pwebb

great looking bike

badger_biker 

Updated with front rack and loaded for a test ride. I was really pleased how it handled a 40lb load with ease.

USAZorro

That's a very classy looking workhorse.

badger_biker 

Thank you! I have a Tubus Tara front rack on my Expedition that I was going to put on this but decided to try a Blackburn Mtf-1 that wasn't being used. It was an easy fit and I like the idea of a platform for hauling a bundle of firewood, etc. when camping. It puts the bags up higher than I'd like but I think it will be OK with the wider Midge bars for steering leverage. One advantage is I can reach into the top flap zip pockets while riding.

KonAaron Snake 

I really like it a lot...looks fun and versatile. Gorgeous lugged commuter.

bikemig 

What's not to like about this bike? Very cool. This will help me get motivated to finish up my latest mtb project, a 1992 Trek 950.

badger_biker 

I was debating on putting fenders for a finishing touch and after my son gave me a Brooks mud flap - of course I had to mount it on something. I think it is ready for a few days on the GDMBR next summer.

ksisler

Badger; An awesome bike. Especially like the frame color, the sloping fork crown and the bars. I'll bet she is a very smooth ride.

/K

BigSung

Beautiful bike. Which racks are you using for front and back?

Standalone 

There is a special place in my heart for Panasonics; my DX2000 and I have had many memories together. It was paid forward.... I miss it!

Your build is lovely. I'm curious how much the added braze ons and the powder coating cost. Please PM me if you'd like to share that info...

badger_biker 

Thank you for the compliments and yes I'm pretty happy with the ride and handling. I'm anxious to try it on more gravel next summer.

badger_biker 

Thanks BigSung. The rear is a Blackburn that originally came OEM on a 1984 Schwinn Le Tour Luxe. I had to bend the front mount tines a little but it has a nice perfectly level mount on the Panasonic and looks clean with the direct mount and is very solid. The only issue is the rear stays are a little narrow and I'll get a slight fender clang against them on big bumps. I'm thinking I can spread them a little more to take care of that. I have a Blackburn Expedition rack that is wider but it has the mounting straps on the front and is black. I kind of like the silver on this bike.

The front is a Blackburn MTF-1 rack which are no longer produced and have become very scarce. I wish I could find a silver version to match the rear.

badger_biker 

Thanks Standalone. It cost me $40 to add an extra bottle mount under the down tube and a pump peg. The PC including all the blasting and prep and was $120. I had everything disassembled off the frame.

BigSung

Thank you very much for the info.

twolve

Awesome bike Badger!

I hope to see it on a C&V ride sometime.

-Will

gomango

Before you know it!

badger_biker 

Thanks Will. If we have another urban ride like last fall I'll bring it for sure. I'd wind up as the sweep on any road ride with that bike :-) Maybe we should have a local C&V over nighter next year to bring out all the vintage touring rigs in the area?

eff-J

Man, that's a good-lookin' bike. Congrats!

BigSung

Slight off-topic. Do you find yourself slower than road bikes due to the weight of the bike and the thread pattern of the wheels? I rode over the weekend 64 mile & 2200 ft of climbing group ride on my Salsa Vaya with Schwalbe Marathon Mondials (700x40mm) against 6 other road bikes. I had no problem keeping up with them for the first 43 miles as the climbs were gradual, but at 44th mile, we were doing the 1200 ft of climbing, and I started to cramp up real bad. It was painful 20 miles after that. I averaged 12 mph overall on that ride. On other 100k rides, I normally average 15 mph on my road bikes. Just wondering how it will be with MTB conversions.

badger_biker 

The Travel Contact tires are pretty smooth in the center so tread pattern is not an issue. The extra weight is always going to make a difference. I guess I would be classified as a recreational rider with old knees and I'm out for the enjoyment and have no cares about my speed. That being said when I ride the Panasonic it may be the impression of being closer to the pavement with the 26" wheels but I feel like I am going slower than on one of my touring bikes that are still heavy but maybe 3-4 lbs. lighter. In the end on Strava often times the Panasonic will clock in with a 14 mph average which probably isn't any more than 1 mph slower than a touring bike but more like 2-3 slower than what I do on a lighter road bike.

My Panasonic is built for a gravel or mixed pavement touring bike and other than when I tour with it I would likely never take it out for more than a 40 mile ride since I have better options for that.

BigSung

Ahhh. I think that might be the key. On previous 40 or so mile rides, I had no problem keeping up with the road bike groups. At my current physical shape, I should have considered taking my lighter and faster option.

twolve

I think an over night would be a ton of fun. I would be up for it.
Per usual, it would bring out a lot of fun bikes to see.