William's Blog

I am tending to dwell on these…

williaminmd — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 12:03:00 +0000

I looked and looked, and scoured the internet and finally found some photos that I had been looking for of the lovely creme colored tires that Schwalbe make. I have plans for them as well when outfitting the bike. This will all take a little time of course but, its a project. Aside for most likely not building my own rim with the previous posts hub’s, its still a nice project for me. The way it looks however is that it will probably cost just as much too buy a new bike. The Dutch-styled bikes are somewhat LARGE for my smaller frame, and stand-over height is on the tips of my toes. It is the main reason I’ve decided to keep and upgrade my Yukon. These photos show a Retrovelo .. in a nice matching creme paint scheme. I hopefully will be getting started on this project soon. Probably taking on a second job if I can just to keep the project rolling..not to mention giving me something to do.

Don’t know what I’d do about a new paint job. Maybe just leave it alone since if I’m gonna go all-out on the components I maybe should on the paint job too. I tend to like things simple. A good old fashioned American styled cruiser is great. I had once kept some old Bicycling magazines from the 80′s when I had a subscription to tell me how to ride a bike, that I had kept for historical purposes but, mostly to kept because some had nice design and color schemes and one had an article for custom paint. I liked the white one with kisses (as I recall it was for LeMond)…Cannondale had a great looking bike in gloss black with matte gold tones for the namesake with matte gold on the rims and chain links. I doubt I could find interesting additions such as those anymore. Truthfully they don’t build em’ like they used too….in many more ways then one.

photo’s are from cleverchimp flickr source

Things of Beauty

williaminmd — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 15:44:00 +0000

What say we about some beautiful fenders?! It so happened that my mind was blank when the image of a Dutch-type bicycle popped into my head with fenders no less. It was then I realized that I had forgotten something. Fenders!… So, I began a search. Keyword’s: wooden fenders, quite simply. The search was easy as I pounced upon the first link that my google found. I was not to be disappointed. Here are some samplings of my gold mine of wood and Marine grade clear gloss spar polyurethane of a find. I’ll share my treasure horde with you.

“..are produced one at a time from my small garage shop here in Bend, Oregon..”

Ah, the mecca eco-vangelist’s. I’d trust him for quality solely based on location. Promoting the good they’re doing out there.

“..I don’t use stains, paints, or tints- the colors that you see in my fenders are the natural colors of the woods used..”

Natural Beauty……the most best!! Which in extension…THE beautiful things:

So, what do you think? Worth a gamble if you can call it that? I don’t necessarily condone the killing of trees just for a bicycle fender..especially trees from rainforests..but, he does use as much recycled wood as possible.

“..from as much recycled hardwoods as possible and are signed and dated when complete..”

I’ll cross that bridge when I get there. Till then keep in touch.

There wouldn’t be anything better then rounding out the bike with some extras

williaminmd — Sun, 03 Aug 2008 18:18:00 +0000

Maybe I’m jumping a bit ahead of myself when it comes to this post. When it comes to the nifty Euro-casual bikes, they truly enjoy the little extras that make them special. I posted one such little extra-the dynamo light kit-as one that was a needed amenity on my MTB. I’m still stuck with installing the tail lamp, and the light kit doesn’t necessarily have to be from Shimano (though there is something aesthetically appealing when it comes to uniformity). But, when it comes to uncomfortable nylon seats, plastic’s and icky rubber hand grips that make you sweat there wouldn’t be anything better then removing them for something so much better. With that said, after the previous posts implementation of said gear, my next endeavor would be to give me some leather. It would go without saying for those in the know that I must be planning a Brooks saddle sometime in my near future. I’ve decided upon a decent B67 .

Lovely saddle indeed. Furthering the final touches must include
the obvious leather grips……….
Though, as I read up on the Brooks website, I have only just now noticed the price. I’m certain…………
that a saddle of the nature and respect IS worth $116 and a pair of grips IS worth $106 bucks, THEY will be somewhere down the line. Hopefully not too far down the line though. My current saddle isn’t a bad one. Nice foam one with neat little pin holes that get all sopped up when it rains. It hasn’t been bad….but I’ve neglected not only the bike and what all it could be but, also myself in my creature comforts.
I think its now time to make some adjustments. These things in my last two postings are my current projects-as thought I have any. So, I just hope those that read up on and follow in spirit and in lifestyle this blog and the other blogs of note can enjoy and share in the happiness in our shared lives.

There wouldn’t be anything better then rounding out the bike with some extras

williaminmd — Sun, 03 Aug 2008 18:18:00 +0000

The Kool Stuff I Want

williaminmd — Sun, 03 Aug 2008 11:54:00 +0000

These are some of the images of the kool stuff I’ll be getting for the Bike. This probably the most important part. The internal hub that I’ve decided upon. Made by Shimano I feel as that I am assured quality and durability. With 8 gears I’ll have ample room for ease of cycling with similar gear ratios that will make for a more pleasing ride even under climbing and head-wind conditions. As the Maker has its accompanying accessories and It would be the one that I’ll go with. Another idea that I had was retaining the front cranksets in hopes of elaborating upon the richness that internally geared hubs will give to me. I WILL be looking forward to having a lever to push and make my life and my ride a bit easier.

Ahh…the beloved roller brake my fellow at Hank & Me loves so much and touts as a blessed wish. I’ll be getting one of these also. Maybe high hopes actually. I don’t honestly know if they will even be applicable to the bike. No worries then. I will keep using my thus far reliable cantilever brakes. This device though at this time is still only a wish. Something that will make a whole.

Lets not leave out the needed Dynamo and lighting outfit.

That should round the bike right out on. I’ll be complete and as a whole. Fully set for whatever lay ahead whether bankruptcy, smooth sailing or pleasant trails.

After I’m done I’ll do some Myth research and find a neat name. One that is befitting of the class and utilitarianism of the bike.

I guess I should do some research before I write..but, how was I to know? Thanks to Clever Cycles for the link.

Brilliant–One I Can Use

williaminmd — Sat, 02 Aug 2008 19:48:00 +0000

Ah, finally. Lytebox. Now I can post the way I’d like. Keep in touch…I’ll be making all my necessary changes.

refreshed template

williaminmd — Sat, 02 Aug 2008 12:16:00 +0000

My nice Yukon. Soon to be made nicer with the addition of some balloon tires from Schwalbe and a nice Shimano Nexus hub. Hopefully it will all start coming together here real soon. I don’t know if I’ll be able to build the rim myself but, it should be worth a try. I’ll probably just go for having it done for me. The cost would probably offset the injury both to myself and my wallet. Anyhow, it will make me happier and I’m sure I’ll be happy with the adjustments. I would hope to find some other interested cyclist in my area interested in bike conversions such as mine or the Dutch styled bikes as blogged on by some of my favorite bloggers Alex @ Hank & Me and the Dane-Copenhagen Cycle Chic. Maybe I’ll make their lists. Wish me luck in the endeavor.