Can you spot ten differences?
Kidding. I made a lot of updates to my bike, and I'll just point out a few changes like the larger tires I chose for a more comfortable ride.
I really liked this saddle. It's wasn't cool, but it was comfortable. I used it as a handle when I was moving the Peugeot, and the pad's base tore away from the springs. Disappointing.
I got this used Brooks B17 Champion Standard Saddle on eBay for cheap. The metal was rusty and the leather had drops of paint on it. The seat cleaned up pretty well. I decided to try it on this bike build, and I was surprised to find that I like this seat as much as the previous one. The Brooks is really comfortable.
Because these seats can be expensive, I used a theft prevention hack that I've been waiting years to try. It's an old bike chain that's been shortened and looped inside a section of an old tire tube. To steal this saddle you're going to need either a chain tool or a bolt cutter. I used a zip tie to tighten the loop so it won't catch on as much stuff.
Before picture.
After picture. I think the Misfits sticker looks so cool up in front. I also like that brass bell there.
Before. Here's the original right grip, brake lever, and thumb shifter.
After. I decided to use all of that original equipment, but I wished I would have used different brake levers. These don't have barrel adjusters, and that makes adjusting the cantilever brakes even more frustrating... if that's possible. Getting the toe-in right is tricky, to say the least.
The chainstay protector was toast, and it took awhile to get it off the frame. It's basically a metal sticker.
New parts list: Kool Stop brake pads, straddle brake cables, Velo-Orange brake and shift cable kits, 26" x 1.95" Yunscm tires and tubes, Crane bike bell, and the chain was a Xmas gift.
New to me parts list: Sugino alloy seat post and the Brooks saddle.
Is the bike done? Doubtful. One of the most enjoyable parts of working on bicycles is the Lego-like aspect of it. There are so many ways you can change, upgrade, and personalize a bicycle.
How's the ride? On test rides, it certainly feels comfortable. The gears shift easily and quietly. The brakes no longer squeal, and tonight I left a skid mark on our driveway... oops. I think I have the "fit" dialed in. The Peugeot now feels like it has been my bike for years.
The weather turns cold on us this week, so I have yet to go on a long, tranquil ride. But I'm looking forward to giving it a shot.
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