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This is shaping up like an episode of "Imelda Bar-cos Strikes Again"! Where's @kingfish254 when you need him?!? :21:

I like RustyG idea ^ ! Short BMX type stem with a riser bar and less sweep, to keep your reach there, but not reaching down.
 
Diggin' the black with polished stem...if you like the #2 setup, maybe a set of S&M Husky MX bars would fit the bill? Get you about the same height

I like RustyG idea ^ ! Short BMX type stem with a riser bar and less sweep, to keep your reach there, but not reaching down.

Well, there goes the "use what I got" philosophy. I mean, I've already bought a fork, so, it was kinda out the window already, then my wife saw RustyGold's pics and said, "Oh yeah, those look good, you should do that!" Sounds like permission to me! :happy:
 
Little bit of fit up today. (Still pondering the handlebars & haven’t cut the steerer.)

Rear fender in place:
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I like the way it looks, but not so much with the rack.
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Front fender will need to lose 1/2” to fit these forks, if I go with fenders at all. Truss rods temporarily in place. Would need to widen the steerer hole to fit, kinda look the look, but undecided... fender would probably help.
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Been a few days. Had to battle off a late season case of Influenza-A (the nastier version.) Mostly better now.

Received a repop fender reflector mount. Doesn’t quite fit the curve of my fender. It looks to be 3D printed (plastic) so I’ll see if a heat gun can encourage it to conform. Also, the ‘reflector’ isn’t. But it is bolted in and easily removable (for painting the mount) so I’ll see if I can mount a reflecting reflector, or even a light, in there.
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Then remembering Function before Form, I removed the fender, mounted the chain, set the shifter, installed a front brake, made sure all the bolts were tight, (they were not,) and went for a test ride.

Very happy with how it went. The 5 speeds give a good range, the balance felt nice, front disc has plenty of stopping power (though I’ll still install the rear drum cable/lever.)

Convinced I’ll go with a different handlebar setup, akin to what RustyGold suggested. Other small adjustments, of course.

But, it rides! :happy:
Now to make it pretty! :emo:

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Is that the Gyes saddle on there? I was looking at the cream colored version for my Elgin (since I stole the Brooks off of it for another build).
Yes! I’ve had this one for some years and it keeps finding a home on whatever my new love is. Well formed to my sit-bones. More comfy than I ever would have guessed.
Looks great!
What did you decide about the tank?
Still want to use it, but it will take some metal modification to make it fit. Also considering a wood solution and other alternates. Fenders and truss rods need some massaging as well. More free time coming up in July for those more labor intensive bits.
 
Good to see you pop back up here John! Bike has a nice overall vibe to it. RaT oN~!
 
Yes! I’ve had this one for some years and it keeps finding a home on whatever my new love is. Well formed to my sit-bones. More comfy than I ever would have guessed.

How long did it take to break in? I have a similar saddle but branded with the Velo Orange logo. That thing feels like a brick still to my rear! Almost looks like plastic until you look at the edge and can see the texture.
 
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I got it in 2014 for my (then) ebike. I remember being firm at first, but I rode 20 minutes each way, 5 days a week, June through Sept, unless rain. Seems to have worked in pretty quick, but I was using it a lot. Not sure I’d enjoy more than an hour on it, anymore, but I say the same of any saddle, which is why I primarily ride recumbent these days.
 
I just can’t bring myself to cut & modify the red tank, when somebody someday (maybe even me) will make use of it. It’s in good condition and they aren’t making more.

So, I made a wooden plate:
0724CDC8-7530-472B-B0AF-F371365FFE01.jpeg


Then I made another, sanded to match.
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View with both pieces temp. in place:
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I’ll round/angle the edges some.
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Options are:
1. Leave it woody, with some decor;
2. Use the wood block, sand, fill, primer, paint to look more like a metal tank;
3. Use it as a buck to form a sheet metal tank.

Kinda goes: less work, more work, most work. Still thinking.
 
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I just can’t bring myself to cut & modify the red tank, when somebody someday (maybe even me) will make use of it. It’s in good condition and they aren’t making more.

So, I made a wooden plate:
View attachment 98889

Then I made another, sanded to match.
View attachment 98888

View with both pieces temp. in place:
View attachment 98890

I’ll round/angle the edges some.
View attachment 98891

Options are:
1. Leave it woody, with some decor;
2. Use the wood block, sand, fill, primer, paint to look more like a metal tank;
3. Use it as a buck to form a sheet metal tank.

Kinda goes: less work, more work, most work. Still thinking.
Multi-tone wood stain or a weathered wood gray finish and then your graphics atop?
 
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