Framebuilding Jig (Part 2)

The stand is finally done, and the jig is mounted.  All I need now is a centering cone for the seat tube and the jig will be complete!

I'm thinking about getting some cheap 4130 steel to do a practice run... build up a "rough draft" frame, so to speak.  At the very least I'll likely use the jig to tack a few joints, then fillet braze, file and finish them.  It's tough to decide whether I should just jump right in and start making my first frame, or if I should practice some more.  The seat tube cone is probably a couple weeks out, so I have some time.

Other than brazing practicing, the wait will give me time to sketch some designs of the custom fat bike, finalize the geometry, and ultimately produce up a life-size drawing of the frame.  I hope to be buying frame tubes in May, and brazing my first frame in June.

Miscellanea

A few random bits this week...

The revamped 1x1 got a couple tweaks last week, specifically a new fork and handlebar.  The fork is just a Dimension Mtn Disc fork... nothing special but it fits the bill nicely.  It is disc only, has standard mtb tire clearance, a long steerer, and the axle to crown length is really close to the stock 1x1 fork.  Although the axle to crown is shorter than the Pug fork it replaced, the steerer is longer so the stem ended up in roughly the same place.  Most importantly the bike handles like it is "supposed to" again.

The bars are a Soma Clarence bar; 37mm rise and 40 degree sweep.  Very similar to the Origin-8 bars I used to have (until a bunch of broken bars started showing up on the web).  I like 'em, but I have to admit there is a little part of me that's scared they'll break.  I'm thinking the Surly Open Bars might have been a better choice.  Overall the bike rides great with the new additions, and I had fun rides on it both Friday night and Sunday morning.

I also finished the last of the brazing on my jig stand this weekend.  The 80/20 jig will attach to holes drilled into the tubes on the ends of the top supports.  Again, nothing special but it should do the trick.

Lastly, I've been playing around with Photoshop Elements this past week (click on it to see larger version)...

I like the cartoon feel of this effect.  It doesn't work with a lot of my photos, but when it does work I dig it.

Saturday Morning Ride

Just a quick post this week... it's been another busy week, followed by a busy weekend.  Saturday was supposed to be the nicest part of the weekend so I made a point to get out for a quick ride.  It was a gorgeous morning down in the MN River Valley today... sun, blue sky, and lots of new spring growth.

Then it was home for lunch, a bit of brazing on the jig stand project, and a few chores around the house.  This evening I spent some time switching the fork and bars on the 1x1.  I'll have pics of the new and improved 1x1 next week.  For now, it's just this quick post.  To say I'm tired is an understatement...

Rebirth of the 1x1

BEFORE

AFTER

It seems appropriate that it was on Easter weekend that the Poor Mans Pug was dismantled and then reborn as a different bike.  There is nothing new on this bike; everything is from the PMP, the Fisher GED or the parts bin.  The Fisher is also out of commission, being replaced by the 1x1 which will get the studded tires mounted for winter ice rides.  For the non-snowy months, I wanted a bike that I can use to get around town quickly while also being able handle hopping curbs, riding down stairs, and taking dirt short-cuts.  I wanted something that was tough, simple and fast.  My errand bike is nice for errands, but it's geared low, and quite frankly, a bit beat down from the winter.  It isn't the bike I'd choose for a fast ride around the city on a warm summer evening.  That's what the new version of the 1x1 is for...

The new city bike is also the lightest bike I own at 29 lbs. (w/o the packs and water bottle).  The gearing is relatively high at 39x14, which makes it a pretty fast bike around town.  I've only taken it on one ride, and so far I like it.  I'm considering small tweaks to the gearing, the cockpit, and possibly a different fork and pack set-up, but this bike is great just the way it is.  I think it fulfills my requirements nicely... tough, simple, and fast.  I also like the aesthetics of the bike; big frame with small 26" wheels and huge rotors, singlespeed drivetrain, and it's almost all black.

The first ride on the newly configured 1x1 was Friday night.  I've been sick since mid-week, but the regular Friday Night Ride crew was doing a shorter ride this week, so I couldn't resist getting the bike finished and taking it out for a spin.  I finished the final adjustments on the bike, quickly got ready, and I was out the door...

It was good to be out riding on the "new" bike, but I don't think the ride did my recovery any good.  It sucked being sick for the holiday weekend, but I tried to make the most of it.  Hopefully the lungs will be clear again by next weekend.  

With the Poor Mans Pug decommissioned, I'm even more motivated to complete the custom fat bike project.  I've recently wrapped up a couple time-consuming projects, both personal and professional, that should allow me more time to put toward brazing practice and finishing the jig.