Hello there. At MKahrl's recommendation, I'm posting some pics and a description of my bike here. I keep waffling about tweaking on this one or saving the money--however small--I might spend doing this, toward a new ride. I'll keep waffling, I suppose, for now.

I bought this Windsor off CL in Cincinnati for $80. The gentleman had roughly 30 bikes in his garage, and this was easily the most attractive. I really appreciate the craftsmanship, e.g., the lugs at the frame joints. I was even more ignorant of bicycle use and care at the time, and so almost immediately took off the toe clip/straps, but I'm considering putting them back on.

I'd like to spiff it up a bit, start caring for it properly, and optimally (as, again, MKahrl mentions), keep it whether I buy another bike or not. I will at the least take the foam grips off and wrap with an attractive tape, though I admit the newer-style drops look tempting; the straight section of newer drops looks like it'd be more comfortable. However, I've found that the straight length at the end of the curve on the existing bars feels nice.

Under that crate, held on with six tactically placed zip ties, is a strong metal rack. I assume it's aluminum, but for all I know, it's steel. I don't think so, as a couple of weeks ago when I had the crate oriented orthogonally to its current position, the lateral torque bent one of the support spines leading to the rear axle. I wouldn't expect steel to be so malleable. Incidentally, you'll note I don't have the crate placed for optimal seating, but this is a compromise so that I don't have my backpack wagging the rack side to side.

What else might I do? It sort of depends. I have a new chain (from earlier this summer), but haven't done much else mechanically. I think I am probably due for some new tires (still riding the same ones I bought it with, approaching two years ago). My commute is about 11 miles RT, and there is a fair amount of road wear + glass + rocks along the way. For anyone curious, here is my iMapMyRide profile; I'm using the iPhone app (via GPS) to track and upload my route. I think there's some play in its accuracy, but it's a good-enough approximation for me. And I'm likely to get a new saddle, though it will behoove me to change up my cargo situation if I'm to get full use out of it.

Much as I think I'd prefer to keep this bike, it occurs to me that something with newer components, even something a little lighter (though this isn't much of a concern), might be nice. Of course this depends on my needs, and at the moment I'm approaching the point where I seriously want to take long, languid (or faster-paced) rides, more in the 30-50 mile range. I've done it before, though not regularly, and certainly only on commodity bikes. However, I wonder what the experience is like on a nicely outfitted, modest new steed. To that end, I wonder if there are $80 or more dollars to be had selling this one on the way to (or shortly after) purchasing a new bike. Anyone have thoughts there?

Okay, enough babbling. Here are some pics, which link to my Flickr group for them.

Cheers,

Daniel









The whole Flickr set.