Getting Closer...

Today I finished up the wheel set. The rims were an interesting project. I purchased some used rims from my favorite 20" bike shop, Irv's, along with tubes, rim strips and new whitewall tires. I bought used rims for 2 reasons; first because I wanted black rims and they didn't have any so I'd have to paint them, but more importantly to be consistent in the idea of reuse and the bike being 90% post-consumer. The rims took some work. First I taped off the bearings and then sandblasted both rims. Next I removed the tape and added 4 coats of flat black metal paint. Once they were dry, the strips were put in and the tires went on. They look beautiful! Finally, I touched up the paint on the rest of the bike and went out to purchase handlebars, a seat post, a seat, a headset, and a chain. Tonight I am going to mount the wheels and put together the front assembly. Tomorrow I will change out the crank, install the chain, chaingaurd and front fender and we will have a bike! With exception to some minor accessorizing I might do. I'm thinking about adding a light, spedometer, kickstand and a saddle bag but I'll have to see them on the bike before I can decide. I don't want it to look cheap or cluttered.