BFNR Prints are here!

Limited edition Bikes For No Reason prints are here! Only 20 available. Click here to get your copy.

1996 GT Talera

The Go Anywhere Bike

The newest Bikes For No Reason project is completely transforming a 1996 GT Talera mountain bike into a go anywhere touring machine. I'm selecting components that are strong, reliable, low maintenance, and lighter weight when possible. Key conversion features include: drop bars, integrated road brake/shift levers, 9x2 gearing, lightweight wheels, and a fresh coat of paint.

The GT Talera as purchased (photo courtesy of the seller)

The components that have been acquired so far

The frame prepared for painting

26" Zerolite Vuelta Wheels

The cockpit ready for tape

Stats

Frame: 4130 CR-MO
Fork: Tange Unicrown CR-MO
Hubs: N/A
Rims: Vuelta Zero Lite 24 Spoke
Tires: 26"
Shift levers: Shimano Sora 9X2/3
Front Derailleur: Shimano Tiagra
Rear Derailleur: Shimano Tiagra
Crank: Shimano Deore
Gears: N/A
Pedals: Platform
Chain: Narrow
Brake Calipers: Shimano (Cantilever)
Brake Levers: Shimano Sora
Stem: Bianchi Componenti
Handle Bars: Salsa Moto Ace
Saddle: WTB Rocket
Seat Post: Kalloy
Original Weight N/A
Current Weight N/A

1992 Schwinn Paramount

Picked up this Schwinn Paramount last week. Saved is probably a better way to say it. It looked like it had spent some time sitting out of doors. It is a 1992 PDG Series 7. It was full of mud and dead spiders. There was also bird crap on the saddle. This weekend I stripped off every cog, bearing, bolt, you name it, and cleaned, greased, and re-assembled it.  Turned into a great bike! Still needs a few minor things like new bar tape. Eventually will need to be stripped and powder-coated (sadly has a bit of rust).

Update:
Here are some updated images. Finished adding the final touches. Fortunately I was able to save the paint job too. The rust was easily removed with a bit of wet sanding on the clear coat. Only some scratches remain. You can also see the rough condition it was in from the before and after images.

"1992 Schwinn Paramount PDG Series 7"

"1992 Schwinn Paramount PDG Series 7"

"1992 Schwinn Paramount PDG Series 7"

1992 Schwinn Paramount PDG Series 7

1992 Schwinn Paramount PDG Series 7

"Before and after of the bottom bracket"

"More surface corrosion"

"The grime shown here preserved the cassette nicely"

Stats

Frame: Tange Butted CR-MO

Fork: Tange Butted CR-MO

Hubs: Shimano 600

Rims: Wolber 28 Spoke Front / 32 Spoke Rear

Tires: 700c x28

Shift levers: Shimano Flight Deck

Front Derailleur: Shimano 600

Rear Derailleur: Shimano 600

Crank: Shimano 600

Gears: 53X42 & 12-21

Pedals: Shimano SPD

Chain: Narrow

Brake Calipers: Shimano 600 (Dual Pivot)

Brake Levers: Shimano Flight Deck

Quill Stem: PDG Chromoly 130mm

Handle Bars: 3TTT Criterium

Saddle: Vetta

Seat Post: PDG Light Alloy

Original Weight N/A

Current Weight 23lbs

Reasons to ride instead of drive

There are many things I could list about why I ride: scenery, exercise, fresh air, rescuing turtles, etc. However this is a case that is much better illustrated with photos instead of my lame dad jokes.

Malcom W. Martin Memorial Park & The Gateway Geyser (Best view of the Arch)

Bevo Mill

A frozen pond in Forest Park

Forest Park

A long forgotten road.

The Grand Basin & Art Museum

Dedicated bike lanes

The Metro Link

A steel train bridge near Soulard

Scenes From The Bike Show

Had a great time at the 2013 Midwest Bicycle Expo today. Sold a few copies of my new book and met some great individuals from all over the Midwest. It's fun to be around so many others that are as nuts about bikes as I am. All sorts attended from people just looking for a couple of parts for their project bike to others looking to change the infrastructure of entire cities.

The Bikes For No Reason Booth

My friend Mark dropped by to sketch some rad bike riding monsters.
@kryptozoic

I also sketched up a few ideas.

The 1st run of the book is here!

Bikes For No Reason now available!

After countless sleepless nights and the better part of a year my book is finished! This is a book of bicycle illustrations that can be colored, customized, used as reference or just appreciated. “Bikes For No Reason” features twenty different bicycle varieties from modern mountain to vintage track bikes. This book serves as inspiration for both novice and seasoned bicycle enthusiasts. I want readers to reconnect with their bicycles old or new, by seeing new potential in personalizing them. You can check it out here: www.bikesfornoreason.com

Schwinn Traveler Part II

I'm sending out my Romani frame to get a custom paint job. So I wanted another single speed to roll around in this winter. I had been acquiring parts all summer long and decided to put them to good use on the Traveler I recently picked up. Don't worry I saved, cleaned and rebuilt the original 10 speed components so it can be converted back to it's original glory at any time. Recently Sold

1982 Schwinn Traveler

1982 Schwinn Traveler

1982 Schwinn Traveler

I also put my helmet to good use when I sailed over the handlebars on it this morning. Too bad I didn't have a helmet on my back too.