So here it is...
Not where I expected, but very successful in many of the goals I had set forth.
The biggest change of plans was to keep the original paint. I know that many on this list are used to seeing old bikes, and thus are comfortable with strong mods, and creative changes. But as I hit an early prototype/test-drive phase, I found myself very attracted to the old, chipped, rusty red paint. This is a Rat Rod after all. And as I rode the thing around town, it got a lot of attention, from 10 y.o. boys to 60 y.o. men (and even some chicks), and everyone, unanamously said "Don't paint it!" And so I didn't. And that meant scrapping not only the satin black frame, but the brushed stainless "tank" plate, etc (but I digress). In the end, it became more typical (archetypical) a Rat than I had expected...And I'm glad.
Lets look at some shot's and maybe I'll throw out some other observations as I go...
I was going to paint over that Cheezy, biker, iron cross on the chainring...but once those white walls went on, and I knew I was staying with the old red...I knew it had to stay. Classic!
Yes, the reflector is busted out of the pedal. That happened almost immediately. Partially, it's because those pedal are cheap junk (but not inexpensive junk). The reflector plastic is thin and brittle, it broke leaning it up against something, not even from falling over. With more time I hope to replace both reflectors with appropriate beer battle caps (did I just loose any chance of winning this contest?). The other thing that contributed to this breakage is that the front wheel wants to flop over very easily. Probably something about the increased fork rake with the 700C front tire. It's really the only frustrating thing about the functionality of the bike...hard to push around or lean up against things...it wants to flop sideways and fall over.
Grips are old inner-tubes. They actually feel great, and shine up cool with Armourall. Let me know if you want tips on how to install.
The three speed hub is SOOO darn cool! It shifts like butter, and makes the bike fast and functional in my hilly town. In fact, I cant believe how smoothly and modern this bike runs. Besides having the weight of a retro cruiser (with internal hub gearing), it really rolls like a modern ride. Fast and functional were my main criteria for the build (nothing against those toe-scraper low-riders you guys are building...they're beautiful. But I can get across town and over hills with ease.)
I've seen some other great builds in the finals list. Good Job Y'all. And this is my first build, so I have no fantasies of winning (but feel free to vote...I'd be honored).But building was fun and I just love my new bike.
Ben
Not where I expected, but very successful in many of the goals I had set forth.
The biggest change of plans was to keep the original paint. I know that many on this list are used to seeing old bikes, and thus are comfortable with strong mods, and creative changes. But as I hit an early prototype/test-drive phase, I found myself very attracted to the old, chipped, rusty red paint. This is a Rat Rod after all. And as I rode the thing around town, it got a lot of attention, from 10 y.o. boys to 60 y.o. men (and even some chicks), and everyone, unanamously said "Don't paint it!" And so I didn't. And that meant scrapping not only the satin black frame, but the brushed stainless "tank" plate, etc (but I digress). In the end, it became more typical (archetypical) a Rat than I had expected...And I'm glad.
Lets look at some shot's and maybe I'll throw out some other observations as I go...
I was going to paint over that Cheezy, biker, iron cross on the chainring...but once those white walls went on, and I knew I was staying with the old red...I knew it had to stay. Classic!
Yes, the reflector is busted out of the pedal. That happened almost immediately. Partially, it's because those pedal are cheap junk (but not inexpensive junk). The reflector plastic is thin and brittle, it broke leaning it up against something, not even from falling over. With more time I hope to replace both reflectors with appropriate beer battle caps (did I just loose any chance of winning this contest?). The other thing that contributed to this breakage is that the front wheel wants to flop over very easily. Probably something about the increased fork rake with the 700C front tire. It's really the only frustrating thing about the functionality of the bike...hard to push around or lean up against things...it wants to flop sideways and fall over.
Grips are old inner-tubes. They actually feel great, and shine up cool with Armourall. Let me know if you want tips on how to install.
The three speed hub is SOOO darn cool! It shifts like butter, and makes the bike fast and functional in my hilly town. In fact, I cant believe how smoothly and modern this bike runs. Besides having the weight of a retro cruiser (with internal hub gearing), it really rolls like a modern ride. Fast and functional were my main criteria for the build (nothing against those toe-scraper low-riders you guys are building...they're beautiful. But I can get across town and over hills with ease.)
I've seen some other great builds in the finals list. Good Job Y'all. And this is my first build, so I have no fantasies of winning (but feel free to vote...I'd be honored).But building was fun and I just love my new bike.
Ben
