Well, another simple, easy project completed. Not one problem getting the Stan Pike 753 frame I bought from Martin Copeland put together (by the way, thanks again, Martin!). Oh, there was the usual delay in shipping a frame from Europe, but at least it didn't come from the Netherlands where the DEA would tear the box to shreds looking for hashish. And then never mind the wait for the special order Phil Wood titanium BB for a TA Cyclotouriste double (116mm + 5, and here's where the closed back french threaded crank arms that were a list topic a while back ended up. Thanks whoever it was that traded me these beauties.).
Then there was the minor problem of Steve Willis at the Bike Stand in Scotch Plains having to modify some Campy brake adjustors on the lathe to fit the Modolo Master Pros I had for this frame, after the ebay seller with the tiny photo failed to mention that the adjusters weren't included with the brakes (experienced bike mechanic my #$%@#). And then never mind that the wide splayed seat stays for the full wrap seat cluster hit the rear brake right in the quick release, necessitating an emergency change to a set of Campy Triomphes I had handy (Sorry Steve, but I'll use em eventually and thanks for the ace wrenching!).
And then Steve and I found out that Mel Pinto charged a premium for their TA track pedals with french threads (but, oh, are they pretty!) Then I forgot to tighten the handlebar stem fully in the steerer tube, leading me to wonder "Why is the head set was rattling so badly?!?" and spending half an hour "adjusting" the headset. Then I found out that the TA chainring bolts I had were 5 doubles and one triple (Why does this one bolt stick out so far?) Then I installed the DT shift levers on the wrong side ("Dear, why is there so much swearing coming out of the basement?"). Then I broke several strands of my last derailleur cable trying to get all the slack out of the rear shifter mech (insert bad words of your choice here). Then, ----
But like I said, never any problems worth mentioning. And after a brief test ride, she is a true thoroughbred. Very lite, comfy, and excellent handling. And some of the cleanest lug work I've ever seen. Reminds me very much of a Silk Hope frame with the understated graphics. And no down tube decal to save weight!
A few other oddities: This is apparently the "touring set" 753 tubing, as the seat post is 27.0 (another minor assembly issue I forgot to mention above). Very sensible for a big frame (63 cm). It also has the only fully wrapped seat cluster that I've ever seen on a 753 frame. I haven't had a chance to weigh it yet, but I'll guess 21 lbs with clinchers and no silly ultra light parts other than the aforementioned TI BB. It does have "modern" (gasp!) light weight skewers, seat post and saddle, but I've never claimed to be a "pure" purist. Oh, and I used some Stella Azzura stitched faux leather tape, which looks neato to my eyes. (I got it from World Cycling Productions.)
Hope to make it to Steve Maasland's ride in two weeks near Philly, (the 22nd, right Steve?), and if you are there you can have a look. Until then, here are some pics.
or if that doesn't work, http://f2.pg.photos.yahoo.com/
and open the Stan Pike folder.
Tom (whew!) Adams, Shrewsbury NJ