Cruiser Bike!

My cruiser bike is ready. This was meant to be a slow project, but it got seriously bumped up the list of priorities when Blank Gumption got ripped off. It went from a learning project to how I will buy a lot of my groceries and get around.

The pic on the left is my bike, ready for the neighbourhood. I didn't take a before picture, but I took some random shots of things that I took off the bike. That way I can check the picture if I can't figure out how to put it back on. I included the "before" picture mostly for the rust.

Here are her improvements:

• new paint (I spray painted it with automotive paint).
• a new (but used) quick release front wheel.
• brand-spanking new brake cables, front and back.
• fixed cotter pin.
• new chain.
• back fender removed.
• derailleur /gears removed (it didn't work) - she's a one-speed.

I did a bunch of this on my own, but I also had significant help from Bike Pirates on some of it. I'd be lying to tell you I had heard of a cotter pin. I thought it was my bottom bracket. Bike Pirates was pretty amazing - I highly recommend them. It's a do-it-yourself collective that promotes bicycle accessibility, re-use, and learning. It's all run by volunteers. They are worth supporting if you can.