Baby pics- Meet Fern

[ASammy1]

That green rocks! Congrats!

[mayanorange]

Deb- Front is the simplex original, rear is a period replacement of a shimano. Shifters and brake levers are also shimano replacements. Not sure how the shimano of that era compares to something like suntour? I also am think the rear wheel (which I knew was replaced) is steel, not aluminum- a bit too shiny for aluminum. Not a huge deal, but I'll keep an eye out for a replacement. Do you know if period aluminum cranksets exist? Not sure it would save a ton of weight, but just curious.

uforgot- Thanks for the handlebar recommendation!

[uforgot]

Know what? I read my post and realize that I forgot to tell you what a lovely bike Fern is! I just love those old bikes. So much character!

[DebW]

Deb- Front is the simplex original, rear is a period replacement of a shimano. Shifters and brake levers are also shimano replacements. Not sure how the shimano of that era compares to something like suntour? I also am think the rear wheel (which I knew was replaced) is steel, not aluminum- a bit too shiny for aluminum. Not a huge deal, but I'll keep an eye out for a replacement. Do you know if period aluminum cranksets exist? Not sure it would save a ton of weight, but just curious.

Replacing a steel cottered crankset with aluminum would save quite a bit of weight. You'd need a new bottom bracket, or at least a new spindle. A modern replacement would work, but I think TA or Nervar was found on that bike in the day (it came with aluminum crankset by 1975). Simplex levers were poor-quality plastic, so better those have been replaced. For the rear wheel, you could rebuild it with a new rim. The shop I work in might have a whole wheel for $50-60. We carry 27" freewheel wheels.

[mayanorange]

I found a local guy who has tons of vintage parts, so he hooked me up with an old set of windsor wheels (and a used brooks and lots of other toys!). They could use some truing (he doesn't have a stand) and I'll check the bearings and such. I'll probably just use the real wheel from the set and keep the front as a backup. Or maybe I should put them both on and preserve the original wheel?

He's got enough stuff for us to eventually change back out to appropriate weinmann levers and maybe he's got a crankset too- I'll put it on the list for next time!

PS- Thanks Deb! You are a wealth of information, as always.

[Trek420]

then we move on to sweet chrome fenders and bottle rack (she's going to be a commuter BTW). Can't make her look too cute tho, or somebody will swipe her! But that goes against my design aesthetics.... *sigh*

She's a beaut! I was going to suggest wood fenders with the green and flecks/hints of gold:

http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showthread.php?t=20138

[uforgot]

You're right Trek! That green is just crying for wood fenders!

[Trek420]

You're right Trek! That green is just crying for wood fenders!

Of course I'm right (just kidding). Fern neeeeeeeds these fenders:

www.woodysfenders.com/store

[mayanorange]

I agree ladies, Fern would be drop dead gorgeous with some cherry and mahogany fenders! Maybe some day when she's not commuting with me... my dad's a woodworker, so I know he'd make her some gorgeous one of a kind shoes, but for now just going to have to give her some extra chrome. I'd love some brass-colored fenders- that would be sweet too!

Ooooooooh, look at these!!! http://store.somafab.com/tabrtrfe.html

[Trek420]

It's hard to explain the aesthetic. It's like mixing silver and gold jewelry (which I'm wearing right now so ... ).

I just feel with the rich green and subtle gold with either chrome or brass it's just going to clash.

OTOH hand hammered copper just might work, warm enough to enhance the gold.

My vote is if you want something not so thief drool magnet worthy get plain black plastic fenders. But why uglify this gorgeous bike? This is a beautiful beautiful bike and remodel, there's nothing can hide that. So why not make Fern as beautiful as she can be?

Enjoy your bike, ride lots and inspire others when they see how gorgeous a customized bike can be.

Just keep her locked, in your sight, or under your @zz.