Ready to ride!!

I collected the frame last Sunday, realised it wasn't actually a Mont Blanc (no matter) and set about turning into a bike!! Everything is not set up and working wonderfully! It rides like a new bike! There are a couple of niggle though....I need to finish the paintwork..It's never going to be perfect as there are to many scratches/grazes for that but it will be much neater and closed to the elements. I'll then get tome metallic T Cut on there which is specially designed for bringing up lacquer so should come up quite nicely. Then a protective coating of polish!

Brakes are a pain....Firstly I have no hoods....Secondly....The levers don't spring back unless I let them twang" if I just ease of the levers the don't close fully.....They did this with the old side pulls too.....Not sure what it it...I have used brand new cables (lightly greased too) & outer and used ferules each end..I don't think the cables are catching...I've been very careful with the routing too...I've replaced the brakes & cables at least 7 billion times in my life (I run a bike shop remember) so I'm pretty sure it's the leavers that are at fault. How hard is it to find normal levers then?......!!!!  The shifters are on the down tube I don't need STi levers..I was hoping to find them locally for quickness sake but I'll have to order them from one of our suppliers....which of course means I get them much cheaper than retail prices...but also means I have to wait until Tuesday!!!!! I'm not very patient!

This brings me to pedals......Well, it doesn't but that's where we are. The bike has the original Toe-clip pedals..I'd need to buy straps and clips etc. but it would be original. I do like my SPD's but I would have to buy shoes (I have very little cycling gear left...Long story....those who know me well know why ha ha). The bike is mainly for commuting and fitness so I don't think I'll but SPDSL/Look pedals on...Not ideal for commuting really as I always find it takes a little longer to clip in and when you need to move off quickly to avoid being dead at traffic lights for example, there a pain in the arse...Road pedals are efficient but I'm happy to loose a bit of efficiency for not getting quashed.

On with the painting & polishing....Some pics to follow this afternoon!