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06-13-08, 05:21 PM
I've been playing with wrenches and old bikes. Last weekend I picked up a 70's vintage Columbia Twostep that has been gathering dust (spiders, rust, etc.) from my parents. I spent the week cleaning and fixing it with the thought that Malkin and I might use it for a "park" bike--comfortable upright position for quick trips to the park for summer concerts and the like. I finally got it put back together this morning (I now know several ways to make the Bendix coaster hub made specifically for tandems not work at all...). We took the thing for a quick spin around the block this afternoon. HORRIBLE! The bike works just as it is intended, but it's a lot like driving a tank. Once the 26x2.25 wheels are spun up to speed, the angular forces (read: gyroscope) make it amazingly stable in a straight line, but nearly impossible to steer, and the coaster brake is scary sluggish (not at all like the Avid discs on the Speedster--go figure!).
So I'm taking it back to my parents this weekend. I hope they (and the grandkids) enjoy it in its newly restored condition, but it is definitely NOT a bike for us.
Funny how we've become so spoiled with our modern rides.
Cheers!
So I'm taking it back to my parents this weekend. I hope they (and the grandkids) enjoy it in its newly restored condition, but it is definitely NOT a bike for us.
Funny how we've become so spoiled with our modern rides.
Cheers!