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70 Posts
...a simple build. You know, the kind where you have a frame sitting around that's, maybe, Juuuust a bit small for you but you could still ride. In this case, its a 1992 trek 720 19" frame (actually measures 20") that is scratched and the paint is a little scabby...but it's a good frame, all in all.
Parts shouldn't be a problem...I've got some parts to strip off another frame and have others in my parts cabinet.
But..."oh, look! A complete group on Ebay. It's going cheap....may as well bid (I probably won't win it anyway)"
SURPRISE!
"You win!"
First I cleaned the frame (somewhat...let's face it...it'll never look spectacular).
Remove, clean, and lube the headset. (Pesky bearing! Where did it land?)
Buy new bearing at LBS and re-install headset.
The bottom bracket feels sticky. I'll just take it off and replace it.
Oops! That little sucker is frozen on! After a trip to the LBS (they couldn't get it off either) I finally get a pipe clamp and get enough pressure on the BB tool that it doesn't slip out of the splines And with a big wrench, a hammer, and not a little bit swearing and skinned knuckles later, I finally get that little sucker out.
....and I need a new BB as the other BB's I have are 110 mm and this one is 122 mm.
back to the LBS I go.
I come back from the shop to find my package from EBAY has arrived.
Holy Crap! The crank set and front derailleur have never been mounted! The shifters and rear der are used but very minty. Everything kind of makes the frame look a little ratty.
So friends, that is where you find me.
Contemplating sand blasting and powder coating the frame and fork.
....I've started giggling and talking to myself...
.........There are strange facial tics and eye twitches thrown in for good measure.
I still have a good enough grasp on reality that no powder coating will occur until I've put the whole thing together and ride it to see if I'll keep it.
It really was supposed to be a simple build with spare parts I had laying about.
Now I still have all these extra parts....
Maybe I should build another bike....?
Parts shouldn't be a problem...I've got some parts to strip off another frame and have others in my parts cabinet.
But..."oh, look! A complete group on Ebay. It's going cheap....may as well bid (I probably won't win it anyway)"
SURPRISE!
"You win!"
First I cleaned the frame (somewhat...let's face it...it'll never look spectacular).
Remove, clean, and lube the headset. (Pesky bearing! Where did it land?)
Buy new bearing at LBS and re-install headset.
The bottom bracket feels sticky. I'll just take it off and replace it.
Oops! That little sucker is frozen on! After a trip to the LBS (they couldn't get it off either) I finally get a pipe clamp and get enough pressure on the BB tool that it doesn't slip out of the splines And with a big wrench, a hammer, and not a little bit swearing and skinned knuckles later, I finally get that little sucker out.
....and I need a new BB as the other BB's I have are 110 mm and this one is 122 mm.
back to the LBS I go.
I come back from the shop to find my package from EBAY has arrived.
Holy Crap! The crank set and front derailleur have never been mounted! The shifters and rear der are used but very minty. Everything kind of makes the frame look a little ratty.
So friends, that is where you find me.
Contemplating sand blasting and powder coating the frame and fork.
....I've started giggling and talking to myself...
.........There are strange facial tics and eye twitches thrown in for good measure.
I still have a good enough grasp on reality that no powder coating will occur until I've put the whole thing together and ride it to see if I'll keep it.
It really was supposed to be a simple build with spare parts I had laying about.
Now I still have all these extra parts....
Maybe I should build another bike....?