Sorry I've been away from this cool forum for a bit. Too much work, too few me. Plus I started a resto on an old Specialized M2 MTB I bought new way back when it was new.

I have the Bildabike back together with new BB, headset, chainring, chain, rear cog, rear hub rebuild, metal pedals and a Selle Royal brown cruiser saddle. Couldn't afford a Brooks saddle. The AlumaHyde paint was used on the pedals, cog, cranks and chainring. I forgot about the long time to cure instructions, lol. Need some touch-up paint for sure.

Besides everything being incredibly smoother the most noticeable difference is the smaller saddle and metal pedals. I especially like the feel of the pedals!

Before finding this site I bought some 2.125 Kenda cruiser tires. They're fine but when they wear out I'll change to those Schwalbe tires y'all referenced.

I still need to weigh my aluminum Bildabike and 3G cruiser bikes and post up the pics. The 3G sees a lot of beach time and just keeps doing what it's supposed to do. I was lucky to pluck it from a trash pile. I found another trash bike while riding home one night from a beach bar. Tossed it on my shoulder and brought it back to the home shop. It was a rust bucket but I salvaged some parts and a cool looking handlebar stem. It's from the South American bike company that starts with a "C". They made the Team Motorola frames one year but I think they were really Litespeed titanium frames painted red/white/blue with their logo. I can't remember the **** name.

Thanks again for all the advice.

Thanks, Eric and Fietsbob. Good stuff. We went to safe cycling advocacy group's party, Charleston Moves, last weekend where the played a few films. One had these dudes riding super tall, home-welded frames. I want to ride one of those but will need to meet the welder first.

Caloi was the Brazilian bike I found in a trash pile. The frame was rusted thru on the chainstay. I've been experimenting with apple cider vinegar as a rust remover. Works good in clearing metal of surface rust.

Anyone know the effectiveness of these Black Ops waterproof BB's. Everything except the BB is super loose on this project bike I just picked up. And I kinda dig these crank arms and chainring. I've mixed results soaking parts in apple cider vinegar and/or using 600-1000 grade sandpaper to remove rust. What do y'all use in these cases? I'd like to try an electrolysis technique seen on YouTube but the Warden said she has to increase my Life Insurance policy first.

Sand blast and powder coat.

The Black Ops BB may be water resistant with the extra seals but not water proof. The seat tube is seized in the frame, same for the steerer tube/handlebar stem. Bike is roached. But it's an aluminum frame which is great to have so close to the beach.

Ride report: It's been a couple of months since I used the Brownells AlumaHyde on the cranks, chainring, fasteners, and handlebars. Many rides on the beach and neighboring streets. NoControl's advice is rock-solid. Tenacious is the word he used and there's not a better description for the stuff. The only spot that it rubbed off is on the crank arm likely a result of my feet moving around on the rubber block pedals. But I blame my son's time on the cruiser because my spin satin smooth. I'll re-spray the crank arms, let the coating cure properly, and cover the area with helicopter tape.

Much obliged, NoControl.

photos!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I see nothing.

I’ve far too many concussions on my resume’ and can’t remember how to format the link from imgur.

right click on the image and choose "Copy image location"

Then paste it in between [img]image location[/img]