Last ride 76 

SWEET! I have one and was planning to try to go all-American, but have not gotten around to it. Funny, When I painted it a couple of years ago, I chose almost (Duplicolor Metallic Blue?) the same color.

deux jambes

Thank you! The Brooks stayed fairly dry on the ride since it was really just a typical Oregon drizzle, and I was only off the saddle for a moment.

Sad story about the previous owner. He bought it new, treated it with Proofide, rode it once, and then injured his back at work. He can’t ride anymore

I’ll wait on a second dose of Proofide until spring. Until then, I’ll be sewing a waterproof cover for it soon. And I plan to epoxy a bearing into the seat post binder bolt to deter thieves. I doubt most of them are smart enough, or well equipped enough to remove it from above. Those two bolt Campy posts are a royal PITA!

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@Prowler thanks for the thoughts! I definitely plans to check the wheels after a few more miles. The riding so far has been too short to warrant that. They’ve been stress relieved, but that’s no guarantee against change in tensions.

I’ll pay attention too to how the web straps perform, and hold up. I’m impressed with how robust they are actually, and expect them to do well, but we’ll see.

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Thank you. Honestly it’s too soon to tell how I would truly compare this touring frame’s geometry to that of sportier or racier bikes. However, I think it’s safe to say so far, that I believe that the relaxed angles are more appropriate for my physique, and style of riding. It’s been very comfortable already, and I haven’t quite zero’d in on saddle position or stem height yet. Still, for me, it feels more natural than similarly sized frames with steeper angles, and shorter wheelbases. I’m looking forward to to seeing how it handles with loaded bags up front!

Feldman

The platform front rack/caliper brake combo is both period correct and works great. The above picture of your 'Traut illustrates perfect rack placement for a handlebar bag, centered over the front axle instead of in front of it. I don't covet many other peoples' bikes, but you've got yourself a prime specimen!

3speedslow

Really elegant machine you have , my Friend! It presents itself well. Glad to read the build is almost over and the Fall touring can commence.

Regards, 3SS

Salamandrine 

That turned out great. Nice job.

conspiratemus1

Pushes all my buttons and ticks all my boxes. Very well done. Love the TA crankset and the MKS pedals. And thank you for the serial work-in-progress photos -- a nice thought that shows how focused you were on the build. Agree with the suggestion for fenders especially where you are. Stainless steel, smooth unhammered finish would be my vote.

deux jambes

Shoot! Not the best news to hear, but good to have a heads up anyhow. Thanks. I suppose I’ll count on cinching the bag to the rack. And had I known gugie fabbed decaluers, I surely would have gone with one of his instead! Maybe next season... an upgrade!

Hobbiano 

Really nice build! I like everything about it.

ryansu

Looks ready to go out and explore the Willamette valley and environs, nice job

non-fixie 

Beautiful machine and excellent build report. Thank you!

jethin

Great job man! I’m loving everything about this one. Keep us posted on further mods and ride reports.

Pompiere

I have done this when I can't get a wheel to straighten out. My nemesis is a hop or flat spot, but if I start over I can usually get it true, unless the rim is bent.

deux jambes

Thank you. And yes, I agree that much of the fun of the build can be in the hunt for its parts. Some of the harder to come by components, or just plain good deals, are all the more appreciated when they do come up. It all makes for special experience!

As for the TA, my experience with it, and with a triple in general, is short so far. What I can say is that your observation seems on point, and the reason I’d agree is that for what little bit of shifting I’ve done so far, trimming has been pretty much necessary most of the time. I’m also new to barcons, and don’t feel totally familiar with the feel of them yet, so I wonder how much that may have to do with it.

Initially I thought to simply remove the sticker from the non drive arm. But in the end I ordered the same stickers that @TenGrainBread linked. That was over two weeks ago, I’m guessing they should be here soon!

deux jambes

Really pleased with the deer head so far. They were easy to adjust, and though I’ve only put 6 miles or so on them, they’re performing very well. The front picks chain up, and smoothly moves it were I want, while the rear tensions the chain well, and provides quick assertive shifts. Good looking pieces too in my opinion. And while they’re heavier than what I’ve sought from derailleurs in the past, I get the feeling that they can take beating.

deux jambes

Thank you!

Fenders are required in Oregon lol... Luckily a rainy day here or there this time of year, is no indication that it gender season yet though. Once there however, I think VO seems the most likely choice. Probably hammered so that I don’t have to worry about keeping them “nice” looking.

Bar tape was not an easy decision. Too many options out there. However, I did settle on Newbaums. I ordered up a couple rolls of “khaki,” expecting more of a tan color than the pale green that arrived. A bit disappointed, but I decided to go with it for the time being. After 3 coats of clear shellac the tape darkened up significantly. Tape is finished with some really strong cord found at an art shop.

I like the results enough to call it good for now.

bikemig 

In my exerience, the barcons are a little less precise than downtube shifters but they comfortable to use and mesh really well with triples as you do have to do a lot of shifting. The TA is uber cool looking but it is far more fiddly than a 110/74 shimano or sugino triple.

Salamandrine 

Can't go wrong with cotton tape! Good choice.


FWIW at this time historically the fenders most likely would have been dark blue Bluemels. At the time they were ABS I suspect, and could break if you weren't careful. FWIW SKS makes a modernized version but in black only, using ESGE/SKS laminated material. Best of both worlds. I don't think you can get dark blue fenders anymore. SOMA has a similar looking fender set that is med dark blue. I recollect some other hipster company makes a lookalike. Can't recall the brand. Also around this time ESGE fenders were introduced. Those also would be historically correct, FWIW. By the time I started my first LBS job in 1980, ESGE were considered the gold standard. Always silver with black stripes. Still available but called SKS now) VO hammered would probably be the most elegant looking. I like them. Not really period correct for a USA bike, but it isn't the 70's anymore.

deux jambes

Thank you! Yes, it’s taken some time for sure. A trial in patience, and well worth it for sure...

Just in time for my favorite time of year!

deux jambes

An all American build would be very impressive!

Funny. Mine wound up representing France, Italy, Japan, England... and of course, good ‘ol USA. Pretty neutral in the end. Would that make it a Swiss build?

I found that Testers model paint “Arctic Blue” is a dead on match for the frame. I’ve yet to use it for any touch up however. Still not sure that I will or not.

Would love to see a pic of your Eisentraut sometime!

The Golden Boy 

Every build I learn something else. I love seeing how other people overcome things that pop up.

Great ride!!

deux jambes

Thanks you two, And with the awesome weather today, I figured it was high time to do a little bit of that local exploring...

First, I needed groceries, so putting the panniers on, and testing the bike under load seemed a good idea. I loaded it up much heavier than I would for a tour or camping. Thought it’d be smart to test the limits.

Front tire was a bit bit under inflated for the job. All that meant was I had an opportunity to use the Silca Impero for the first time. The pump came from the Co-Op, and @malcala622 supplied the metal Campy head for it (thanks again buddy!) It worked great. Which reminds me to mention that the Jim Blackburn bottle cage came from @cudak888 and @TimmyT provided the Crane Karen bell (thanks fellas)!

The ride was a feel that was all new to me, and I was more mindful on the ride home than usual. Overall, I’d say the rack, bags, and bike handled the job very well.

The early Blackburn lowrider frames were scored on eBay, while the Jandd bags came from the Co-Op. Ostrich rando bag was found on FB Marketplace.

Here she is loaded down with about 25 to 30 lbs of groceries...





After unloading the goods at home, I noticed the headset needed readjustment, as it had developed a bit of play. Once good again, it was off for a leisurely ride along the river bike path. You’ll see that others had similar ideas on how to spend a beautiful care free (and car free) day...











All in all, about 20 miles clocked in since completing the build. The bike is performing great, and I couldn’t be more happy with it!

noobinsf 

Good stuff. Oakland pride!

due ruote 

Well, I have to say it. That’s a pretty gorgeous bike to lock up at the grocery store. I think you need an old Rockhopper or something.

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100%

Born & raised in ‘74, and though I’ve been here in Eugene since ‘93, I’ll always be from “The Town!”





Thanks, and I’m afraid you’re right. That’s why today’s grocery run was solely for testing the bike under load. The grocery is within walking distance from home. Still, bike theft is a major problem in Eugene, and that’s exactly why I should build a beater to use for errands which might require me to lock a bike up away from my line of sight for any extended period of time.

Last ride 76 

I like the metallic blue with the flat copper of the decals, but feel let down by the fragility of the Duplicolor paint, even after 2 years of drying. I was planning to use a 2k clear over it, but then heard someplace(?) that there might be compatability issues. So it sits, still.