Archive for December, 2009

We were sad to see Dan move to Portland but it’s totally a good fit for him. Dan’s a guy that rides all the time. For his job, commuting, fun, etc. And what better place to ride than Portland. I hear they have lanes specifically for bikes over there! And bike racks! And a bike shop on every corner! Oh well, Providence has a ways to go and I understand if he doesn’t come back. I’ll be sending Dan a little piece of his home state soon. This gun metal beauty is for him and will hopefully make its way over to Alpenrose for a lap or two. I made some modifications to the classic LC19 fork crown by carving the edges and filling in the cutouts. I also did the same with our svelte little dropouts. It made for a very solid, flowing frame and fork.

 
 
 
 
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Next up is Mike’s lugged cyclocross/winter bike. I’ve been in lug carving mode for a while now.

I don’t build a lot of bikes with wishbone seat stays but I love them so. My personal single speed has one and I can understand why Justin would want one too. It takes the simplicity of the single speed to another level. The thing that makes this bike most distinct is the fork crown which was custom shaped into a sloping crown from a blockish sand cast Davis fork crown. That is a task I won’t be taking on again anytime too soon. Carving the crown left me filling the top fork blade cavities with two nickels shaped and then silver brazed in. You’d never know by looking at it. That’s the goal, right? I did this because finding a sloping round blade crown is near impossible these days. Holes were drilled for a circular theme throughout. The paint is a sandstone/champagne color with black panels and white details. Very understated. I love it.

 
 
 
 
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Dan C’s full on track frame is next…once he finally picks his color!

Here are some shots of an 80s Bottecchia restoration I did recently. Lug lining galore with the steady hand and a brush. Justin’s single speed is coming up next. Paint is happening as I type this…sort of. Check back for more updates very soon.