Trek 620 Strip-tease

Here's an update. I've disassembled the 620 and stripped the paint off 80% of the frame. I left the seat tube panel for last so as not to infringe upon her modesty. I'm not sure how to get the headbadge off in one piece, but I'll figure it out.

Trek 620 Rebuild

Recently, I bought a mystery Trek that turned out to be a 1983 Trek 620, a model intended for touring. Unfortunately, the frame had angered the rust gods at some point and consequently was smitten. One of the bike's previous owners had seen fit to cover up the rust with touch-up paint, which may have prevented the spread of rust but sadly made the bike look a little bit like a sparkly turd. The parts were mostly mostly mediocre and almost worn out. My first thought was, cheap townie. Surely someone on a budget would overlook the paint and buy the bike for it's practical value as a getting-around-town vehicle. I even went to the trouble of swapping out the handlebar setup along with my regular maintenance. But then my ambition got the best of me. I couldn't condemn such a well-made frame to live out the remainder of its days as an under-appreciated beater.

Here's the plan, so far:
--disassemble and sell parts for cheap
--strip the frame and sand away the surface rust
--have it powdercoated in cream color (mmm...)
--build 650b wheels
--add long-reach center-pull brakes
--add mustache bars and bar end shifters
--add rotund Grand Bois Hetre tires (in red) and Brooks Colt saddle (in mustard)
--add Velo Orange randonneur front rack

As you can tell, it ought to be a pretty unique bike in appearance. I'm really trying to stretch myself on this one, tackling new technical challenges and taking aesthetic risks. I've got my fingers crossed.

Nishiki Riviera Townie

For sale as of 11/22/11. I'm calling her "Black Beauty" at the moment. I've been avoiding plastic fenders for a long time, but when I saw the glossy black paint on this frame I couldn't help myself. Wish I had a set of cork grips on hand...

I think this was my first love...

... or hopeless infatuation, whichever you prefer: an '88 Miyata 1200 (three years younger and two notches down from my current Team Miyata, for those of you keeping count). From day one, she electrified my formerly staid existence with her aura of glamour. When we'd go out on the town, I couldn't help but notice (with shame) the painful incongruity between her elegant midnight blue attire and my own shabby garb. But like all grande dames, she had what it took to make a man out me. Soon I was strutting with a confidence and élan that I'd never before known. Even after some tempestuous months, during which we'd hardly deign to acknowledge each other's presence, I swore I'd never leave her. But the curse that follows all young men would not spare me. Soon my wandering eye was captivated by another svelte creature and in a fit of untempered jealously she left me...

Here's to you, milady! May your days be enchanted and your nights bewitching.

If Don Johnson were to go bike touring...

I'm pretty sure his rig would look something like this. Hmm... maybe he would have chosen pink bar tape?

This is another one that I built just about from the frame up.

Gotta love the pearlescent Santé hubs!

Trek 620

A really great touring bike, the 1985 Trek 620 with loooong chainstays and the very cool Huret Duopar Eco rear derailleur.

Raleigh Super Course, Mark II

Here's one that I built from the frame up, using mostly parts that I had lying around. If I'd had a little more cash at the time, I would've sprung for a white saddle. I just love the lugwork on these '70s era Raleigh's. I can't recall anymore who I sold this one to, but it's long gone.