Fenders

I've now ridden the recumbent almost 30 miles. Last week my son and I took a ride through town. I am getting quite used to the bike now and I have no more ridability problems. It's time to start the finishing process.

First, I'll take the whole thing completely apart and clean each part. Second, I'll touch up any rough spots on the frame and spend a good deal of time "making it look pretty". That will include rewelding any joints that looks ugly, giving it a good bondo and sanding job, and a nice coat of primer. Then comes the paint job, reassembling, lubricating, adjusting and tidying up.

But before all of that, I have one last thing to do. Yesterday I visited the Community Cycling Center (I've mentioned them before). I picked up some nice foam handle bar tape that matches my seat, and a set of used Planet Bike fenders. Both fenders are full size so I'll have to try to recontour the front one using some real hot water and a form. At $5 each they were practically a steal, so if I fail I'm still miles ahead on the rear fender. I need to fit them on and drill holes or weld tabs where needed before paint.

We also picked up two tires (classy-looking whitewalls), handle bar tape and some spokes for our "hangar bike". In deepest gratitude I spent yesterday and today changing the tires, fixing the spokes, truing the wheels, cleaning and oiling the chain and shifters, waxing and retaping the handle bars. I brought in a more comfortable seat from home to fit us old guys better. It seriously feels like a real bike again. With the new black/white tires, black seat and black tape I think the bike looks like a police cruiser - which fits our department perfectly.

Jack