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Post by oldroadietehachapi on Sept 23, 2021 21:29:46 GMT
I think it was the spring of 1978, maybe 1979. I had rediscovered cycling, yet again. I was young and enjoyed the sweet air as I blasted along my favorite road. It was (and still is) a great little country road. The little road curves about with little climbs and descents, all beneath majestic oak trees. It was so fun; each little descent provided enough momentum to just climb the next. My ride was the only Japanese made bike I had owned. It was an American Eagle Semi-Pro. A nice little bike with an Ishiwata double butted cromoly frame and Suntour components. American Eagle was later renamed Nishiki and they were built for West Coast Cycle by Kawamura and or Panasonic (sources differ). Today I found another one. I will build it with components that I have laying about. It is a size too small, but will make an excellent bike to loan out on group rides. Nevertheless, despite being a bit small, I can still ride it for nostalgia. I think this winter will be filled with bike builds. Yes, and before you ask, I am a bit crazy.
Be happy, life is short Jim
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Post by brianbutler on Sept 23, 2021 23:54:46 GMT
Nice project. I noticed the headset is the same one I am using on a Viscount Gran Sports and it originally came from a Nishiki. I have trouble keeping it adjusted with the "indexed" (i.e. toothed) spacer shown in your photos. Good luck on the build.
Brian
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Post by triitout on Sept 24, 2021 0:28:53 GMT
If you can dream it, you can build it. Looks like a nice project to reconnect with the joy of a simple bike ride from the past. Enjoy the ride!
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Post by wheelson on Sept 24, 2021 1:34:18 GMT
If you can dream it, you can build it. Looks like a nice project to reconnect with the joy of a simple bike ride from the past. Enjoy the ride! Nice one, Jim. Those were super sweet bikes and well built too. Pretty cool wraparound seat stays. Enjoy your winter building bikes, that’s my plan too. One rather unique Viscount in particular! Best, John “wheelson” |
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Post by oldroadietehachapi on Sept 24, 2021 4:19:07 GMT
Yes, I am ready for some cozy days in my shop. I can just imagine the smell of coffee, tires and lubricants, accompanied by classic rock and maybe rain on the roof. Maybe I should add a wood stove?
Ride Happy
Jim
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Post by brianbutler on Sept 24, 2021 11:30:54 GMT
Yes, I am ready for some cozy days in my shop. I can just imagine the smell of coffee, tires and lubricants, accompanied by classic rock and maybe rain on the roof. Maybe I should add a wood stove? Ride Happy Jim With climate change, maybe it should be a wood air conditioner.
Brian
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Post by franco on Sept 24, 2021 14:05:33 GMT
That looks a nice project Jim.
How the seat stays wraparound the seat tube reminds me of some of the old Carlton 531 models.
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Post by brianbutler on Sept 24, 2021 14:53:57 GMT
I particularly like the cable guides and housing stops on the American Eagle. I wish that was standard practice, and I wish someone would do the same for the RD housing loop. I always end up making a guide out of a zip tie.
Brian
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Jem
Viscount
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Posts: 3,390 
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Post by Jem on Sept 25, 2021 13:08:48 GMT
Yes, I am ready for some cozy days in my shop. I can just imagine the smell of coffee, tires and lubricants, accompanied by classic rock and maybe rain on the roof. Maybe I should add a wood stove? I'd add a wood stove for sure! |
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Post by wheelson on Sept 25, 2021 16:30:25 GMT
Yes, I am ready for some cozy days in my shop. I can just imagine the smell of coffee, tires and lubricants, accompanied by classic rock and maybe rain on the roof. Maybe I should add a wood stove? I'd add a wood stove for sure! Plus one on the wood stove! That would certainly add to the great smell factor of the other listed items. Growing up in the mountains of Western North Carolina, USA, wood smoke aroma is most definitely ingrained in nostalgia of my youth. Also, thinking about bikes from youth or a bit later, I think this has greatly influenced what appeals to me now: earliest full-sized bike - “English” racer. First job out of high school in 1966 - Schwinn dealership. Bikes that piqued my interest during my 30 year engineering career (all based on some technology aspect) - Austro Daimler Vent Noir ll - impervious black chrome finish. Cannondale - oversize aluminum. Viscount- well, we know all about THOSE innovations. 700c and 650b conversions- stuffing wider tires into “racing” frames to improve off-pavement ride ability. Currently, my new bike stuff lies with innovations that make absolute sense. Best, John “wheelson” |
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Post by oldroadietehachapi on Sept 25, 2021 17:54:50 GMT
Ugh! I decided I like the idea of a wood stove. It turns out that new installs of wood burning stoves are illegal in my county; something about air pollution (amazing considering the wildfires). I could do a pirate install, but I prefer not to. I have suffered the wrath of California bureaucracy and don't want another dose. I very much want the ambiance, so what to do? I live in a state where half the people are sort of plastic; a place where the forces of social pressure and government are trying to force the rest of us into their mold. Okay, I can bend a bit. I suppose fake will have to do (I hate fake stuff). I am replacing one of my electric shop heaters with one that has a fake fireplace. It may make my little shop seem a bit more cozy. Any suggestions on how to mimic the smell of clean wood smoke? Gadzooks, do I feel a mold pressing against me; are parts of me turning into plastic! 
Cheers Jim
 Fake Wood Stove by Jim_Gude, on Flickr |
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Post by brianbutler on Sept 25, 2021 19:21:12 GMT
Someone must make a wood smoke fragrance diffuser but for an overwhelming blast from the past I would go for the patchouli oil.
Brian
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Post by oldroadietehachapi on Jan 1, 2022 22:57:10 GMT
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Post by brianbutler on Jan 2, 2022 2:33:41 GMT
She's a beauty, Jim. Nice color scheme, too.
Brian
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Post by triitout on Jan 2, 2022 4:00:53 GMT
Great way to start the New Year. Ya done good Jim!
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Post by franco on Jan 2, 2022 22:39:05 GMT
She’s a beauty, Jim.  |
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Jem
Viscount
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Posts: 3,390
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Post by Jem on Jan 3, 2022 13:32:48 GMT
Nice work Jim!
What saddle do you have on there ?
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Post by brianbutler on Jan 3, 2022 16:25:07 GMT
Nice work Jim! What saddle do you have on there ? Good question. I was about to ask the same.
Brian
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Post by oldroadietehachapi on Jan 3, 2022 20:05:14 GMT
For me, this bike is something to have as a nostalgic item. Other than as an occasional loaner, it will rarely be ridden. I was looking for an inexpensive vintage saddle for the project. A common problem with a bike collection; good saddles are expensive. I did not want to drop 50-150 bucks for a saddle that would rarely be ridden and mostly just needed to look right. I was able to find these on eBay. I bought one thinking it would be complete junk; turns out to be not so bad and fine for short rides. Of course, it can be swapped with another for serious rides. They are very light; the looks are stunning and they come in many colors. I doubt they will be very durable. It feels like something found on a Schwinn Continental back in the 60s. I may buy a few more for future projects. Another source.
Cheers Jim
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Jem
Viscount
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Posts: 3,390
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Post by Jem on Jan 3, 2022 20:25:24 GMT
It tricks the eye into doing the job you hoped Jim - it looks smart, good quality and suits the bike well. Great price too
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Post by oldroadietehachapi on Jan 3, 2022 20:57:48 GMT
It tricks the eye into doing the job you hoped Jim - it looks smart, good quality and suits the bike well. Great price too Sort of like a fake Rolex; works, looks good, turns your wrist green.
Cheers Jim
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