I work on a lot of lower end bikes when I volunteer at the co-op and do some low cost repairs at my shop for those folks who can't afford my reasonable rates... most of the work that comes my way is on higher end bikes and for custom frame, wheel, and rack work.

When you buy a bike like a Thorn or one of our custom touring bikes or tandems you usually don't spare any expense and when the bikes roll out they need to be 110% because of what they have to go through.

We have had a few orders from the U.K. from people who would have bought a Thorn had they not shifted their production to Asia and we are known for our longtail touring bicycles.

Besides that I have our fleet to take care of (most stay pretty well tuned) and this year I am upgrading my oldest daughter's bike with a new custom rack and upgraded drivetrain... she will have this bike for life as she is done growing and just loves her vintage Raleigh. My youngest is getting some custom built wheels for her commuter but at 14 she can help me lace and build them as she has been able to do this since she was 8 years old and then she will really own those wheels and she wants to learn how to braze.

Plan to build a custom rack for my fixed gear beater and perhaps upgrade the brakes with some nice cantis (will need to add brake posts)... then it won't be much of a beater since it already has custom built wheels. :)

I am semi retired due to health issues and this keeps me really busy and off the rooftop.

That's really awesome, how old are you and where are you from? It sounds like a cool thing you started, I wouldn't mind doing something similar. I'm looking to do some volunteer work in my area right now. I actually want to put a nice rack on my Surly Steamroller, might go custom but i'm not sure yet. I hope if and when I have kids I they're interested in bikes and we can do a bunch of riding and repairs and builds together.

65er, let me know if you need a welder in a couple years ;)

Today at my mostly volunteer shop, we got some fresh neon!

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7028/1...d5bcc4a2_b.jpg

Got a full time mechanic job.

Congratulations !

Thanks TT!

Side note, yesterday was the first day I rode the caad since going down (dat GT goodness been distracting me). Front lever body is cracked, and my handle bars are bent pretty good. Still ride-able, and you don't really notice unless you're on it. Still needs a new saddle too. Cosmetic dent in the top tube as well. Hoods are also chewed up.



Guess I'll put SRAM red on it. lol

Working in a auto shop?

lol whats a car?

Bicycles.

Went for a 10 mile ride with my roommates cause were losers and didn't go anywhere for spring break, but on a lighter note I'm really happy I made the switch from single speed to fixed because I have a blast everyday riding to and from school. Definitely looking to get a beater for the rainy days though.

Nice! Now which LBS of mine in the bay area would I find you in? :lol:

I'd go Super Record personally.

I practiced brazing today, too bad this is the last day using gas.

Last couple days, I have been browsing really expensive road frames. I have no clue as to why I started down that path, and now I really want one dammit.

Today I'm happier than a pig in ****.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v1...psed210f7c.jpg

I'll bet! can't wait to see it fully built.

My dude, I missed the story on how you inquired this? Local craigslist? A customer selling it? Fill us in if you haven't already, that's super nice instead of a Bareknucle I might go after a NJS or Scwhinn Paramount frame! I think I want something more retro than new with track geo.

Probably fair to say that we share in your excitement. Now build it up already! Can't wait.

I love the lugwork on that frame. Cheers!

I scored it on eBay - for $575 shipped!

Aside from a couple of the decals (mainly the stripes and Reynolds decal on the seat tube, which I can easily get repros for), it's in perfect vintage condition for an unrestored frame made in 1975. No dents or dings and the paint/chrome is in excellent condition.

As I've been working today I keep looking over at it in total disbelief!

Nice :thumb:

That's the real deal.

wow thats hawt

...the frame, I mean.