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| Tinkering with the Peugeot UO 14, adding upright bars. |
Sure, I lust after
new bikes. But when practicality enters the equation—I have a stable full of perfectly functional bicycles—I can't justify a new purchase. Though pristine and in excellent mechanical shape, a new ride lacks personality—at least the way I look at it, coming from
do-it-yourselfer lineage.
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It's still a work in progress. Brake levers aren't secured. I think I'll shorten the grips,
ride around, possibly adjust handle bar reach and braking comfort,
before attaching front basket. |
I enjoy the problem solving aspect of redoing the bikes in my possession: thinking, dreaming, then tackling the reconstruction. That way I add my personal style from the ground up and create a bike that works purely for the way I like to ride. I love digging through parts boxes, reorganizing inventory so I know exactly what I have available. I research what others have done, go over options. I might order new items when needed.
Keeping it fresh, re-using, restoring...
If I came home with a new bicycle, I'd stifle my creative side.* Where's the fun in that?
Here's a well thought out example of a beautiful Peugeot remake. It fits the owner's personal style:
"My New Old Bike".
*I can justify just about anything.
I like those grips. Reminds me of the ones on the newer Treks.
ReplyDeleteI can relate to this. I've went and test rode new bikes a few times but then talk myself out of it. My bikes get me where I'm going.
ReplyDeleteThose grips look interesting. What are they?
These are Selle Royal grips. I liked the Ergon cork grips and stumbled on these for a bit less cash. I recognized the brand from a saddle on my MIyata, so I figured the quality should be pretty decent.
Deletehttp://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00AG3BWJO/ref=oh_details_o00_s01_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I like just altering and adding to my old bike, the thought of gettjng a new one with everything on it is just a strange idea to me now. Vicki
ReplyDelete