Bike building
Slowly I’m getting closer to recovery from my broken collarbone which has ruled me out of off-road action since July 13. Saturday I’m taking my first ride away from the tarmac with an easy jaunt across Bookham Common with Dave.
First though, it’s time to help Colin out with a little bike assemblage with his new singlespeed. I won’t exactly steal Colin’s thunder but Friday evening sees a possibly unwise mix of one garage, two bikes and three men to cajole, craft and probably confound one running singlespeed from a new frame and a donor.
And there’ll probably be beer involved and the effects of Colin and Dave’s recently consumed curry. Maybe I should stay away?
Look out for photos of the build, which may start out with a spring in its step and an expectation of ‘being home for Christmas’ but could easily turn out to be a frustrated example of why men and hammers don’t mix.
That aside though, I feel my rehabilitation is well on its way now, with my target being the start of October to off-road proper. So far this week I’ve managed to leave the house just about everyday at either 6:30am or pm to swim, run or cycle my way back to some kind of fitness. I’m not under any illusions though, those six weeks immobile followed by three weeks of gingerness has left me out of shape — not obviously so but clear once I start to exercise.
See you on the trails then… you can’t miss us — apparently we’re decked out in latex cycling shorts with leather chaps and cap, knee high pink boots and tight fitting hot pants with tassels on the bars.
Things have changed since my day.
About the author
Matt is one of the founding Molefathers of the Muddymoles, and is the designer and main administrator of the website.
Having ridden a 2007 Orange Five for many years then a 2016 YT Industries Jeffsy 29er, he now rocks a Bird Aether 9 and a Pace RC-627.
An early On-One Inbred still lurks in the back of the stable as a reminder of how things have moved on. You can even find him on road bikes - currently a 2019 Cannondale Topstone 105 SE, a much-used 2011 Specialized Secteur and very niche belt drive Trek District 1.
If you've ever wondered how we got into mountain biking and how the MuddyMoles started, well wonder no more.
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Andy says:
I have a few of the more specialist tools if you need to borrow anything for your build:
Headset remover
Headset press
Steerer cutting guide
BB cup spanner
Give me a shout if you want to borrow anything.
Enjoy the build 🙂
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Posted on September 19, 2008 at 10:04 am
Matt says:
Andy, thanks for the offer.
I think we got away with it in the end, Dave has been steadily acquiring various tools although I’ll make a mental note over the steerer cutter.
Build went amusingly but hopefully Colin will cover that later this week…
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Posted on September 22, 2008 at 4:31 pm
Muddymoles says:
A Star is Born
Dismantling and building a 20″ On-one Inbred donor for Colin’s new 18″ Inbred slot dropout singlespeed.
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Posted on September 22, 2008 at 6:33 pm
Related: A Star is Born | Bikes | Muddymoles: Mountain biking (MTB) in the Surrey Hills and Mole Valley