Having met Eske for the first time last year when she was just one, a secret plan was hatched to build her a balance bike for her second birthday. It was a surprise for her dad, Sjoerd also. We’re looking for him to apply some of his Velowland magic to the finish too.
I finally finished my prototype folder. A fairly simple design, really to test the folding mechanism and the geometry. The first version requires the front wheel to be removed to fold it, mainly because it was easier to do it that way. The BB in the rear triangle means there’s no chain issues when folding. 20 inch wheels means it rolls a bit better than my Brommy. I need to put an extra spacer in the frame joint to raise the read a little and have changed the seatpost to one with less layback and suitable amount of seat adjustment. The cable routing seems to work ok with the folding action so far. The next version should enable the front wheel to say in when folding. On the first trip to London found this cool lit bridge with 406 which is coincidentally the tyre size on the bike.
First few handlebars from the Spin London orders delivered this week. Jason and Nicky received theirs and JAson even got his on the bike on the same day. Good work fella.
Before I delivered Ben’s bike up to Newcastle, we thought it would be good nice to take all the current flock out wit some friends. It was also a good chance to take a few photos. It was a lovely ride and a good laugh was had, even if it was a bit chilly for hanging around taking photos.
Finally built up with S2C hub, so not a single speed at all really. Suitably steam punk in clear lacquer over the blasted steel. Coaster brake so minimum of braze ons or cables. Just waiting for the snow to melt to give it a try. Can’t wait to try the bars out too. They feel really comfortable when stationary. Very natural hand/wrist position. Let’s see how they work.
After a long time in the planning Ben’s Uni Bike finally emerges from cover and now taking pride of place in the student kitchen.
After looking at the terrain in and around Newcastle the idea of a fixie was binned in exchange for some gears and town proof tyre size. Just about enough room to run 29er tyres if needed (with a different fork). Hopefully this will make his commute to Uni easier and more enjoyable (and leave more time for work and play).
I wanted to create some custom handlebars. Narrow enough for riding in London commuter traffic, big angle for comfort on the wrists. Inspired from old Ace Bars I used have my RD250LC I came up with these.
