squirtdad

I have a WTB in sales, or looking for good places for used bikes/ bike co-op etc

My son's girlfriend is getting her Phd (gravitational physics) and is looking for a commute (3 miles plus or take a mile)

she is 5" 6 and has a budget of $300 but this may end up being on me....

thanks

jdawginsc 

@Mad Honk is from Bloomington and might have a bike suitable for her at his local co-op. He is the king of finding stuff locally. You might wish to reach out!

OTS 

@sloar is near Indianapolis
I bet he might have something in is stash or know of something that would work.
I would PM him and see if he has anything or knows of anything

Dylansbob 

I left Indy in '99. Back then, every thrift store would have a dozen with none more than $20. *grumble grumble* Inflation. *grumble*

Mad Honk 

sqirtdad,
I have sent a note to you by PM about a 21" bike I have been tasked with finding a new home for. The price is very right like in "Free" . Please contact me via PM or phone to make arrangements. Smiles, MH

The bike as delivered to me earlier this week. Comes with a Thule over car rack for two bikes.

downtube42

Columbus IN is about 45 minutes south of Indy. The Columbus Bike Co op might have something. Cool place, great volunteers.

https://www.bikeco-op.org/

Mad Honk 

jdawg,
Looks like you have managed to give yet another one away! I spoke with SD this morning and she has contacted me about how to get the bike to her. I will likely deliver it since she does not have a car. I will make a few minor changes to the bike like removing the tri-bar, and giving it some new bar tape. Friday N+1 and today N-1 so it should keep the War Department from getting ruffled feathers. Smiles, MH

Sprocket Turner

I know we have a lot of good reconditioned bikes at our co-op in Goshen, IN. We won't be open again until Wednesday and if you are interested i can let you know what we have availble.

Bad Lag

This is interesting. Has she defined the specific topic?

plumberroy

Keep an eye on Muncie craigslist. It's economical depressed area not that far from Indy . You might find a deal
The last major employer closed in 2009 which hit support businesses hard too.
(I know because I worked there)

squirtdad

thanks Mad Honk. This be perfect. I know you have talked to the aspiring physicist. She is totally excited

Mad Honk 

@squirtdad,
Yes it looks a like a win win on this bike. I spoke with her this afternoon and we both have scheduling conflicts this week, but it is a good thing. I removed the tri-bars and old tape. New Champagne Bennotto first layer is on and found that the look pedals were very seized in the Blaze cranks as in four foot cheater on my 18"pedal wrench. Kinda rounded the wrench so a new crank is in order. Fortunately I have a Sugino triple that can be sacrificed or maybe another one from the co-op tomorrow night. Either way it will get a BB overhaul with new crank arms and standard pedals. White padded bar tape, and a few adjustments. She is kinda lucky as it came with a Terry saddle. I have a spare pump she can have as well. I thought of a Silca first but the new Specialized that is being used as a door stop will likely be better. (Reminds me of my friend Lauren who coaches at Yale, she joked about the Heisman being used the same way in her office!)
In any event she will get a nice bike, well below what she expected to pay for it. My friend Judge Al wins as he gets to help a student out without his wife selling it for $30 in a grudge sale. And he gets garage space back also. I get a win for two helps on this transfer, as well as some room in the shop and a Pump sent to a person who will need it. So wins all around! Smiles, MH

Spaghetti Legs 

Well done MadHonk!

I had that same bike, bought in 1991, probably a 1990. I was primarily a mountain biker then but rode that thing all over San Francisco.

Mad Honk 

Thanks, Legs! I trust all is well with you, because I have not heard much from you lately. Smiles, CrapMaster Honk

Mad Honk 

squirtdad
Good news! ! found a similar set of crank arms at the co-op tonight. No chain line issues, and the bike will be back to like new condition. I'm gonna be happy to get this one back on the road. Smiles, MH

downtube42

If you're interested in the shared history of the Indianapolis, Bloomington, and Columbus Indiana bike co-ops, check out the even farther back section here:

https://bikecollectives.org/wiki/Col...le_Cooperative

Mad Honk 

Some work on "Emily's Bike" today and new crank is on the ready after a BB overhaul. Flat pedals waiting for install on new crankarms. but I sense a problem down the road. I suspect squirtdad will need to send a pair of reflective pant protectors for the riding pleasure of miss Emily. The chain will be close to the pant leg and may get caught up in the chain/crank intersection. All is going well and the bike should be ready early next week. Smiles, MH

squirtdad

she is working on measuring gravity more precisely than it is is currently

this involves, among other things her have to learn to machine (traditional and cnc) parts for a vacuum chamber

squirtdad

good add to my amazon list

Mad Honk 

Today was a bit of work and bike work after. I took the bike and did a quick look-over and started on the BB rebuild. The BB was a bit difficult to remove, but was remedied with some 'good old boy' tools. A few pictures and explanations:

The crank arms with the seized look pedals

Removed the old to get to the new.

The BB was a bit tight and needed some of my "Big Boy Tools" to help with the removal of the fixed cup.

Brought out the Var threading tools for the BB after opening everything up. Some material came out that looked like a sealant of sorts. But the threads cleaned up nicely and the cup fitted with finger tightness after cleaning. New Anti seize for the threads so it should be safe to remove again without damage.

The new look of the crank arms and pedals. Permatex anti-seize on the pedal spindles should keep these pedals in a removable condition.
"Emily's Bike" is getting close to a ride ready bike. I need to get a couple of brass Presta to Schrader adaptors for the tubes. And do a bit more cleaning so it will be nice for her when I get it to her. Smiles, MH

Mad Honk 

@squirtdad,
Finished it up today! You may need to send Emily a pair of gloves for riding but all is good on the bike. I will contact her about delivery this evening. As ready for her:

Background is a bit busy, but you get the idea. Lock and combination and a seat bag fill out the kit.
Time to make Emily smile a bit. Smiles, MH

gugie 

Mad Honk is a mensch!
@squirtdad, I saw "vacuum chamber" and perked up. That's right up my alley if she's looking for tips, send her my way (you know my background).

squirtdad

Mad Honk that is so nice, I just sent her a helmet and lights

squirtdad

will keep this in mind, the chamber was holding at 1.8 x 10 to the negative 6 Torr if i got it right

SwimmerMike 

Sounds like she needs a better cryo-pump or needs to leak check her set-up.

Sorry couldn't help myself. Too many years working with high-vac systems. @gugie and I have spent some time talking about troubleshooting problems related to this, everyone else left the room, not sure why.