First build: "Church Rat"

[kchurch86]

Hey all, I'm back at it again, and this time I plan to see this build through to the end.

Here's a quick photo dump of my recent progress:

And a cool find from a junk collector I visited a while ago. Patent dates of 1929-1932. It'll ride in the handlebar bag:

 

[Nagant]

It's good to see your back to working on the bike again. That bolt sticking out on the front portion of the seat might be a bit of a problem.

 

[kchurch86]

It's good to see your back to working on the bike again. That bolt sticking out on the front portion of the seat might be a bit of a problem.

Eh, I'm not too worried about it. I filed the tops of the corners down so it's sort of dome-shaped, it's actually very smooth.

Maybe it'll act as a sort of "rider retention" system, haha.

On an unrelated note, I found a power supply for my lights. Amazon has a 12VDC 3800mAh output Lithium ion battery pack, with charger, for like, $33 shipped with my Prime membership. It arrived today, and with some minor modifications to the inside of the bag it'll fit nicely. Should give me almost 5 hours of burn time, which is much longer than I anticipate any single night ride on this bike to be.

 

[Dr. Tankenstein]

Digging this build! I'm a fan of these CWC cantilever frames, they have a 'tough' look IMHO.
Keep up the good work.
Cheers!


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[kchurch86]

Digging this build! I'm a fan of these CWC cantilever frames, they have a 'tough' look IMHO.
Keep up the good work.
Cheers!


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Thank you! It feels good to be back at it.

 

[kchurch86]

I mocked the bike up on some wheels and tires from other bikes this weekend, and I think I'm going to have to replace the fork, and I might end up reworking the seat as well.

The riding position is actually very comfortable, I wasn't sure what to expect but it's not too bad at all. It's still comfortable to pedal, the reach for the bars is pretty natural, and the shortened rear fender just barely provides enough protection to keep my butt off the tire. It's exactly what I wanted.

I'm not too crazy about having to change out the fork, OR the seat, but oh well, it is what it is. Replacing the fork means I'll have to rework the suicide brake, which has me worried. I probably won't be able to attach it to the new fork in the same way, so I'll have to figure out something different.

I will say that the bike looks awesome with wheels and tires on it, it's a lot lower than I imagined it would be. I'm pumped to finish the build and take it for a cruise.

 

[kchurch86]

Exciting update for anybody kind enough to still be paying any attention to this drawn out, slow, neglected build...

I FINALLY got a set of wheels! Dropped the hubs off at the shop this past Saturday, the owner said he should have them on the following Friday. The voicemail on my phone said otherwise...

Picked them up tonight and I'm very happy with how they came out. No pics yet because the weather was crummy, but they should be going on the bike later this week, and a maiden voyage should be taking place this weekend, weather-permitting of course.

 

[Scribble]

I must see more really cool project, I love the color combo.

 

[kchurch86]

I must see more really cool project, I love the color combo.

Hey, thank you! I'll be sure to get a bunch of pics and maybe a video or two once it's done.

Speaking of done...I left work early last night on account of a goop-filled eyeball (gross) and didn't want to wake the family early, so I went right into the garage and got to work. Both tires and wheels are mounted, and I've started working on the front suicide brake. It looks like I need to pick up a different spring and I'll be on my way!

 

[kchurch86]

I honestly had my doubts that I'd ever actually finish this thing...and yet, here we are! It's finally done.

 

[kchurch86]

Obviously the brick is a temporary kickstand until I can figure out something discreet, haha

EDIT: The kickstand dilemma has been resolved, but the rain moved back in before I could get pictures. It stores very discreetly, and it isn't too far off from the brick.

 

[kchurch86]

Kickstand storage...

Fully removed...

Deployed...

Found a place for the old tire pressure gage

Lights on!

I used the piece of seat tube I cut off to make a ring to wear while riding, haha...

And I've had this piece of spring steel for at least 20 years, my dad gave it to me. You wear it around your ankle to keep your pants out of the chain. Seems fitting for this bike

Darn TapaTalk messed with my photos

 

[Dr. Tankenstein]

Nice work on the front brake and that kickstand is great!


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[LukeTheJoker]

Looks low and speedy...
Then you see the hammer, and you go.... Whaaaaaaaaatttt?

Luke.

 

[kchurch86]

Nice work on the front brake and that kickstand is great!


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Thank you!

I'll admit, the arm on the front brake is a little too weak, it bends if I really push on it. I have a few ideas for how to stiffen it up. The bike is low enough that if I park it juuust right, I can stand it up on just the pedal, but it's right on the edge of falling over. With that steel rod, it's super stable. I really didn't want to commit to a stand mounted on the frame, but I can handle a little nut on the top of the fork leg.

Looks low and speedy...
Then you see the hammer, and you go.... Whaaaaaaaaatttt?

Luke.

Definitely low, my knees come up enough that my thighs touch my stomach, but it's really pretty comfortable to ride. It's even a pretty easy transition to standing if I need a burst of speed - I was worried it would be wobbly with the bars the way they're angled but it works out well.

Yeah, I think the hammer will get a fair amount of attention. I've also got one more attention grabber to put on. Maybe tonight I'll see what I can do.

My son and I went for a ride today and I got a real feel for the bike. It feels great, lots of character to how it rides.

 

[Scribble]

Awesome build .

 

[kchurch86]

Awesome build .

Thank you!

I'm looking forward to riding this a bunch this summer, and excited for a night ride to see how well the headlight really works.

 

[kchurch86]

Added a small cheapo mirror:

Detail shot from the front coaster brake arm. This used to be a piece from an old fence gate latch:

The reflection in the headlight is fun to watch while riding:

I dig this out of the wreckage of an old 1940-something car and garbage dump found trashed in the woods:

Hmm...

 

[kchurch86]

Just back from a late night ride, 7.7 miles around town. Headlight works wonderfully, downhill stretches were a blast. Climbs sucked, but they always have, haha.

 

[Chad T]

Super cool bike!! That's the best front coaster I've seen and all the unique touches are awesome.