Month: May 2013

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The LeMond build is underway

I’m having the LeMond frame touched up and re-clearcoated so that I can save the decals. The work will be done by Duane at Chester Cycles and I am really excited to see it finished. I’ve got a complete Campagnolo Daytona group for it – the group is practically new and should look really nice.

I have a set of Mavic tubular rims with Campagnolo hubs for it. I know tubulars are not as convenient as clincher tires, but I want to try them and this bike just seems to be the right platform for tubs.

I’ve got a Brooks Imperial saddle for it, all I need to finish this build is a stem and handlebars. I”m not quite sure which way to go on that, but I’ll figure it out.

Photos to follow.

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A new C&V find

Well, I like C&V bicycles. Resurrecting an “oldie” or maintaining an “oldie” is a special job that just appeals to my sense of history and fun. I found a 1971 Dawes Realmrider for a reasonable price and picked it up. It really doesn’t need much, but I will give it a complete going-over, a coat of wax on the frame, a coat of framesaver on the inside, and some judicious polishing of the chrome. It’s not a lightweight, and the steel rims aren’t helping. I’m considering relacing the original hubs to a set of alloy 27″ rims. That alone should save a couple of pounds. The chrome cottered crank probably weighs as much as a deep-dish pizza but it’s original and just needs some polishing.

The brake lever hoods could stand to be replaced, and the shift / brake cables too. The brake levers need to be shifted up the handlebars about 2″, so I will need to rewrap the bars. The wrap that’s on there now may work just fine for a rewrap – I’m going to try.

The tires and tubes will be replaced, either on the steel rims on the relaced alloy rims – I haven’t decided which just yet.

Give me a month or so, and it will be looking just out of the factory. Not bad for a bicycle that’s 40+ years old.

Maybe we’ll meet up at one of the C&V rides this summer.

Photos to follow.