Bike building

by Matt | September 19, 2008 | Filed under Bike talk, Lifestyle | 3 replies so far

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.

Thanks for reading,
Matt

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There are 3 replies to Matt so far

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  1. September 19, 2008 at 10:04 am

    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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  2. September 22, 2008 at 4:31 pm

    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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  3. September 22, 2008 at 6:33 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.

    Reply to this comment, or add a new comment

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