...and junk.

After a particularly fast and rough down hill patch yesterday, I noticed I now have a stuck spot in the steering straight ahead -- so called indexed steering. The stem is frozen and trying a couple of the tricks listed around haven't made it budge. This particular frame is no longer worth by time. I made it 360 miles of my 1000 mile goal. Considering the condition the bike was in 360 miles ago, it's kind of a miracle. Still though, learning some specifics of bicycle mechanics on something that is junk has immense value to me. So I'll thank it for the miles and the education as I strip it of it's parts.

So, armed with a little more information and experience, I'll start stripping down and cleaning my MIL's copy of this bike. Incidentally it's also in indexed at center, but the stem is not frozen on that one, indeed it's still greasy and came apart effortlessly. Given my experience with bearings my junker, all bearings are getting cleaned and repacked before it goes even a mile. I'll swap over the new tires, cables/housings, chain and freewheel, so at least I won't have wasted my money there.

Thanks all for your support in my Early Taiwanese Gaspipe Adventure.

Good experience. Absolutely NOT a waste of time. I'm a firm believer in learning on a machine where the risk of failure is low. I've had a couple of entry level BSOs that have served me well for learning and making mistakes on. I recall on where I decided to learn how to get the fixed BB cup out. No worries if I ruined it. It took a LOT of torque but it did come out and I got the feel for it all. I've overhauled a couple of bikes that were clearly not worth the time I put into them. But it was cheap education for me.

You'll do just fine on your next bike.

Just finished restoring a 1975 John Deere Mixte, she's a beaut! will post pictures in time but these are amazing to see!