Wrenching on the Bombadil

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Tony DeFilippo

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Jun 14, 2015, 11:07:54 PM6/14/15
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The other thread on the joys of wrenching made me want to share part of my day's wrenching project.  The Saluki re-build has allowed me to start messing around with the Bombadil which maintained it's initial configuration since I scrambled to put it together for my big Veterans Day ride last November.  This frame has so much flexibility!  Honestly though I think it really just wants fatter tires and sleak, flared handlebars!  So here is what I've been working on....


For those keeping track those are 2.25", 650B Nobby Nic's.  Definitely on the outside of recommended width for the first gen Bomba's but I think in un-muddy situations it's going to be fine.  I picked up these tires locally and couldn't pass on the opportunity to check the clearances.  2.1" is definitely the sweet spot for this frame though.  The Nitto RM14 Dirt Drop bars are remarkably comfortable to ride in the drops at least as high up as I have them.  I'm hoping to get off-road for a couple hours this week or coming weekend.



Tim Gavin

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Jun 15, 2015, 9:46:46 AM6/15/15
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Looks great!  

Where did you find RM-014's in normal clamp diameter?  

I like that bar, but I can only find it in 31.8 mm clamp diameter.  And, that version of the bar has a large, weird-shaped section in the middle where it bells out to fit the wider clamp; that section is angled and unusable for clamping a light or anything else near the stem.



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Tony DeFilippo

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Jun 15, 2015, 10:05:17 AM6/15/15
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Thanks Tim!  I picked up the RM14 off the list, or maybe off iBOB earlier this year so I'm not sure of a good place to source them.  I checked over at Bens Cycle but you're right that the ones available have the 31.4mm clamp... bummer.

Ron Mc

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Jun 15, 2015, 10:18:44 AM6/15/15
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are those barrel adjusters or quick disconnect?  

On Sunday, June 14, 2015 at 10:07:54 PM UTC-5, Tony DeFilippo wrote:



Tony DeFilippo

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Jun 15, 2015, 11:07:45 AM6/15/15
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Barrel adjusters, a brilliant suggestion from my LBS for eliminating the cross levers I had installed without throwing out the existing housing.  Nice fringe benefit of extra breaks adjustment to.


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Bill

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Jun 15, 2015, 11:08:55 AM6/15/15
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If you were to GIVE me that Bomber, of course not until the bars are taped, twined, and the shellac is dry, I wouldn't change a single thing. We know it's the right size, so it'll fit me perfectly, and then you could keep the XO-3. With the increase in garage space you could fill in with a bigger mower that would result in more bike riding time. Your tandem is looking mighty nifty too.

Deacon Patrick

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Jun 15, 2015, 11:58:20 AM6/15/15
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Tony, in an emergency, how will you see your cable housing? Grin. Looks fantastic!

With abandon,
Patrick

Tony DeFilippo

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Jun 15, 2015, 11:08:36 PM6/15/15
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Bill - it is handy to know we ride the same size bike (Steve P as well!).  Thank you very much, I'm really happy w/ the Bombadil build so far, looks like i may get to take her out for some single track on Thursday after work!  The XO-3 is looking a bit forlorn right now, up on the hook waiting to have a cockpit installed. I stole the albatross bars from her for the Saluki build.  Moustache bars are coming and I'll keep the single speed going for now, needs a new headset to match the new BB I installed after the winter thrashing...

Patrick - that orange is quite the contrast to the blue. Aside from making the bike vaguely UVA color schemed (Go Hokies! - Virginia Tech) I think it's sharp.  It'll definitely clash with nature though.  For blending in I've got the understated Saluki dark green, cream and black though!

Between the Saluki, Bombadil, Burley tandem and Bob Jackson I've got a couple of projects 'maturing' at about the same time.  Now I just need ride time!!!
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