tigat

1. Already done, late last night after a few sips of courage. They've been remarkably kind.

2. I'd be glad to oblige. After pedaling close to 500 pretend miles on a stationary recumbent as part of my rehab from the broken hip, I have respect and then some.

tigat

For those of you requesting more detail on the build, I have pictures.

The first few are for the 41--white garage, no junk.

The third is the name, included because its pretty.

The rest show, respectively, the full shifting array on the top tube, placed and programmed to work independently or, by placing my thumb on both upper and lower and holding, changing rings on the front and adding or dropping 3 on the cassette, to minimize the 16 tooth ring change.

The silver buttons on the SRAM hood are a duplicate-primary set of shifters, the one on the side for the front and the one underneath for the rear, same programming.

The splitter SRAM built is the t junction, and it balances hydraulic load front and back from the single piston. Additional variation is possible with the adjustments on the calipers that come with the Hydro Rs. In theory, a similar system will work for disks. Personally, the rim brakes are so strong, I may not go there although others may want to.

Thanks to all for the positive feedback on the Bandit. It has been a great exercise and labor of love for me and many others.

ModeratedUser150120149

A bit heavy, but:

Today a friend of mine who is over 50 and recently completed the Equinox Marathon, a really tough marathon I'm told, and I were talking about what we believe is a sub-set of a sub-set of a sub-set. That is folks who, like you, despite obstacles like injury, illness, climate, whatever persist and find a way to Live. Not just live, Live. You are a shining example of this.

I rode with a new friend the other day. He asked about my last couple years and then told me about his. Serious all. But, we were riding our bikes in cool temperatures and sprinkling rain. Neither of us are giving up. There are many on this forum who have had a variety of difficulties. None have given up. All have said that they wouldn't dream of any other life than pushing to as full a life as possible.

The mystery remains: Why are those who work hard to be fit, work hard to overcome obstacles, keep a don't quit keep pushing so rare? Is there something that can be transferred to the benefit of everyone? Many folks have serious injury, serious illness, difficulty with a variety of things. Why do some like you and others posting on this forum overcome while most do not?


I hope this isn't a thread hijack. To me this is a natural follow on to the technical details of your new device.

tigat

Hawk Owl: I'm truly sorry it has taken me so long to respond to your very spot on post. When I first read it, I was sure that others far more wise than I would weigh in. Sorry they did not, so I'll give it a belated shot.

Many years ago, I had the privilege of being a staff ski instructor for the National Sports Center for the Disabled. My students ranged from Viet Nam vets, to child cancer victims, to recent paraplegics, to adults and children with CP, adults with MS, children with congenital disabilities, and every type of developmental and cognitive disability you could imagine. As you would walk into the office, leaning against the wall would be everything from discarded prosthetics to wheelchairs, gathered under a sign that read: "Hire the handicapped. (They're fun to watch.)"

I was often asked how hard it was to teach someone with a disability how to ski. My answer was it's easy. I am dealing with someone who at some point in their life had to figure out whether and how to stand up and walk across the room, something that comes naturally to the rest of us.

From that, I get two takeaways, neither of them the least bit profound. 1. Never take yourself or your current condition too seriously; 2. You never know what you are able to accomplish until you are tested.

I personally think that this is not a gene thing, it's a taught thing. Of the people you admire and reference in your post, my guess is they have been blessed by someone who has stepped in to walk/ride beside them and demonstrate what is needed, never judging weakness, but always encouraging strength.

There are many, many days I ride alone. On those days I push very hard, but it is not to prepare for a race I will never run. I am preparing for the next time I get the chance to ride along side someone who needs it.

qcpmsame 

Tigat,
I missed this thread as I wasn't posting much when you first entered it here. This is a wonderful post, the Trek special build bikes always look so nice and the fact you choose everything makes it a personal statement. Your courage in riding and your work with the disabled inspires me greatly, I have a disability from a spinal injury and continued complications from abdominal cavity scar tissue, that is nothing compared to yours and the others I have met and in our Adaptive Cycling Forum, too. The bike is magnificent and the call sign makes if just over the top, I can imagine your wingman calling "Bandit 01, you are cleared in for your run, make the shots count." As Marines love to say Semper Fi, words I try to live by.

I am looking to hook up with Wounded Warriors as a volunteer, this is my go to organization when I recommend one for anyone that wants to donate. Your lines about the prosthesis under the sign are great, I have seen that one and used it when I am getting around the jobsites and a tradesman asks if I need help. Breaks the ice, instantly.

"From that, I get two takeaways, neither of them the least bit profound. 1. Never take yourself or your current condition too seriously; 2. You never know what you are able to accomplish until you are tested." This should be made into a bumper sticker and a poster, good job and very well said.


Have a great Thanksgiving and I wish you many happy miles and years with the N+1, enjoy them all. Hopefully someday we can do some miles together.

V/R,
Bill Barnard

tigat

Bill: I would like nothing better and thanks for the kind words.

I read your story, reluctantly told, on the "Did I Make a Mistake" thread. That is a lot of rodeos you have gone through, many more than most could endure. So sorry that you had a need to explain yourself for a tagline that was so sincere and well earned.

One of my favorite parts of working in Winter Park was when a leg amputee or even a paraplegic would look upon me with genuine sympathy and offer: "You are one sorry SOB. No way could I function with only one hand." Some of the Special Olympics athletes I coach now will cry when I have to explain that the arm is truly gone and it ain't coming back.

Seeing the cross that others bear as heavier than ours, or at least realizing they are bearing one, is one of the ways we come together as community. We all have much to be thankful for.

JanMM

Amazing story and bike. Keep riding!

John E

Anywhere near Highlands Ranch? One of my valued friends, an avid 45-year-old road bicyclist, is moving there at month-end.

Jaeger99

Great story and a very cool bike.

derf36

good story and a good looking bike. That red really pops. Is it a factory colour? or custom paint?

tigat

Liquid Red, a Project 1 color, but in matte finish. Painted and signed by one of the artisans at Trek.

John E

Red bikes are fastest.