At last... my love has come along

**smurfalicious** · 07-10-2008, 11:59 PM

Wow, what a ride this has been! Despite the sometimes depressing and frustrating challenges I am so happy that I bought and rebuilt this bike. I learned more about bike components, compatibility, and my own level of patience than I did being a weight-weenie wannabe mountain bike racer. Back in those days I bought parts and waited while they were installed.

I can't say that reassembly was not without it challenges. Par for the course I didn't have enough brake cable housing. The shop estimated it on a bike that had stops, not guides.

The biggest scare came this morning when the rear derailleur had been adjusted, but she would only move one gear, if at all, and immediately fall back down a cog. I tried to explain that I thought maybe the shifter was in a different gear than the derailleur, but apparently it came out wrong. Jokingly my roommate yanked up on the derailleur cable and said, "Well, you can always ride like this." Defeated I figured I could ride my fancy three speed (front derailleur worked) to the LBS and pick it up after work.

Then as I sulked off to my room to put on street clothes and go to work my explanation finally dawned on my roommate. Next thing you know, we're in business.

I got a little to grease happy on the seat post and had to beat it back up at every stop light much to driver amusement I'm sure. Then I stupidly brought sandals to work and got sent home to get different shoes. Just at the bottom of the worst hill on the ride home I heard a bang so loud I almost fell of the bike from shock. Sure enough, it was my tire. Again, I wouldn't have it any other way. I had to roll her home on her rear wheel because my brakes have no quick release and I was unsure of my flat fixing skills. You never know how heavy your bike is until you effectively carry it a few miles.

I'm gonna shut up now, because I know what everyone really wants are pictures. One final note, Bike Shop Lords who said it couldn't be done 0, determined girl with an extra measure of bike love 1.

Before, to refresh your memory.

After, world's purdiest frankenbike.

That saddle has to go!

Lugs of love

Happily...

....ever after...

**OakLeaf** · 07-11-2008, 03:33 AM

Awwwww, sweet

Sure is purty! Great job!!!

**sbctwin** · 07-11-2008, 04:35 AM

Great job, smurf...

**uk elephant** · 07-11-2008, 05:15 AM

The bike looks fantastic and you two look so good together....

**BleeckerSt_Girl** · 07-11-2008, 05:39 AM

.

**Blueberry** · 07-11-2008, 05:43 AM

How very cool! She looks great (and I love the pictures!!)- looks like you replaced the entire drive train??

CA

**Tri Girl** · 07-11-2008, 05:45 AM

Wow- nice job on the rebuild! Very neat "frankenbike."

Is that reflective tape on the rims? Pretty cool. I also love the pink accents. Really, you did a GREAT job. You must be so proud!

**SouthernBelle** · 07-11-2008, 05:51 AM

Very cool. I, too, want to know about the reflective rims.

**Chicken Little** · 07-11-2008, 07:01 AM

Wow! That color scheme is beautiful. Good for you, it looks great, and I am sure rides that way, too!

**mimitabby** · 07-11-2008, 07:38 AM

good job! it's beautiful!

I love the photos, before AND after.

**Tuckervill** · 07-11-2008, 07:46 AM

GREAT job!

Karen

**jobob** · 07-11-2008, 07:57 AM

Glad you're wearing a helmet.

(lovely bike!)

**smilingcat** · 07-11-2008, 08:31 AM

love the color scheme, black body, pink fork, and lugs, silver bar tape and the green tire for striking contrast. You did a beautiful job. Enjoy your new ride.

**BleeckerSt_Girl** · 07-11-2008, 10:01 AM

Originally Posted by jobob

Glad you're wearing a helmet.

I thought everyone wore their helmet to bed?.....

**Wahine** · 07-11-2008, 10:07 AM

I love it!! Way to go Smurf.

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