So I had decided that if I wanted to log a big winter of base biking a road bike might be a good investment. My first bike was actually a Sora equipped LeMond that fit quite nicely but I had abandoned that when I got my tri-bike. The remnants were still rusting under my girlfriend’s bed but in moving to the US one of the wheels had dissappeared, the paint was chipped beyond recognition and almost every component was long overdue for replacement.
I’d also always wanted to really get to grips with the mechanics of bikes and so decided to combine the two and try to revive the LeMond. I figured that even if I only kept the frame I might save some money but as anyone who’s had a similar idea will I’m sure confirm that is never going to happen - you could probably buy three ultegra equipped carbon scattantes from Nashbar for what this has ended up costing me but I have learnt a massive amount and would recommend building up a bike to anyone. Most of the photos below are from her christening ride last weekend:
The end of the ride:
http://i9.tinypic.com/4ku78fq.jpg
Front view (cables are tidier now I promise):
http://i10.tinypic.com/4qprngz.jpg
Ride was about 60 miles point to point and I crossed the same river twice - I bet someone can guess where I went on the basis of the next two:
http://i11.tinypic.com/4m8td0z.jpg
http://i9.tinypic.com/6f0hlrc.jpg
The other reason for the post is just to list vendors etc. who in each case were awesome to deal with:
Spectrum Powder Coating - a board favorite so I won’t say too much but they are amazing. Looking for a powder coater I spent weeks sending emails back and forth with local guys who made their living painting garden furniture before I bit the bullet and decided to pay for the professionals. Three emails in three hours later and the frame was sent for $12 in the normal mail and I had it back about 5 days later. I can’t say enough about the finish either - it looks like it’s just been dipped in liquid metallic green paint and is absolutely flawless.
probikekit, nashbar, hong kong bike shop (on ebay), jersey cycles (on ebay), chuck’s bikes - all great - perfect service and great prices.
Toga Bikes - my LBS who helped me out along the way and kept my dog in biscuits every Saturday afternoon when we’d walk over with yet another bolt query. Thanks a bunch.