The torch is idle and lonely

I've been busy with other repairs and tasks the past two weeks and my torch is feeling neglected. I may have to fabricate a reason to build something soon :)

Cargo bike or play gym?

So the cargo bike was rolled out of the shop for a moment and instantly became a play gym in the driveway. Good thing I keep a camera nearby, because it's not everyday that my boys take my wife for a ride on the bike. These things are built STRONG.

Before and after Xtracycle pics

I recently converted this Raleigh M50 into a sweet Xtracycle sport utility bike. The Kickback stand and stoker handlebar setup were especially nice additions that really increase the capability of an already amazingly useful cargo bike. A nice feature of the Kickback stand is that you have the ability to repair the bike without the need for a repair stand. The Kickback holds the rear wheel off the ground and you can adjust the shifting, brake, etc... Those Xtracycle folks really have thought of everything!

The demo cargo bike gets a new drivetrain

I decided to try and expand the gearing on the shop demo bike to see how it rides with a lower and wider gear range. The Sturmey Archer XRD-C will give me the chance to run a low 11-34t 9spd cassette while retaining the wonderful drum brake that works so well on this bike. I have a good feeling that this gearing will really open up the bike's range and will make it more fun to ride back up those hills after going on an ice cream run with the boys. Check out the size of that flange! The cassette is pretty massive as well although not very heavy :)

Vice is Nice

Christmas in July? More tools arrived for the shop today. I'm picking up the odds and ends of tools that I needed/wanted. I was in desperate need of a better vice though, and now it has arrived. This one will be handed down to the grandkids for sure. Seems like bike people prefer a Wilton over other vices based on what I've seen in people's shops. Having used one in the past, I had no regrets ordering this item aside from the price...

Maine Bike Rally

Many thanks to the Bicycle Coalition of Maine for helping to put on the Maine Bike Rally event in Fryeburg. I had the pleasure of spending a sunny afternoon with like minded cyclists and shared a tent with Chris Gardiner of Frank Bikes fame. Check out his nice custom bikes at: http://www.youarefrank.com/ He was even generous enough to donate a frame to the BCM raffle! It was nice to meet and talk with people who were interested in using their bicycles for transportation purposes, including an Xtracycle rider who had his bike set up with a 400watt Ezee hub motor kit. It was a blast to ride, and really helped to firm up my decision about purchasing a motor assist kit for my own personal Xtracycle.

Rethinking "Weather"

After 20 plus days of rain this month, I've been riding here and there in the inclement weather and having fun doing it. I read something recently that reminded me that there is no such thing as "bad" weather. It simply is what it is. For most people, anything that is not sunny and warm is regarded as "bad". I've been riding in the wet stuff a lot this month and have enjoyed it. I found that if I went out with the expectation of getting cold and wet, then any riding I did usually exceeded my expectations. Oh yeah, riding a bike is fun! Splashing through puddles is a great way to take life a bit less seriously.