FINAL ASSEMBLY DAY 2
There she is folks. The photos aren't the best as my camera didn't want to focus very well and the cloud cover didn't help matters. I hope to get some more photos when the sun comes out - when ever that happens to be. A few minor adjustments to be made to the derailluer stops and such. I know there's not much seatpost showing nor seatpost - to - handlebar drop but this bike was meant to be a Sunday cruising and long distance rider so didn't want a very agressive position. After getting this bike finished I think my best fit for a more agressive position would be on a 57cm frame, though 58cm as I've been searching will likely do just as well.
FINAL ASSEMBLY DAY 1
For those following this project - and everyone who may be finally joining in: After nearly 3 months of sanding, painting, buying, deciding, changing my mind, etc etc, I finally started assembly on the Barracuda Mk. I today! Starting with the final wetsanding (it was too cold today to do any waxing) and then with the assembly of the headset and most of the drivetrain the thing finally looks more or less like a bike now. I'm still waiting on the handlebars to arrive, brakes need to be installed, brake and derailleur cables need to be run and finally of course the chain installed. I'll let the photos speak for themselves on the progress:
'Custom Build by Jon Fischer'
Barracuda headbadge with that mischevious grin.
Golden Arrow Front Derailleur and Crank
Golden Arrow Rear Derailleur
Original Post:
After many weeks of hinting at it, mentioning it, and most certainly working on it, I finally have the first sneak peaks at the progress of the paint job. I hope to have the first coat of clear on the frame this weekend and the decals supplied to me by mswantak installed soon after that.
Pre-Clear coat or Decals frame -
The photos really don't do the metalic look of the paintjob justice. It shimers in the sun like nothing I've ever seen before. I have been very impressed and pleased with the Duplicolor Metal Specks paint (Ocean Blue Color)
Completed Fork with Shimano 600 brakes -
Let's see if these photos are big enough to really show off the paintjob. The surface isn't super shiny in the 'gloss' sense of the word, but the metallic paint more than makes up for it. Luker's Shimano 600EX brakes arrived today so I just had to put them on to see how things looked. One small issue is the brake reach, it's close, and may work out fine, but let me know what you all think. Check out the last photo for a close up of the brake to rim relation. I have a pair of Nashbar Long-Reach dual-pivots that I 'could' use on this bike, but I like the look of the 600EX's better with the rest of the group going on this bike. Modern dual pivots would look a bit out of place in my opinion.
Build Componets (edited):
- 100mm Cinelli XA stem and Model 66-40 Bars (with cable grooves for my aero levers).
Tektro R200A Brake Levers, Calipers - Shimano 600EX.
27" Wheels with IRC Duro-Winner II tires (gumwall sidewalls), 6speed 14/28 Shimano Freewheel
NOS Shimano 105 'Golden Arrow' front and rear derailluers
NOS Shimano 105 'Golden Arrow' 42/52 double crankset
NOS Shimano 105 'Golden Arrow' friction downtube shifters
ITM Alloy seatpost with Selle Itialia Flite Gelflow saddle
SPD clipless pedals (silver)
-- many of these parts are currently in service on the Schwinn and have been very happy with the setup thus far. The new crank will supply me with a slightly lower granny gear.
-- I'll post updates and details as work progresses.