First off, lwb is a man among children. What a stud.

One year ago my wife and I opened an outdoor gear shop in a tiny Idaho mountain town, and this summer was my initiation as a bike mechanic (we have no employees). We attended Interbike last year, I went to Barnett's Bicycle Institute in March, and I have been a bike fanatic and increasingly bicycle-conveyed commuter ever since. I dream of bicycles every night. Seriously. I'm going to spew on...

I now own six bikes, mostly low dollar frankenbikes. All our money goes to the shop and bills, so I have had to be very creative (cheap) to satisfy my bicycle avarice. Here is my latest acquisition that I am extremely excited about, as it is my first road bike in 15 years. It is a Mature Jaunter XII, I don't know what year. It's got to be more than 20 years old. Help on vintage would be appreciated. I paid $20 for it and Nishiki Manitoba at a yard sale.

At first opportunity I clamped it in the stand and started to strip it down for a single speed build. Was barely able to stop myself long enough to take this photo.

Matsuri Jaunter XII.jpg

It has all aluminum components (brakes included, Suntour drive train, Sugino cranks), which evidences quality, but the rims look like steel crap. My knowledge is lacking, but that seems odd. I just took them off and worked on the frame. As of tonight I got the bike completely disassembled. A few spots of rust I scrubbed with a steel brush, makes me want to have the frame bead blasted. I probably won't, as 99% of the pain looks good and I like the color. And I am impatient to rebuild and ride it.

Well on to my present favorite commuter. A 1989(?) Giant Iguana set up as a SS 48x16 fair weather commuter for crappy rural roads. I am fond of it, in all its ghetto glory.

bike stuff 016.jpg

Well, I'm tired from trying to post my photos. I can't figure out how to post big pretty photos like some of y'all. I just wish folks could see more detail of the Matsuri. Anyhow. Hope I wasn't too boring. Thanks and goodnight.