i really need to update more often

well since last i wrote.....i was laid off and then recalled to work, built a couple of bikes (with a couple more in the works), got the crosscheck finished and got to riding on a more consistent basis........first pictures of bikes:

built this for a good friend who has since moved to iowa city.....its an old Raleigh turned into a single speed road bike, note: i said single speed and NOT fixed gear.

for those of you who are looking to do a 27 1/4 to 700c conversion, a word of advise: measure and then remeasure the brake reach you need to make the smaller 700c (yes, a 700c is smaller than a 27.25") wheel work.....i'd love to say that the reason the brake is mounted to the interior of the frame is that is looks cool, but its also the only way i could get the brake i had on hand to hit the rim right.

specialized makes this really cool vintage looking bar wrap that looks like perforated leather, but is in fact synthetic cork. also, i was able to use an old set of schwinn drop bars that had a 22.2mm grip diameter...this means mountain levers will fit.









i've finally got some miles on the cross check and started the long and slow process of changing up some of the parts....here's a photo update:

 i just added a few upgrades... brooks saddle, changed the bars to surly open bar (the update on the overall length....cut .75in. off each end and reduced the total with from 26.2in. to a smidgen under 25in.), oury grips, avid levers, paul thumbie bar end converter, and a paul chain tensioner. the plan is to have a bike that will

sorta do it all...light off road, self supported touring, and the occasional road ride....ill update as this change on the bike..as far as installing all the parts, the paul components went on with out a hitch and have been operating flawlessly. i will mention however, take your patient pills prior to putting on the chain tensioner as it takes a little time to get it lined up just right. another note is that if you want to run just one thumbie you have to order it from paul, but pairs are available through your local QBP dealer.


TRAIL UPDATE:
all trails in Ashworth/Greenwood Park are on the semi-dry/mostly ride-able side....i rode there a couple times last week and had a blast.










finally ill leave you with a shot of my son as spider-man....happy trails :0)