Originally Posted by
qcpmsame
Wow, what a great job Kevin, for a first attempt at bike restoration this is beyond words actually. I knew we were working on similar bikes, yous outshines mine by miles and miles, Chapeau Sir. I have to agree with everything you said about the guys here, and how much help they are when you are starting out with this corner of the bicycling world. I have learned so much from the Learned Elders of C&V, no one was overbearing or acted superior towards me, just good helpful knowledge.
I didn't risk digging into the Regina freewheels that I used for both the Tommasini and the Medici. Both were sent to @
pastorbobnlnh for his Freewheel Spa Treatment, it is well worth the small cost. Those are the smoothest and quietest freewheels I have ever had the pleasure of using, including then new Regina and SunTour, back in the day. You learn very fast and very well, and everything looks fantastic on your Tommie.
I hadn't paid attention to how close you are to where we live, if you get over this way be sure to give me a shout so we can ride some.
Bill
Thank you for the kind words, but pretty much everything I did was pretty routine to most people around here. When I see the rehabs people do, it puts this to shame. It was all new to me, and I was paranoid about screwing something up. I came to the decision I didn't really want to do a concours-quality resto -- this is meant to be a rider, as it was for the OO. And there's nothing to stop me from later taking it apart, and having it repainted.
Though if I had it to do over again, I'd send a couple of the freewheels to PastorBob. Still might do that, just to see the difference. I didn't take them apart -- I soaked them in MEK, then flushed over several days with compressed air and WD-40, and then dribbled in some Pedros oil. They seem super smooth and I love the sound they make, but I'm sure there's still lots of stuff in there and they could be better.
Right now I'm in New Orleans, splitting my time between here and Shreveport. You're definitely pretty close. I'll definitely keep your invitation in mind, and if you get over this way give a holler.