Today was another good day at the Chain Reaction Bike Shop. These four fine gentlemen from the Waterford Mennonite Church Stopped by the Chain Reaction Bike Shop today. (Sat. April 28th.)They said they were ready to help us out and the sure did. They completely went through our wheel inventory and resorted and labeled everything and even repaired some of the racks. On their way out they picked up the trash in the parking lot. Thanks to all of you for taking time out of your Saturday to help us.

The Chain reaction is pretty busy now that it is spring, more kids and more bikes going out. We always need more bikes donated to keep our inventory up. For every six or eight average or poor bikes we get one better ride.  If anyone around my area can donate a bike I will be glad to pick it up. If you’re looking for a bike stop in a look us over. We even have an old bike that would look great in a garden setting.

Almost done!

The Batavus made it to the trainer today for a little shake down ride. I found a skip on one gear only of the rear cluster. It could be the chain but more likely it is worn teeth on that gear. I have some slight adjustments and paint touch up to do and it will be on the road.

Pedals for the Batavus

Today I was repacking the bearings on the new old stock pedals for the Batavus. I started looking around and found a pair of older pedals they were dirty, a little rusty and needing rebuilt. The new pedals are 3 grams lighter, already clean, lots of plastic and made in China. But the old ones were made in France……no question…..got to go with the French made Lyotard Pedals, they just look right!

And those little ball bearings are sure a lot harder to pick up and work with than they were forty years ago.

Back to the "OLD BAT"

Started back to work today on the old Batavus. Put the crank in after a little grinding on the axle and lots of thread chasing. I used a new used chain I had from one of my better bikes. The chain wheels are 52 / 40 tooth. Not as low as I wanted but will work OK. I also ran shifter cables. The bike had full length covered cables when I got it but I have changed to bare cable where I could. With the long cage derailleur it shifts crisp and sharp, I love the old friction shifters. Still need to repack and adjust the new pedals that I have had for a couple years. You would think that new pedals would be ready to go but nope. That’s why your better bike shops go through a new bike before selling it.

There are lots of theories out there about rotating weight compared to static weight of a bike. Any weight loss of the bike or the rider means less work to get the same results. But rotating weight reduction means quicker acceleration and some claim better hill climbing. I’m not too concerned about the weight of this build but I have reduced the rotating weight by just over three pounds (1362.9 grams). This was done by using lighter wheels, tires, crank, pedals and chain. So far only new parts have been tires/tubes, cables, and seat. I did buy a new set of fenders but they may go on my Trek 4300. The bars and stem are off the Nishiki. Wheels are off the Fuji. The crank has been pieced together from the Chain Reaction parts bins. Lots of small parts from my parts & junk drawers. Still need to polish the rusted seat post, mount the seat and pedals.  More later........ 

Spring Cleaning in the Shop

 I have wanted to clean my shop for a while. After working on a few really dirty donated bikes everything was getting pretty bad. Yesterday I started by moving everything outside then scrubbed and degreased the floor. I ran a fan all night to dry it which Mr. Kitty didn’t care for. Then this morning I went to Goshen Floor Mart and bought a remnant carpet that was big enough to cover the whole work area. It looks better and the extra padding underfoot helps my feet and legs.

That got me started on the Batavus again. I put the new tires and tubes on, the brakes on and cabled up, shifters on, rear derailleur on and the grips on. I am at a standstill until I find a bottom bracket axel that fits. I took the three piece crank from my donor bike and it had a wider B.B. shell. I will look through the used axels at work and see if I can find a narrower one.