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Building Elsie
I am sure there are a few Ashwell members who are familiar with Elsie. Originally hand made by Arthur Caygill Cycles for Richard Glover, she was then in MC's possession before coming my way earlier this year.
I'm not really sure that my legs are worthy of such a machine just yet, but I hope to build up my speed over the coming winter and give her a good run next year.
I have never built a bike before and after some deliberation of 'shall I just drop it off at Trisports' or 'no, let's have a crack at it' , I opted for the latter.
Having purchased all necessary ancillaries (shifters, derailleurs, crank, cassette, saddle, brakes, wheels, aerobars) I then proceeded to put them all in a box in the garage and shut the door!
Originally planning to have Elsie ready for the last club 10 of the year, various things cropping up meant that I just would not have enough time. JMac then posted up about the N&DCA 10 on the 20th September.... the race was on... I had six weeks!
Anyway, below are a few pics of the build. I literally put the bar tape on the aerobars this afternoon after a quick trip to Trisports for some matching yellow Bontrager tape (Nathanial, I think that was you in the shop!)
Tomorrow is the road test, so fingers crossed all goes well. Assuming it does, Elsie will be lining up for the 10 on Saturday.
I'm not really sure that my legs are worthy of such a machine just yet, but I hope to build up my speed over the coming winter and give her a good run next year.
I have never built a bike before and after some deliberation of 'shall I just drop it off at Trisports' or 'no, let's have a crack at it' , I opted for the latter.
Having purchased all necessary ancillaries (shifters, derailleurs, crank, cassette, saddle, brakes, wheels, aerobars) I then proceeded to put them all in a box in the garage and shut the door!
Originally planning to have Elsie ready for the last club 10 of the year, various things cropping up meant that I just would not have enough time. JMac then posted up about the N&DCA 10 on the 20th September.... the race was on... I had six weeks!
Anyway, below are a few pics of the build. I literally put the bar tape on the aerobars this afternoon after a quick trip to Trisports for some matching yellow Bontrager tape (Nathanial, I think that was you in the shop!)
Tomorrow is the road test, so fingers crossed all goes well. Assuming it does, Elsie will be lining up for the 10 on Saturday.
Comments
saw this, better get some!
Tech fans - Team Sky will be using a revolutionary Muc-Off chain wax at the Team Time Trial World Championships on Sunday which could reduce chain friction by up to 80%. Learn all about it at http://po.st/C4ChainWax
BRING ON SATURDAY!!!!!!!!!!!!
Hear what you're saying Geoff, I'm trying to perfect the position for comfort first and foremost.........almost there!!