Forgot to post pics of the "final" build: Got the J-Tek shifter on the drop bars (works pretty swell) the extra-long VO stainless fenders for soggy winter riding and the universe is once again back in balance. Neato!
Took care of my chain guard clearance problems by finally just going with my Lambert of England (TA Cyclotouriste copy) crank. This allowed me to get the chain guard down nice and snug over the chain ring, which I have to admit looks a lot better than the last configuration.
DSCF0048-3
My first bell! I found this in a box of parts I bought about a year ago. It's black, so it had to go on this bike. I've never before thought of adding bells to my bikes, since I can't hear them myself. (My high-frequency hearing is long gone - if I hold my ear close to this when I trigger the striker is sounds like a dull click). But when I hammer this thing four five times as I motate down the MUP, people move outta my way, so it feels kinda like a magic dog whistle to me.
An in-line cable adjuster is
absolutely a requirement for the somewhat finicky Alfine 8 IGH hub. I'm glad I found a non-plastic one online. "Steel is Real."
Ye Ancient Venerable Racer centerpull calipers, as always, on this bike. Sometimes the olde ways [strike]are the best[/strike] are adequate.
