I have to reward myself for my new drive to get fit again. I can’t have beer, but I can replace it with something healthier, like bike stuff!
Gadgets
My old GPS still works, but I can’t mount it to the bike anymore. The piece that connects to the handlebar mount is broken, and isn’t something I can order from Garmin. I’ve since learned about RAM mounts that would work, but before I knew this, I bought a newer device – the Garmin eTrex 20. It’s similar in size and appearance to the old eTrex hCX, but it’s faster, more accurate, and has a much more robust mounting system.
Once I buy the RAM mount, I’ll have two usable GPS devices for the bikes.

Rebirth
My poor single-speed has been languishing in the basement for too long. The crank and bottom bracket were trash. I damaged the stem and handlebars. The original (30+ year old) headset was crunchy.
Some time ago, I took it in to have the headset replaced. I ordered some brake pads, cleaned the bike, obtained some tires, and had a rolling frame in the living room for a while. It did make a nice art piece, but that wasn’t the plan.
I ordered a stem and handlebars. I mounted the brake levers. Diane had bought me a crankset (a beautiful Sugino) on our honeymoon. I took the bike and crankset up to the bike shop and dropped it off.
On Friday, I got a call that the bike was ready. I went and got it, put pedals, lights, and a bell on it, and took it up the street a bit.

It still needs bar tape, but I haven’t decided on color yet. I also want freedom to re-position the brake levers for a bit, so I’m in no hurry on bar tape.
I went for a different look this time. I ditched the red accents, and when grey, silver, and black. I may give it a splash of color with the bar tape. I may cloth, twine, and shellac for an old-school look.
Mechanically, it is a little different. The new crankset would give it a higher gear ratio (but I really liked the crank). So I also had a new freewheel put on, to lower the gear ratio. The end result is about 65 gear-inches, which is a bit lower than before. That’s about perfect for my old knees.
I won’t be commuterizing this bike this time. I did last time, but really this bike just wants to be a simple, nimble, light, fun ride. I’ll ride a different bike to work.
Saturday, I met up with Tim for a ride. He, unfortunately, rode a geared bike. No matter, I got to give the bike a good workout. I got a good workout up and down the hills. Things were good until on one climb when the headset made a loud pop and the lock ring came loose.
I carefully rode it to Tim’s house, where he gave me a ride home. I didn’t use the front brake at this time.
Once home, I was able to tighten down the headset. As long as it doesn’t come loose again soon, I’ll be happy.
Future?
I miss my LHT. I shouldn’t have sold it. I don’t have the money for another right now, but when I do, I’m going to buy the Disc Trucker – which is the same bike, but with disc brakes. It will become my commuter/tourer/beater/gravel grinder.
Once I have the trucker, the rear rack will come off of the rSogn, as I want that bike to be my rando bike, even if I never do a randonneuring ride.
Goals
I need to earn the new bike. I need to be able to crank out metric centuries every other weekend or so. I used to do this, but have not recently, and I certainly wouldn’t enjoy it much if I did it in my current condition.
I’ve done no long rides since my Achilles surgery (until today! – more soon!). I’m out of shape. I’ve gained weight. I need to fix that.
The single speed looks great. The neutral set up probably would be agreeable with almost any color tape. Keep up the good progress!