Clydesdales/Athenas (200+ lb / 91+ kg) - C&A group build project.

As was posted elsewhere, this is my "new" bike. I want to make it into a touring/commuting bike.
It is my first rebuild, I say that loosely because I'm not sure how much rebuilding I was going to do.

I thought I would open it for suggestions on what I should do to the bike and use as a "group" build using your guys and gals ideas. I want fenders and a rack...suggestions. Should I stripe it down and paint it or powdercoat it? I don't think covering up the stickers or logos would affect the value of the bike, but not sure down the road.

I was told in C&V this was a low mid-level bike when new. So please feel free to make suggestions. Of course, as the financer of this I get the final word, unless you want to send me the parts you recommend:eek:

Some ideas I have is a Brooks saddle (pandering to the crowd), not sure of keeping the chrome forks (they do add a bling factor:o), keeping the pink water bottle cage for the Fred factor...NOT.

http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f44/lastimpressions/IMG_7402.jpg

Just occurred to me adding the Brooks saddle will cost 4 or 5 times the amount I have into the bike already.

Isn't your butt worth it, though? :p

Look at some full fenders, too.

A good set of roadish tires, too.

I wouldn't bother repainting it, concentrate on the mechanicals and comfort. I think a few battle scars are character, ya know. ;)

Already looks better than 2 of my rides now.

Throw some slicks on it, grease it, adjust it and start ridin' that sucker!

Oh yeah! Slap some fenders and a rack on it too!

Silver or chrome fenders would look good w/ that fork.

A friend of mine uses a Brooks saddle and claims that they are more about snob appeal. He told me that you can get any number of saddles that are just as comfortable- many for less. I don't know much about Brooks saddles other than everyone telling me how comfortable they are. Still, get what is comfortable AND fits in your budget.

My touring bike has a Brooks. I'd fight to the near death to protect it too.

Saddles are a personal choice item. I agree for each individual ther may be other saddles that are more comfortable. The one thing a Brooks has going for it is longevity. Mine is a bit over 20 years old and going strong. I expect it has another 20 in it with proper care. They have a large and dedicated following for a reason.

My suggestions:

1. Don't spend the money on a repaint/powdercoating. The $$$ would be better spent on "stuff"
2. Trekking bar, even though it may involve needing a replacement stem.
3. Fenders.
4. Rear rack and commuting panniers. Nashbar has some for $25 right now.
5. Slicks
6. Adding a clamp on cage for a second water bottle

My touring bike has a Brooks. I'd fight to the near death to protect it too.
Yup. A good, comfortable, broken in saddle is a lovely thing. And you can transfer it to another bike. I didn't buy them for snob appeal, I bought them cuz they're all day comfortable.

Looks like all it needs is racks, tires, a new chain and a Brooks B-17. I know a trekking bar would make sense, but those Bull Moose bars are cool. Maybe just some ergo bar ends? They sell a low rider front rack at performance that will mount to that fork,(and it's cheap) it just bolts to the braze on at the bottom of the fork and uses a U bolt halfway up the fork leg to stabilize it. Maybe some shiny fenders from Velo Orange to match the chrome fork.