I Can See Clearly Now

After much anticipation my Sturmey-Archer dynohub with drum brake (X-FDD),

 and  B&M Lumotec light came in from Harris Cyclery.

 I am only waiting on my rear hub now.

    I ordered the rear hub for two reasons: 1, My Shimano 3 speed frequently falls out of adjustment (annoying)
                                                                2, I wanted a drum brake since this is my primary bike
I built the wheel yesterday and rode last night at around 10:30. I was very satisfied with both the brake and the light. Also I put on a new tire and grips. I also changed over to more modern brake levers.

This bike is feeling better, and I am finding myself wanting to ride more and more.

Awaiting parts

Yes I have something up my sleeve, so yes I am still alive.
More modifications to the beater are coming!!! Also some pictures of me riding in the snow and slush.

The Finishing Touches

Last night I put the finishing touches on the beater which involved some more butchery.
I also put in the Shimano UN-54 bottom bracket that I ordered from Harris Cyclery. If you are one of those repack-the-bearings-on-your-old-school-bottom-bracket people this is definitely a lot easier, also this thing is smoooooooth! It made the ride quality a lot better, pick one up you won't regret it. I think Harris Cyclery is the best deal ( no I am not affiliated with them other than when my L.B.S. is stupid). you get the bottom bracket, plastic cup, and bolts for at the time of writing this $24.95 plus shipping. My bill came to $33.-- go ahead and compare.

Refining The Beater

Well the snow storm we got dumped nearly 10" of the stuff, yes I rode my bike.
One good thing about winter is that I am not outside as much (also the bad thing) so I do more inside repairs, maintenance, read, crochet, brew stuff, cook, etc. Riding the beater (no name yet) has been educational thus far.
The beater started out as a 10 speed as seen here , finding out I absolutely hate 10 speeds I embarked on an adventure. To see if I can make this bike ride more like an English 3 speed or better. See previous posts for other mods I have done. All these parts except the brakes and fabricated stuff came off a old Huffy Timberline found craigslist for $18(early birthday present). Total investment so far as you see it $38

From old school crap

To old school center pulls 

Finally a shifter

The bellcrank

This is a D.I.Y. wheel thing, I made it from a Shinamo Ultegra front derailer (Sheldon spelling) notice all of the salt.  Observant people will notice my overly rusted chain, and that my chainline is totally screwed up.

The chainline is messed up because the old bottom bracket was loosening every day, that became old hat so I put in this sealed deal. This sealed bottom bracket is a 110mm so it is too short (I managed to flip my rear sprocket to line it up though) no biggie have one on its way from Harris Cyclery after my L.B.S. ( Local Bike Shop) said they did not carry one.
P.S. I got the Bike Snob book as an early birthday present I will let you know how it is.
If you don't know who he is check his blog here WARNING: It is not for everybody

A Few Modifications

Over the last week I discovered a few things I already knew
Fact 1
I like 1700mm cranks, they're perfect
Fact 2 
I don't like multi-speed bicycles, except for internally geared
Fact 3 
I need to post more D.I.Y. stuff

Without further Mt.Dew some mods I have done to the beater.

P.S. I started reading The Lost Cyclist by Dave Herlihy and will give a short review when I am finished.

3 speed, originally uploaded by lukeofny.

I also built this wheel around a Shimano 3 speed ( found in woods)
I don't have a spare bellcrank so I have a cone nut partially on with a steel rod in the axle.
I unscrew the derailer bolt to change gears ( It works for now)

chainguard, originally uploaded by lukeofny.

Here is my chainguard ( taken of a freebie NEXT "pixie" bike) ,
also featuring my 1700mm aluminium crankset

bracket, originally uploaded by lukeofny.

Welded this bracket on to mount a chainguard

light bracket, originally uploaded by lukeofny.

This is made by pounding a handlebar flat, bending, then drilling a hole