New (to me) bike day -- 57cm A. Homer Hilsen

[Eric G@rs]

Last year I bought a new Sam Hillborne from Analog that I've been using mostly as a daily commuter. The Sam fits great, but frankly, it is just too pretty. I worry about it getting scratched on the Caltrain and about theft as I park it on a college campus. So, I decided that I would feel better about getting a used frame and having it powder coated to make it a little less flashy and a little more durable. I put out a WTB on the list for a 57cm Homer back in November and was fortunate to find one that I believe to be an early Toyo model given the serial number (AH0024) and the fact that it can accommodate three bottle cage mounts. The decals were nearly peeled off, but the frame was in great shape. Thanks to the Coronavirus, I've had plenty of free time to build it up. The majority of the parts were ported over from the Sam (which is now for sale) except for the brakes, brake levers, and handlebars. I've been wanting to try Albastache bars for a while, but was a little concerned about how they would feel after only using drop bars for the past 15 years. The transition from drops was easy, though, and I really appreciate the ability to have a more upright option while still maintaining road levers in the more forward position. If anyone is considering them, I would strongly recommend it. Anyhow, the Homer fits great and is a joy to ride. The monotone low gloss black powder coat is not nearly as pretty as the black and cream paint on the Sam, and I prefer it that way. More discreet, more my speed. I look forward to adding many more miles to the life of this frame. 

[Chris L]

If my Hunqapillar turns out to be my forever bike, I want to get it painted/coated black with no decals.  I would probably leave the head badge, though.  

[Joe Bernard]

It's weird to see those familiar tubes and lugs under a glossy coat of basic black, but I dig it. In an interesting way it almost takes the wraps off, like the frame itself announces what it is instead of the graphics.

[Jason Fuller]

I understand the need for a low-key bike, but also not wanting an actual pedestrian frame. My solution was a Clem H with a bunch of decals. This solution looks like it must ride fantastically.  I don't, however, condone selling your Sam H based on it being too pretty - I am betting you'll regret selling it in time!

[j.schwartz]

looks great

here's my powder coated black SH set up almost exactly like your AHH

I ran it without decals for a couple of years and recently picked up some over-clear decals for the frame

It's been a huge relief to just not worry about the paint on this bike 

[greenteadrinkers]

Wow, that Sam looks amazing! How do you like stem mounted shifters?

[Eric G@rs]

J, your Sam likes quite nice as well. I dig the black with black accents. True to your surname.

Jason, I think it’s unlikely that I’ll regret it, but I appreciate the concern. I only need one bike and this one feels more like my own since I built it myself. You want the Sam??

Joe, I agree with your assessment.

Green, I know you solicited an opinion from J, but stem shifters are great.

[Evan E.]

Eric,

Beautiful bike! (I, too, had a new Sam that I thought was too pretty.) Which powder coater did you use? 

Evan in San Francisco

[Eric G@rs]

I used Champion powder coating which is in the Bayview neighborhood. It only cost 200$. I would recommend them based on my experience. I’ve heard that West Coast powder coating in south city also does a good job. They did all the frames for the now defunct Mission Bicycles, fro what I understand. Also, if you’re anywhere near the bike kitchen in the mission, they have tools for you to chase the BB threads and face the BB and head tube.

[Dave Small]

I've always admired good, strong graphics on bikes.  Not 1980's neon-like graphics, but strong tasteful graphics like those on Rivendells.  A couple of years ago I bought a used Quickbeam that had been stripped of its decals but kept the head badge, and a little after that bought a used Box Dog Bikes Pelican that had been powder-coated after a repair and was also without decals.  To my surprise I really dug (and still dig) the looks of them both.  I think it's the stealth factor, although I can't say I've spent much time analyzing my psychology behind it.