It's Alive!!!!!

Okay, so finished getting the '83 Collegiate assembled last night.

I promise I'll get some pics up soon (most likely this weekend).

At present, everything works beautifully.

The coaster brake is about 90% dialed in. I played with it just enough to get it working last night. There's a sweet spot that I'm looking for, too little and there's no power, too much and it drags while pedaling. It's presently on the looser / weaker side of adjustment, BUT it's powerful enough that the rear wheel can skid if done just right(talk about bringing back memories).

I'm pretty sure I'm going to swap the tires for something less basis, but I'm torn between practicality or cool. Since these are 590 rims (remember, this is a Tawain / Giant built Schwinn), there are limited supplies. However, Schwalbe makes a Marathon Plus (imminently practical) in 590... other strong contenders are the Schwalbe Delta Cruiser (Cream, Whitewall or Gumwall), or Panaracer Col de la Vie... decisions, decisions...

New Summer-Weight Bike Hugger / Ibex Wool T's

Summer Wool Tees: unpacking, originally uploaded by Hugger Industries.

I have a suspicion my wife isn't going to like me... My heavier-weight Ibex / Bike Hugger Wool T is, by far, my favorite t-shirt. However, it can get a bit warm (especially if the sun is shining since it's black). I doubt I'll be able to resist buying a light blue...

New Project Bike ('83 Schwinn Collegiate)

A couple of weeks ago I picked up an '83 Schwinn Collegiate (Ser. G 0383) that was in surprisingly good condition. For now, all it needs is:
1) Cleaning & Lube
2) New Chain (probably doesn't NEED it, but the old was fairly rusty and I had a KMC Rustbuster sitting unused)
3) Adjust the shifter
4) Adjust the Coaster Brake
5) Oh, and a rack. I've got a Wald Rear Rack (in chrome) on the way.
Later I'll probably replace the grips (one is split a bit).

So far, the only challenge was removing the seat tube. The saddle came off the seat tube leaving the seat tube jammed in the seat post (it had been adjusted all the way down). Thank goodness for WD-40 and Liquid Wrench Penetrating Oil (only needed a touch of each).

Interestingly, this is an early Taiwan / Giant outsourced Schwinn Collegiate. It has the Shimano 3CC rather than the Sturmey Archer rear hub.

Here's some pics sans-grime.

4-for-5 again...

Suffice it to say, I didn't ride in today.

On the positive side, at least I got through 4 full days before missing one.

Ah, well, I guess

4-for-4 and tomorrow is supposed to be great weather

Should, finally, break land a 5 for 5 week.

PS - Last Sunday I purchased a used '83 Schwinn Collegiate that needs just a tad bit of cleaning / polishing and a bit of adjustment and I'll have a second bike. I'll post pics whenever I get it cleaned up.

Got Through Hump Day

I *think* today will have been the most challenging to ride in. It was supposed to rain (thunderstorm actually) all morning, and I have a couple of errands I need to do. However, it wasn't actually raining when I got done with my shower, so I rode in. Here's hoping for a 5/5 week!

Averaging 4/5 for a couple of weeks...

Not a whole lot to report. I've been hitting 4 days out of 5 for a couple weeks now. Usually I've got some lame excuse for missing a day during the middle of the week. Something like "I woke up and was really tired".

Need to update pictures of my bike sometime soon.