spokes, top tube wrapped
Pictured January 2017
German full size folding bike with the following modifications:
- 26x1-3/8" steel wheels and Sturmey-Archer 3-speed coaster brake rear hub dated 1988
- Continental City Ride tires, 46/20 tooth gear ratio, KMC Z410 nickel plated chain, nylon pedal/Wellgo folding pedal
- Planet Bike Comfort Classic saddle, alloy seat post, 1948 Raleigh handlebars, LED light bulbs
Pictured April 2020
- Additions : Mid-1950s Sturmey-Archer light set with battery unit, 1940s lamp bracket, early 1950s gear shifter, Schwalbe HS180 tires, newer Brooks B66 saddle, Minniehaha medium canvas bag with alloy support rack, Fibrax leather inlay brake pads, Tornade alloy frame pump, Rustines handlebar grips, 1980s pedals with MKS toe straps.
- front fender tip, and seat post from 1969
- Ran it for two years with a 1953 Sturmey-Archer FG Dyno-Four rear hub with DT stainless spokes laced up to a 1969 rim.
- Heavily used, yet all it really needed was a good polish, consumable parts, and some lube.
1977 Peugeot UO-8
Pictured August 2016
A close friend bought the bike in Portland around 2013 and it had a flat handlebar and a clapped out Brooks B17 saddle. It had city registration stickers dating back to when the bike was new. The Simplex rear derailleur was shot and broken plastic stem shifters kept cutting him in the knee because the bike was too small. He figured it was time for an overhaul and also wanted downtube shifters, Porteur handlebars, a Retrospec saddle, and the paint touched up. All was well until they got hit by a car - fork was trashed, head tube was cracked. The hard knock life of a city bike. My buddy upgraded to a nearly new 1986 Schwinn Le Tour with a 27" frame (!!) that finally fit him.
1984 Takara Prestige
Pictured July 2017, upon recovery
Giant-made 4130 chromoly frame with alloy wheels, equivalent to the Schwinn Traveller of that year. Built it up for a friend with an Origin8 saddle, upright handlebars, Continental Tour Ride tires, and an old rack. It had a Shimano 2x6 drivetrain and I mounted SunRace friction thumb shifters on the bars facing the rider and left/right switched. It was surprisingly fast and lightweight, and probably the second-nicest steel frame I had worked on to that date.
Stolen two weeks after it made it to the new rightful owner, lost for almost a year. Recovered one week after I left Ann Arbor "for good," back in town when I was not supposed to be. Someone rode by on it while I was outside eating and handed it back when I explained what was going on.
Pictured February 2017
I found a Linus 3-speed Mixte for cheap because of a damaged rim, missing rear fender, and missing rack possibly due to a collision. In the summer of 2016, one of my best friends was looking for something to replace her Huffy so I took the full Suntour 2x6 drivetrain from a 1986 Schwinn Sprint, as well as the newer 27" Weinmann RM-19 alloy wheels and Continental tires it had. The fenders are from a modern Schwinn Wayfarer. VO porteur bars, Tektro inverse brake levers, and Origin8 65mm stem are new, intentionally making the cockpit smaller. SunRace friction thumb shifters mounted facing the rider, with left/right switched, make shifting much easier than when mounted on top of the bar. I was surprised at how fast and light this bike was when it was complete.
Pictured July 2017
- Alloy drop bars, Schwinn Varsity stem, and SunRace friction shifters from the Ross (see bottom)
- Alloy rims, Kenda K146 tires, 1969 Schwinn brake calipers, 14-32t Shimano 5-speed freewheel, Shimano Tourney rear derailleur, Topeak Explorer rack, Planet Bike Comfort Classic saddle
Pictured Novemer 2016
- Purchased from original owner, built for added cargo capacity: large front Wald basket attached to the frame and not the fork, rear rack for panniers and more baskets.
- 1969 Schwinn chain guard and brakes, alloy rear fender, rear hub laced into Sun CR-18 40 hole alloy rim. Kenda K146 tires with Rhinodillos puncture protection strips added
- 3-speed Sturmey-Archer AW rear hub with 19-22 tooth rear cogs and derailleur for 6-speed hybrid gearing. Secondary gear shifter is an old Raleigh brake lever with the pivot bolt tightened
- Been with me since March 2016
Pictured June 2016
- 1969 Raleigh Sprite frame and chain guard, 1979 fenders
- All Whitworth-threaded parts have been swapped out for standard 24 tpi
- Sunlite fork and headset, Shimano UN55 73x118 mm sealed bottom bracket
- Sturmey-Archer RS-RF3 hub, 559 mm 26" mtb size wheels, Tektro R985a brake calipers
-1980 Takara stem with standard 25.4 mm clamp and Velo Orange Tourist handlebars
- Paint: Duplicolor GM Gunmetal Gray Metallic with matte clearcoat
- For sale, here
Pictured June 2016
- 1977 Takara 10-speed built into a 2-speed retro-direct
- Alloy wheels and brakes from a 1986 KHS Gran Sport
- Using the 52t chain ring up front and two separate freewheels at 16 and 24 teeth
- Pedal forward for high gear, backward for low. I had it the other way initially.
Pictured May 2016
The classic 3-speed folding bike. It's very heavy and doesn't get very small, but it's old and cool and I love how it rides.
- Previous configuration (May 2016 - November 2016) scroll up for pt. 2
- White wall BMX tires, KMC chain, Kool Stop Vans brake pads, Retrospec Wide Urban Saddle, Wellgo folding pedals, cheap generic rack top bag. Only replaced what it needed to run.
Then I got tired of the worn out headset and other worn out parts so I gave it a complete makeover. It sat unfinished until June 2017
Pictured May 2016
A 2010 Pake Rum Runner track frame with most other components new. Built this as an excuse to try the SRAM Automatix 2-speed hub; rather, bought the hub and realized I had to build a bike around it. Traded to a close friend.
- Alex DM18 rear wheel with DT spokes. Vedette front wheel
- SRAM Automatix - fully automatic, not a kickback! Centrifugal weights fling the high gear pawls out at 11 mph for automatic engagement.
- Thickslick 700x28c tires, Sugino 170mm 48 tooth cranks, 22t Sturmey-Archer rear cog
- Stuck seat post required some improvisation but the fix works just fine
Pictured July 2016
Ideal commuter bike, v2.0. Started with bare Tange chrome-moly mixte frame in near mint condition.
Previous configuration (April 2016 - May 2017) scroll up for current configuration
- 1966 3-speed Sturmey-Archer AW hub laced into Sun CR-18 700c wheel with DT stainless spokes, IDC Stout front dynohub wheel w/Sanyo dynohub, Herrmans H-diver headlight and H-track tail light
- Shimano UN55 68x113 mm bottom bracket, Sugino XD 170 mm tandem cranks, 40t chain ring with bash guard,18t Sturmey-Archer rear cog, tensioner mounted to integrated derailleur hanger
- Planet Bike eco rack, SKS B45 fenders, Nitto Dirt Drop 48cm handlebars, KHS adjustable stem
- Brooks Cambium C17 saddle, Vittoria Randonneur Cross 700x35 tires, Kool Stop Eagle gray brake pads, 1984 Dia Compe 730 "Schwinn Approved" brake calipers
Pictured July 2016
Two 1966 Raleigh Sports that came in a Mr. & Mrs. pair. They have identical green-over-blue paint jobs and consecutive Grosse Pointe registration stickers. I gave Mrs. a new chain and 21-tooth rear sprocket, moved the still-good tires over from the Mr, re-packed everything that needed grease, and overhauled the shifting system. On the first ride, the original, seemingly still-good Brooks B72 saddle ripped in half. A friend came to the rescue with an identical 1968 saddle. For the Mr, I swapped over the gumwall Schwalbe tires from my '58 Sports and installed a 20-tooth rear sprocket after re-packing the bearings.
- 3-Speed Sturmey-Archer AW, 48/21 and 48/20 gears
- Brooks B72 saddles and frame pumps - one original, one replaced
- KMC Z410 gold chain, Dia Compe brake pads, Kenda K40 and Schwalbe Delta Cruiser 26 x 1-3/8" tires
- LED lights and Crane Karen brass bells
- Bottom brackets overhauled, new cotter pins used
Pictured April 2017
Current configuration (May 2016 - ) scroll down for previous configuration
- Original 3-speed Sturmey-Archer AW, front Dynohub 6v 1.8w generator, XGEN2 voltage regulator, front fork lock with keys missing, 1972 Brooks B66 saddle, Minniehaha canvas barrel bag
- 1973 Sturmey-Archer headlight and tail light, Pletscher rack and kickstand, Falter air pump
- Schwalbe Delta Cruiser tires, KMC gold chain, Dia Compe gray matter brake pads
Pictured March 2016
Rescued from the dump, I decided to have some fun with this bike. I first turned it into a single speed and then, still using pieces from my spare parts pile, turned it into a 7-speed "klunker."
Pictured January 2017
Purchased from a nice old lady who used to go on 100+ mile rides on it, I didn't have the heart to sell such a precious (and well-loved, if you know what I mean) bike to another college kid. Currently keeping it around as a loaner.
- Alloy stem and handlebars from a 1980 Schwinn World Sport, alloy Weinmann RM19 rims
- Sunrace non-indexed twist shifters, Suntour front derailleur, Sunlite rear derailleur
- Kenda K40 27 x 1-3/8" tires, Dia Compe gray matter brake pads
Pictured December 2016
Purchased from a guy in town who was clearing his house of vintage bikes. The rear wheel was damaged so I salvaged the 1962 hub it had and ran it as a single speed coaster for a while. Given the hub date and the strange Phillips components, it took me a while to figure out it was assembled by Raleigh after they were bought by TI (who owned Phillips) and put in charge of manufacturing all bikes in 1960 and still had to use up Phillips old parts. This one is branded "Rollfast" for the D.P. Harris department store.
- 3-speed Sturmey -Archer AW, 1964 wheelset, 1969 shifter and cable. 46/20 gears
- KMC Z410 chain, Kenda K40 26 x 1-3/8" tires, Origin8 brake pads
Pictured December 2015
Originally sold at Reliable Bicycle Shop in Detroit, the father of a friend purchased this one in the summer of 2015 and had me overhaul it. After a while, he found another Schwinn that he liked more and started looking for a new home for this one. It wasn't until November that I finally caved and bought it. However, after a short time, I realized that I wouldn't be riding this one either. It has since been sold to a Schwinn collector in my home town.
- 3-speed Sturmey-Archer AW, 46/22 gears
- KMC Z410 chain, Dia Compe brake pads
Pictured October 2015
My roommate at the time tried my Raleigh 3-speed, fell in love, and commissioned this build. The same guy who had me build the '76 Varsity. I happened to find this 1965 Hercules 3-speed in great cosmetic shape for a very low price so I re-packed all of the bearings, replaced the consumables which were still completely original, gave it a different saddle, and flipped the handlebars.
- 3-speed Sturmey-Archer AW, 46/20 gears, 1988 Brooks B72 saddle
- Rubino 26 x 1-3/8" tires, KMC Z410 chain, Kool Stop brake pads
Pictured December 2015
Rescued from the dump immediately after I completed my other green Schwinn. Aside from a general overhaul, I have actually replaced the rear wheel and hub with one out of a 1966 Schwinn because the original hub was so worn out. I figured it matched with mine so I asked my sister if she wanted it and of course, she loved it.
- 3-speed Sturmey-Archer AW from 1966, 46/22 gears
- KMC Z410 gold chain, Kool Stop brake pads, Kenda S-6 tires, Wald 582 basket
Pictured September 2016
Given to me by a good friend's girlfriend's dad, it already had a newer Sturmey-Archer tri-coaster hub and a standard size wheelset. I overhauled it and made some small equipment changes to it to make it into a bulletproof town bike for myself.
- 3-speed Sturmey-Archer AWC coaster brake in deep V 700c rims, 46/22 gears, KMC gold chain
- Schwinn Varsity stem, front fender from 1963 Schwinn Racer, saddle from Schwinn Continental, Linus North Road handlebars
Pictured January 2017
I never imagined that I could own a classic English roadster so soon, but I saw a good deal for this loop-frame 1975 Raleigh DL-1 Tourist and jumped on it. It was very well preserved and all-original. I gave it new consumables and re-packed the bearings which was really all it needed, and then started attaching stuff. People aren't exaggerating when they say these ride like old Cadillacs. Cushy, comfortable, and somewhat fast.
- 1961 Sturmey-Archer TCW 3-speed coaster brake hub, 46/21 gears
- Schwalbe Delta Cruiser 28 x 1-1/2" tires, Kool Stop brake pads, KMC Z410 chain
- Steco rear rack, Paris Packs panniers, Greenfield kickstand, 1973 Brooks B72 saddle, Gyes leather handlebar grips, Sunlite pump painted black
- Herrmans H-track tail light, cheaper halogen headlight, bottle generator
1983 Schwinn Collegiate
Pictured August 2015
Rescued from the dump, all the bike needed was tires, chain, and a brake cable. It was in beautiful shape. This particular bike was produced, lugged and brazed, in Taiwan at the Giant factory, a totally different machine than the older, Chicago-made, electroforged frames. Sold to a close friend.
- 3-speed Shimano 3CC coaster brake, 46/19 gears
- Schwinn-brand 26 x 1-3/8" tires and 1975 Raleigh chain.
1970s Puch Cavette
Pictured July 2015
The "loyal customer" brought out another one of his family's bikes, this time so that his friend could use it on campus. The paint was nearly pristine but the skinwall tires were rotted so badly that the black tread was literally peeling off in large pieces. This one got all new consumables, as they usually do, and off it went.
1976 Raleigh Grand Prix
Pictured April 2016
The owner of this bike later became one of my "loyal" customers. Referred to me by the owner of the Univega 3-speed in the summer of 2015, he was just looking for new inner tubes the first time around but also ended up getting a new chain and wheel-truing. In March 2016, he came back with the news that he would be moving to Wisconsin after graduation and would like the bike completely overhauled and made fit for many more miles of commuting. This also meant new alloy wheels, as the original steelies were seriously dented-up.
- Sta-tru 27 alloy wheels, Ventura 14-28 5-speed freewheel
- KMC Z50 chain, Dia Compe brake pads
Pictured June 2015
I threw this together knowing full well that it was already trashed, so nothing was overhauled this time. Since the freewheel was frozen, I removed the derailleurs and shortened the chain to turn it into a "poor man's fixed-gear." I did not make it 100 feet before the chainstays broke, locking up the rear wheel and freeing the freewheel in the process. I picked it up and kept right on walking as I was on the way to the dumpster anyway. Check out the 48-spoke rear wheel.
1986 Schwinn Sprint
Pictured June 2015
The customer that this bike went to was going for the full-on '80s look so aside from the usual overhaul, I gave it flashy tires and handlebar grips which he approved.
1984 Raleigh Marathon
Pictured June 2015
I found this bike left out for trash while at work one day. The only things that seemed to be wrong with it were the slashed up tires. There was a small dent in the top tube and the rims and fork had been replaced. I gave it new Continental Super Sport tires, which I really enjoyed, While the bike suit me extremely well and was significantly lighter and faster than my Ross Gran Tour, I couldn't find a practical purpose for it. Shortly after, I met a fellow cyclist who had his own (slightly larger) Marathon stolen. I let it go to him for cheap so that he could build it up once again.
Pictured June 2015
Someone on the school's for sale site had noticed my "business" and offered her bike since she hadn't ridden it in a year and it was in serious need of a tune-up. This particular Raleigh was made in Japan and had some nice alloy parts. If only the wheels had been alloy, too ... I rebuilt and de-rusted everything, then sold it to the sister of a close friend.
Pictured September 2015
I was ecstatic to find one of the rare fillet-brazed Schwinns. Hand-brazed out of 4130 chromoly steel tubing, these bikes were lighter and more rigid than their run-of-the-mill, electroforged brethren. Little visual distinction from the main line led to low sales. I gave this bike some really nice tires and snug-fitting 26" fenders. The original alloy rear wheel was damaged so I moved the freewheel onto a 1976 Schwinn Varsity steel rear wheel and put that on. It was a really nice ride but was eventually sold to a road cyclist who was looking for a town bike in September 2015.
- Schwinn 10-speed gears, Shimano Tourney rear derailleur, new handlebars, Wald 89 26" fenders
- Schwalbe HS159 27 x 1-1/4" tires, KMC Z50 chain, Dia Compe brake pads
Pictured June 2015
This bike belongs to a friend's mother. She picked it up at a bike show for a reasonable price and had me overhaul it. The bike was in great condition and really only needed grease, brake cables, brake pads, and a good cleaning.
1975 Ross Eurotour 5
Pictured March 2015
Aside from having to un-freeze the freewheel as it had been sitting for so long, all this bike needed was new consumables and lubrication. I rode it once and realized it probably needed new tires too so I did that (not pictured). I have been seeing this bike around and it looks like the new owner takes great care of it.
Pictured April 2015
A good friend of mine was looking for a basic bike to do some light touring and commuting on so we found this one. Aside from cables, chain, brake pads, and lube, I stripped and repainted it in a color he selected. I also gave the bike a 700c alloy wheelset and 7-speed freewheel from an early '90s Schwinn Crisscross. My friend has since mounted a rack and rear basket, using the bike as a food delivery vehicle.
- Duplicolor Ford engine enamel, 700c rims, 7 speed freewheel
- Kenda Kwest 700 x 32c tires, KMC Z50 chain
Pictured February 2015 and May 2017
I found this 1976 Schwinn Varsity abandoned at the roadside and in horrendous shape. I was considering parting it out but a close friend took a liking to it and commissioned its complete restoration. Rust and paint removal took 90% of the time on this one. Thanks to Schwinn's bulletproof construction, the only non-consumable items that needed replacing were the wheels which were physically damaged by the previous owner's misuse.
- Sta-tru 27" alloy wheels, Ventura 5-speed 14-28 freewheel
- Duplicolor Ford Redfire Metallic paint, Kenda K35 27 x 1-1/4" tires, KMC Z50 chain
I then got this bike back in fall 2016 as part of a trade (for the 2Pake) and kept it around as a loaner. Cue phase two of modifications (not yet pictured):
- New brake pads and 3-piece bottom bracket adaptor, older 73mm bb and alloy cranks, 6-speed Suntour freewheel, Schwinn chrome fenders, alloy handlebars and stem. Sold to a friend of a friend in May 2017.
Pictured April 2016
Former configuration (January 2015 - April 2016) scroll up for current configuration
- 5-speed Sturmey Archer X-RD5 rear drum brake hub, 46/20 gears, X-FDD front Dynohub drum brake 6v 3w, XGEN5 voltage regulator, halogen headlight bulb and rebuilt headlight switch.
- Sun CR-18 26" 590mm rims, DT Champion stainless spokes, Greenfield kickstand, Pletscher rack, Wald 582 folding basket
Pictured September 2015
Brought back from the dead in 2014 with a crazy mixture of new and other formerly-junk parts. Finally stopped evolving in late 2015 and remained a great commuter bike that never let me down while it lived. Retired in February 2017.
- 700c Matrix Vapor rims, 7 speed freewheel, Shimano Tourney derailleur, Planet bike rack and fenders, Schwinn Varsity stem, Sunlite replacement fork, generic steel brake calipers
- Continental Tour Ride 700 x 32c tires, KMC Z50 chain, stock VP pedals from Specialized mtb.
Pictured May 2016
The bike that started it all. I rescued this 1958 Raleigh Sports from the dump in late 2013 and in the process of finding out what it was and what it needed, I was thrown head-first into the world of bikes. The bike was restored in 2014. To date, this is still my favorite bike out of all that I own and have owned. I will never be without this bike.
- 3-speed Sturmey-Archer SW rear hub, 48/21 gears, front Dynohub 6v 1.8w generator with LED
- Vittoria Randonneur 26 x1-3/8" tires, KMC Z410 gold chain, Kool Stop salmon brake pads, new stainless brake cables with "knarps" to adapt to old Raleigh brakes
- 1980s Brooks B66 saddle, Wald 582 folding basket, Planet Bike mudflaps
- El cheapo Rustoleum black paint job, reproduction decals, grips, and rear reflector
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