My Short lived Trek 500

I purchased this bike off of Craigslist 4-1-12, just 11 days after the theft of my beloved blue trek (i think it was a 700). I set about changing everything to suite my liking, this included: brooks saddle, new BB, new chain, different used rims, front and back, and as this bike had no rear eyelets at all I got myself a rather fancy saddlebag so that the bike wasn't entirely useless. The bike was one of the best looking bikes I have ever road. The colors and its classic road bike sleek look were simply stunning to see locked up (with a fat U) anyplace we were at. It also was an amazing rider, like every trek bike I have ever owned. I used the original suntour cyclone derailleurs and down tube shifters and it was flawless. It did have a few drawbacks; namely that the 500 was made from 501 steel rather then the more common and nicer 531, also the lack of eyelets but, for me the biggest problem was tire clearance, I could only use up to 23c tires! This really came into play when in June of 2012 I did my first century ride on the 500, it was on country roads that weren't in the best shape, my hands were tingling for a few days after. Despite the tire limitation, I was really falling in love with the bike. I mainly used it to commute to work in the evenings. One day, sun in my eyes, I was looking down and sideways as I road though a green light. Little did i know, there was a police car parked in the red zone of the parking lot I had been entering. The red zone also happens to be the bike lane in my area, so I ran straight into the back of the car at about 22mph. My poor trek 500 fame absorbed all the force. That was it for this one, less then 600 miles on it from me. First frame I've ever wrecked! Thankfully, the only component damaged was the headset, almost every park is now in use on my current Trek.

Rusty 18" Schwinn Duro

This one was a pick I did in exchange fore some scrape metal I had. He was going to junk thins thing, as i am sure most people would have. The wheels, handlebars, and cranks were all rusty (don't get me started on the chain), and after all it is a kids bike. Took a few months to get motivated on it but, It wasn't really as bad as it seemed. The biggest issue was leaning that this bike needs 18" tires and tubes, these were not at any store (more or less extinct size) however, it dose make the duro a size between 16" and 20", and that's kind of cool! This bike also gave me an opportunity to repack a 70's era coaster brake with lube and see how they work. It's for sale if Anyone wants to provide a kid with a super solid classic bike with between 16" and 20" wheels, its so strongly built that i personally test road it.

1970's Raleigh Carlton Fixed Gear convertion

This is actually the second Raleigh Carlton I have worked on. The first one I know was from the 60's and was in the words of the first owner "more expensive then a new VW Bug!". This one was a find from the local dump by the guy that currently owns the bike (I might have lost my mind with glee if this happened to me!). The parts and seat were a little beat up but, nothing really stayed on. I got it a new bottom bracket, new axle fixed gear rim, used front (both 700c from the original 27"), used specialized seat, and I cut some drop bars to make bullhorns. Better pictures soon.

Motobecane hybrid

This is a custom one I did last fall. Once upon a time this was my fixie frame, however it was WAY too big for me. It sat around for a few years until a good friend saw it and decided it was a good frame for a custom road bike (one that was actually tall enough for him). I got it new/used rims, Shimano 8 speed shifter brake levers, Sunlite expanding bottom bracket, used Sora cranks, bolt on hanger, new Deore derailleurs, new oury grips, and he got himself a brooks flyer:). 6 months in and the bike is doing well, lots of positive feedback.

Single Speed Schwinn Suburban

Got this one at my local used shop, no wheels... no problem! always wanted to strip a suburban down and turn it into a coaster braking single speed. So, I got it a new rear 27" wheel with coaster brake hub (surprisingly good braking), cool looking blue tires (just like this one), new tubes, and a new chain (as always). Other then that, the parts that are left are all original.

Ladies Bridgestone Citylimit CB1

This is one a got as a frame and gathered what was needed (like wheels) over the winter. Upgraded it to my favorite EF51 shifters, put on used cranks, new chain, and used v-brakes. And its ready for the road and trails again. I even put on an old Blackburn rear rack so it can carry all sorts of stuff, (Bridgestones are excellent bicycles!)