1996 Stevens 7.6.2. Comp (1991 Koga-Miyata Terraliner Carbolite)

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In the meantime I’ve acquired two donor bikes, for little money. Now I have the missing left crankarm, a top pull XT Derailleur and a lot of parts I don’t need Highlight: A pair of M731 pedals, I’ve never held in my hands before

 

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I've also acquired the cheapest, shortest, tallest stem I could find (possibly the ugliest)

 

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Fitted the wheel set of my daily ride to get an impression and I think I like it

I have a nice pair of

that I’m going to lace to

Also sourced a pair of these locally

 

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Left crank arm sanded with 1500 grit. Right one new an unused

Brakes cleaned and pads replaced

New headset

Bottom bracket fitted

 

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I've bid on a saddle, that was delivered last Saturday

New tires arrived today. They get positive reviews, low rolling resistance, good price

 

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Wheels are finished. I’ve used the rear hub in my commuter in the last couple of month (just for the noise ). So I’ve only had to build a new front wheel (Downside: No Mavics)

 

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The derailleur of choice


Purists look away: I've decided to use some kind of flat bars for the time being, 700 mm wide

 

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Finally the pedals: Some months ago a guy sold several of them on ebay, meanwhile I regret that I’ve only bought one pair


And for the luggage

 

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Today I went on a 50 km shakedown ride (which was enough at 34°) and enjoyed every moment. Although I didn’t wear sandals, this is the right bike for relaxed touring in Birkenstock's.

I didn’t do friction shifting for 30 years (the Gazelle is only for display ) but it worked perfect. I thought about Paul thumbies and bar ends but will leave it as is. At the moment it’s a 44/28 crank with a 12/30 cassette maybe I swap to 42/26 and 11/28.

Usually my hands get numb with flat bars on longer distances but not this time. These are just cheapo steel for testing purpose and I could go even wider as 700 mm with the short stem. Maybe I get some Ritchey Koryak (?) which have a similar bend and cut them down a little.

The Brooks seems to fit me well but I will have to tie the sides together, they are somehow in the way when pedaling.

I am a bit tired of panniers, two are always too much for my kind of cycling, with one bag you're a little out of balance when cornering and it looks shite. I didn’t notice the saddlebag even when pedaling upright, it doesn't swing, the size is perfect for day rides and it looks cool.

Brakes need some bedding in, but no screeching noises from the M739 so far. Maybe some more chunky grips and cnc levers (or Shimano DXR) are an option. I like that folded sheet design of the M600s but they are a little rattly.

Tires are really good rolling also on asphalt. According to bicyclerollingresistance they are on par with Compass/Herse Snoqualmie Pass and as I have them both now, I’d say that’s true. Width is also the same, but the Tufo’s are heavier. The Herse are also slightly more comfortable but cost twice as much.

So far so good