we are finished. returned from thailand last week,
and just got in the final taobao mail order parts.

surprisingly, all the gear piece-parts lined up
just right first try....no fidgeting required.

total weight with racks 17.0 kg (37.4 lbs),
and final cost under 3500 RMB (~$500)

picked up a set of MZYRH platforms (made in
china, prolly wellgo relabels) with 3 bearing
cartidges, and a set of power bands.

stem is about right, won't need to replace.
rode once around the block, good fit. going
to 700c tires feels bigger, taller, uncut.

still need to do some final adjustments (cold
and rainy this week), and will get in a few
rides locally.

planning a 2-week trip thru guangxi with a
stop by the thai consulate for a new visa
in july......

saddlesores, Looks good and it's remarkably thrifty considering it's custom built to your specs. I look forward to a ride report.

Brad

Nice looking bike, congratulations! Didn't you post a while back that you were going to sell your bike(s) and ride never more? :foo::lol:

This is pretty sweet for the money. I like the build.

off on the bike this morning to adjust and bed in the brake pads.
bike fits nice, 23" frame feels....big. higher standover (86 vs. 84)
than my 23" bmc 26", shorter TT (57 vs. 60).

nice to get back to a solid (inferior) steel frame, but the thinner
tubing still looks strange.

final build weight about 39 pounds with both racks and fenders
vs the 36 pound alu frame with similar build, but lighter saddle
and rear rack.

rode about 25km through the countryside, couple minor points.

1. lklm put a brushed aluminum nameplate on the right chain
stay (matches the head tube badge) that gets in the way of
a chain protector.

2. the cable mounting clip thingie is too close to the upper
seat stay mounting bolt.

3. the dropout is a wee tiny bit too short. derailler functions
properly, but is too close to the axle. gotta remove the
skewer nut to drop the wheel.

maybe could look at different brand skewer nutses, or maybe
ground mine down a bit, or perhaps even file a bit of material
off the lower lip of the dropout.....or just ignore it.

overall, not bad for a $90 steel frameset.

Looks quite ready for some touring, saddlesores. Have fun.

Brad

I love the spacer tower, looks fantastic.

It's been a few years, bike is doing fine. Is now my last remaining bicycle after the aluminium BMC assploded after a mere quarter million kilometers.

Building a new house on the coast near Rayong. Will then have the southern coastline to ride, with easy access to Cambodia if the ceasefire holds.

In the meantime, off the bike until February. Recovering in Bangkok now following heart valve replacement, returning to the rice fields next week.

Happy Festivus everyone!