Finally Shiny
 

After several years of service as my primary commuter I have finally relegated this venerable machine to "Recreational Use". So now one could say that we are both retired!

Working 50 to 65 hours per week on a rotating shift schedule while also trying to be involved with my family barely afforded me time to maintain the mechanical integrity of this great bike. Through several years of taking me back and forth to work in fair weather and foul, it collected more than it's fair share of grease, grime, dirt, scuffs, and it just looked really rough.

Well we spent a few hours of quality time together out in the garage the other day. It seemed like it might be a good time to clean the old girl up a bit before the riding season kicked into gear (pun intended). It went well. I just hope that someday I can clean-up and look even half this good!

http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r...psacc40c15.jpg

Yeah I know, but it's still raining out and I'm getting bored...so I decided to shoot and share! :rolleyes:

I can't imagine cleaning that much chain! Looks great. Retirement becomes it.

Looks almost OCD clean.

What, no before picture, how do we know you just didn't grab a bike from the LBS and pose the picture, not that we doubt you . :)

Nice job Lenny, well done sir, well done.

And Jan, from a long time member of the club:notamused: its CDO:twitchy:, get the alphabetical order down, man, good grief:innocent:.

Bill

ko

Better much:innocent:

Nicely done.

It's clean and it's blue. I've always liked blue bikes.

That must be what, about 3 or 4 chains spliced together? I've never ridden a recumbent bike. Have to give it a try sometime. How much does it weigh?

Chain length is just shy of 11'. The bike weighs 230 pounds with rider (30 pounds without + accessories).

"230 pounds with me in it." Sounds like a drag racer.

Totally dis-assembled and cleaned on the 6th of June......after weeks of relentless rains, 40-hour work weeks (a good thing), and various other obligations....I finally got in a nice little 20 mile test ride today, the 30th of June.

Happy to discover that the bike runs better than ever! I had forgotten the thrill of powering that little SWB jewel through uphill turns and the ease of slow speed maneuvering through the crowds down at the beach.

Now Cranky's gonna open a cold Molson's Canadian Lager! Ahhhh. :beer:

Clean bikes always run better. Looks good.