Photo of The Black Bike by my desk at work (usual parking place).

Name/Model of Bike:The Black Bike / Commuter

Pictures:See above, indoors in a well lit environment at work.

Price: Built using a discarded (free) "Performance" brand frame (I removed all the decals/stickers) then built up with bits and pieces I had laying about. I think I bought the grips, so lets say $14.95, the rack was $35.00 and the rack trunk (bag) was $50.00. So let's say $100.00.

Weight: 29 lbs as shown.

Distance & Terrain: 18 miles round trip for cycling. My commute also includes 22 miles (round trip) on the Metro Green Line train. The cycling bit is mostly flat with some climbs but nothing too difficult. I usually get about 450 feet of climbing per round trip. All city streets, no bike lanes or paths just mixing it up with the traffic.

Purchase Info: The bike was non-prefessionally assembled by me in Whittier, which is a suburb of Los Angeles. The frame (Tiawanese Cro-Mo with lugs) was from a friend who bought a new frame-set and gave this one to me.

Other: If you've been cycling as long as I have (47 years) and do all your own work, you have accumulated (most likely) all the parts you need to build up a commuter. Except for the parts noted above, all bits and pieces were "used" but in half-decent condition. Note: The rear hub is Campagnolo Record and the freehwheel is not a cassette!

Rick / OCRR