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Name: Pixie |
Given to me by a friend |
Cost: Numerous upgrades |
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Background: In the summer of 2006, I happened to find mutual love with a
fellow faculty member at CCC- a mutual love of vintage bikes! I confided my
desire to locate a Raleigh Twenty, as I was really impressed by all the
great things people had to say about this funky, classic little bike. My
friend told me that he had one, and would bring it in for me to see and
ride. The next week, my friend made good on his promise, and brought the
bike for me to see, and to "borrow" for a while. I emailed him several times
offering to buy the bike- he finally replied that it was a gift, and he was
glad I was enjoying it. His wife said he had too many bikes anyway, and he
had only paid $15 for it. $15??? For a near mint (after some cleanup)
Raleigh? Score! Free near mint Raleigh? Major score!
So what can I say about this little bike that stole my heart and made me
such a fan of practical, beautiful folding bikes? This bike is my beloved
"money pitt"- no upgrade is too good for her. For a "free" bike I am into
her for about $1500...
Upgrade #1- new lightweight rims with Schwalbe Marathon 20x1.5
tires built into existing Sturmy Archer 3 speed hub- $160
new shifter- $20
cork grips, shellac and twine$35
Brooks B-17 saddle, honey- $105
BF folding pedals- $22
Mirricycle bell- $18
German rearview mirror- $22
Latte holder- $11
Wald collapsible side basket- $32
Portable lights (front and rear)- $40
Axa integrated lock w/cable- $70
Total- $535
Upgrade #2- New lightweight Sun CR-18 rims (2)- $80
Schwalbe Marathon 20x1.5 tires (2)- $58.65
Shimano Nexus 8 speed internal hub (shifters and cables included)- $160
Nexus chain- $12
Shimano DynoHub- $85
Spokes- $40
Bausch and Mueller front and rear lights (used)- $40
New Tektro brakes, cables and levers, front and rear- $80
Brake bosses (brazed on @ AZ Bikes)- $40
Wald touring standard stem- $10
Wald 6.5" ape hanger handlebars- $9.82
Cork grips (to replace the ones that had to be
destroyed to do the upgrade)- $9
Powdercoat
frame (Ironhorse Coatings, Flagstaff)- $95
Colored brake cables- $18
Water Slide laser printer decal paper- $30
Schmidt coaxial light dynamo cable and connectors- $40
Spread front fork and rear triangle to accommodate Nexus hubs- ???
Retap bottom bracket shell to 24tpi (from 26tpi)- ???
Install Shimano UN54 (68x118) bottom bracket cartridge-???
New cranks- ???
New chainring- ???
Total- $807.47
Proposed upgrades:
Powdercoat wheels and rear rack (cotton candy pink)
Custom headbadge
Brooks B18 saddle
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Proposed logo for my bike: |
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