After a long, long, long weekend of weddings and broken window regulators I went for a ride. I managed to get in a short ride on Monday afternoon, in the rain. Eric and I rode about an hour or so through 90°, 100% humidity, and over-grown thorn bushes. After the rain the temperature dropped, but the standing water was a little rough on the drivetrain. It looks like I’ll have to sacrifice the M2 for my commute tomorrow; the Gunnar does not like sitting outside in thunderstorms.

Anyway, I’ll post progress on the single speed soon, as well as my custom DIY painted helmet.

The two dollar ’93 Diamondback Cross Country is now a two dollar single speed frame and wheel set. I disassembled the bike, stripped the paint and sprayed the base coat. The color scheme will be a very basic satin black with white panels. You will have to wait to see the details… (it won’t be worth the wait)

Update: The white panels, undercoating covered chain stay and checks are done. The paint scheme turned out better than what I was expecting. Perhaps a little too nice, this is supposed to be a beater.

The neighborhood garage sale was a success. I dumped a parted-out lawn mover and picked up two crappy bikes. First, the gem: A $5 red Trek 800 Antelope. This early ’90s (Verified 1991) monster sports a full Shimano 100GS grouppo, 20″ frame, “distressed” paint, and best of all… Biopace chainrings. The second acquisition came in at the bargain basement price of $2. The dark red metallic Diamond Back Cross Country 700c hybrid is of a similar vintage (1993 is my best guess), but had the added bonus of a Shimano SIS drive train with indexed thumb shifters. This beast features a broken cruiser springy seat and 12 lb. frame. If this wasn’t enough, a red Cannondale bottle cage was thrown in to sweeten the deal.

The Trek is probably going to get fixed up for a friend. However, I have plans for the Diamond Back. 700c wheels? Check. Canti-brake bosses? Check. Heavy lead pipe frame? Check. I think I see a beater single speed commuter in the making.

As luck would have it, I am planning a major upgrade for the Gunner. Did I hear full Ultegra grouppo? Did I hear something about a dedicated road wheel set? Paul’s Neo Retro brakes? Hmmm, maybe I’ll have some spare parts sitting around. What to do?

Update: Again, yep, same stuff…

Date: 2006.05.05
Time: 3:15 pm
Conditions: 55° F, breezy
Mileage: 19.2
Time: 1:06
Average Speed: 17.4 MPH