With one thing and then the other, I've been driving rather than riding into the station lately. Part of the problem was a broken bike that turned from a simple repair into a Major Project. The good news is that the bike looks better and rides much better.

The Townie is an awesome bike in terms of fit, style and comfort, but it's equipped with some really crappy components.

1) Swapped out the useless suspension fork for a fixed fork. This took some doing, as the head tube on an Electra Townie is a very odd size, and the threaded fork I bought from Electra didn't fit - a quarter inch too long. I got a deal on a threadless fork that was just the right size, so...

2) Installed a threadless headset and stem. Got a deal on a sealed bearing FSA unit (twenny bux!) This turned out to be a good idea, as the ball bearings and cage on the original unit were already rusting after less than a year. The headset is something you really don't think about, until after it's been serviced or replaced. So smooth, so nice...

3) Swapped out the fragile integrated shifter/brake levers for NOS 7-speed indexed thumb shifters and separate brake levers. These work like a dream, much better than the original trigger shifters. The front derailleur is balky and temperamental, but it always was. I really need to swap it out.

4) Ergon grips - No more numb hands on long climbs.

5) Cateye Mirror - Now I can see when the bus is actively trying to kill me and when it's just threatening to kill me.

The bike now handles exceptionally well - quick and precise in the corners, much more stable when laying on the juice, and it goes up steep grades like a billygoat. I didn't have to shift into the granny ring to grind my way up the two "Heartbreak Hills" on the commute. I very highly recommend swapping out your hybrid's suspension fork for a fixed fork. Just don't take two months procrastinating in mid-project.

I mmmmay have the clearance to convert it to a 29'er, now - tons of room up front, but I need to measure the stays real closely in the back, and factor in the fender.

To Do - re-install front fender (will required fabricating a bracket), and maybe look into a set of swept-back cruiser bars. The stock ape-hangers don't get me as upright as I'd like.

No pics yet, maybe tomorrow...