Been sitting on this awhile now...my first frame recently back from powder coat and built up. Nothing fancy, just very large (if the top tube were horizontal it would be a 66cm frame.) Built with a torch, some files, a bench clamp, some chunks of angle iron, and a magnetic protractor. Also a few choice words here and there. Proud to say that it came out very straight, aligned within a millimeter via string method at the seat tube, and rides very nicely, stable at low and high speeds. Best road frame I've ridden that actually fit me! 

Pretty much taught myself how to do this by scouring this forum for a few months and reading the free version of the Paterek frame building manual, then jumped in. Had a lot of fun problem solving due to not having a lot of the specialized tools or a jig available. 


Number two is in progress......

Buried Treasure!

There are so many really awesome old bikes out there, people don't seem to value them.  If its not the latest model and made out of some space age material, then it must be worthless.  I beg to differ!

Here are some recent finds:

 Early 80s Lotus 26" mountain bike.  This thing is so damned sweet!!!!!  This would make an awesome touring bike thanks to slack angles, midblade rack mounts on fork, loooooong chainstays (465mm), lugged steel tubing, and clearance for large tires.  More pics:

Rides really nice, shifts well, wheels true.  Total score.

Then I found this:

 No big deal, just some dusty thing unloved in the corner of someone's garage.  Little simple green and a rag, couple of adjustments.....what a beauty.  Its like nobody ever really rode it!  

 Little heart shaped nubin brazed on.  How sweet.