My New Homer

Takashi

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May 3, 2025, 12:43:33 PM5/3/25

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I bought A. Homer Hilsen from Blue Lug last fall and rode it a few times, but I've been very lazy and late working on it, such as re-adjusting fender lines, modifying rear fender for easier Rinko, connecting dynamo wires, etc.

It's now (almost) complete, so today I took it out for a ride.

A. Homer Hilsen frame & fork (54.5cm)

Rene Herse one-by crankset (36t)

Shutter Precision SV-9 dynohub

Velocity A23 rims

Rene Herse Bon Jon Pass EL tires (700x35)

(I first put 38mm tires, but it seemed clearances weren't enough under fenders, so I swapped them for 35mm)

Shimano 11 speed cassette (11-42T)

Shimano GRX rear derailleur

Dia-Compe Ene 11s shifter

Grand Bois centerpull brakes (some small hardwares swapped to Rene Herse hardware)

Grand Bois maes parallel handlebars

Moulton "Wishbone" stem (I might buy some other stem and put this Wishbone back on my Moulton)

Honjo/Simworks Smooth51 fenders

B&M IQ-X headlight, attached to fender with Velo Lumino mount

B&M Secuzed Plus taillight (dynamo-powered)

Takashi

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May 4, 2025, 12:39:09 AM5/4/25

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Larger pictures here :

https://www.flickr.com/photos/77318553@N08/albums/72177720325821340/

Takashi

2025年5月4日日曜日 1:43:33 UTC+9 Takashi:

Justin Phillips

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May 4, 2025, 2:18:23 AM5/4/25

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Beautiful shots. Love seeing the beginning of spring. Bike is looking gorgeous!

-Justin

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Dwain Weary

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May 4, 2025, 2:18:59 AM5/4/25

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very nice build!

that stem looks nice and steep :)

I have 40mm tires on my Homer, feels great, but I sometimes wonder if it would feel more racey with 35's (I consider 35mm the skinniest I'd go these days).

RichS

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May 4, 2025, 3:44:47 PM5/4/25

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Takashi, congratulations on your Homer. I like the classic non-aero brake levers!

Best,

Rich in ATL

Jay

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May 4, 2025, 7:40:38 PM5/4/25

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I like how the brake cables shoot straight up, like the mountains in the background!

I have those DT shifters and like them a lot.

If I one day add a 2nd Riv to the stable, that blue would be one of my top choices. Looks great!

Takashi

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May 5, 2025, 8:38:51 AM5/5/25

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Justin,

Thank you! The elevation of the place where I rode around was around 1100 meters, so cherry blossoms were still in bloom, whereas peach blossoms were yet to bloom.

Dwain,

When I bought my Moulton in 1999 the stem came with frame/fork without an additional charge. I believe you have to pay extra money now to get this stem.

As for tires, I doubt if the ride quality changes in better way by going to skinnier tires. I personally would go fatter if possible.

Rich,

Thank you, I also like how non-aero levers look, but I mainly chose them for functional reasons (easiness of bar swaps, easiness of Rinko, etc.)

Jay,

When I ordered this frame, there were blue and yellow (gold?) ones. It was a tough decision!

Takashi

2025年5月5日月曜日 8:40:38 UTC+9 Jay:

Roberta

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May 6, 2025, 7:38:10 PM5/6/25

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Takashi,

Congratulations on your Homer in the true (correct 😝) Homer blue color. My Homer is my favorite riding bike. Wishing you miles of continuing beautiful views. Thank you for sharing.

Roberta

Andy Beichler

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May 7, 2025, 8:11:48 AM5/7/25

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I love the look of the brake cables lazily looping up and back down. It lends a playful feel to the bike that says, "I plan to stop and look at interesting things as I piddle around on my bike." I am about to put non-aero levers on two bikes and I think I will follow your lead.

Takashi

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May 8, 2025, 9:21:58 AM5/8/25

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Roberta,

Thank you! I'm looking forward to exploring many places on this bike.

Andy,

"I plan to stop and look at interesting things"

That's exactly what I do when I'm on a bike!

Seeing more bikes with non-aero levers in this group would be cool.

Takashi

2025年5月7日水曜日 21:11:48 UTC+9 Andy Beichler:

Dan Dunmire

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May 9, 2025, 8:54:38 AM5/9/25

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" ...the true (correct 😝) Homer blue color" Ouch! It is established fact the dark gold color is faster, lighter in weight, and makes one appear 10 years younger! Why did it take so long to get the color right?!?

😜

Dan, LI NY

Roberta

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May 9, 2025, 9:00:49 AM5/9/25

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Haha!

Don’t get me wrong— I love the gold color, but blue is my favorite color. Perhaps one day we’ll have a Riv ride and we can compare next to each other. I wouldn’t mind looking 10 years younger…

Roberta

Jason Fuller

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May 12, 2025, 1:03:29 PM5/12/25

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Looks great! I am looking forward to seeing this new rig with stunning countryside foliage in your seasonal photos.

Takashi

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May 13, 2025, 6:21:39 PM5/13/25

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Dan,

Hmm... Roberta and I will have to work REALLY hard to prove that we've made the right decision...

Jason,

Thank you! I will have to teach myself every once in a while NOT to ride Homer exclusively like a kid who got a new toy.