SoCalSurf
Look Ma, No Hands!
Dear People of CABE,
I just finished restoring a 1957 Lady’s Schwinn Tornado (I'm calling her Bunny), it’s my first bike restoration, and it was an incredible experience. But like a lot of things in my life, there isn’t any way someone with my limited technical and mechanical knowledge could’ve pulled it off without the support of the CABE community, and in particular, I want to thank @Mr. Monkeyarms.
For those who don’t know Eric (AKA @Mr. Monkeyarms), he’s smart, friendly, and a walking encyclopedia of bikes (he also listens to great music.) Eric happily volunteered his time and energy, even offering up parts from his stash to help me get across the finish line. For me, this is what CABE is all about. All these strangers, ready to share their passion for bikes, with people like me. It’s what makes this community so special.
I’ll attach some before and after pics of my bike below, and you’ll see that I took some creative license with my vision for the bike, but I didn’t restore this bike to sell it. I did this for the experience, to learn new skills, to express myself, and because I have a deep connection to this particular model, in this particular color. When I look back at the whole process, and how much fun it was, I’m glad I don’t have a garage, or else I’d be looking for my next bike.
The one thing I didn’t anticipate when I started this project was meeting some really interesting people. Obviously Eric, but Chris, who sandblasted and powder coated the frame, and Lee, who patiently answered all my questions and even let me video him as he upholstered my seat (I tried it the first time myself, but it was a miserable disaster, so figured I should call in the big guns.) If anyone wants to see how Lee upholstered my seat, I posted a YouTube video. You can watch it here.
I think many of us came to our love of bikes for a similar reason, they were our first taste of freedom from our yards and neighborhoods and parents. Now we’re the parents, but we’ve never forgotten what our bikes represent and our passion for these incredibly beautiful, yet simple machines is still strong.
Again, thanks to everyone.
Lloyd
I just finished restoring a 1957 Lady’s Schwinn Tornado (I'm calling her Bunny), it’s my first bike restoration, and it was an incredible experience. But like a lot of things in my life, there isn’t any way someone with my limited technical and mechanical knowledge could’ve pulled it off without the support of the CABE community, and in particular, I want to thank @Mr. Monkeyarms.
For those who don’t know Eric (AKA @Mr. Monkeyarms), he’s smart, friendly, and a walking encyclopedia of bikes (he also listens to great music.) Eric happily volunteered his time and energy, even offering up parts from his stash to help me get across the finish line. For me, this is what CABE is all about. All these strangers, ready to share their passion for bikes, with people like me. It’s what makes this community so special.
I’ll attach some before and after pics of my bike below, and you’ll see that I took some creative license with my vision for the bike, but I didn’t restore this bike to sell it. I did this for the experience, to learn new skills, to express myself, and because I have a deep connection to this particular model, in this particular color. When I look back at the whole process, and how much fun it was, I’m glad I don’t have a garage, or else I’d be looking for my next bike.
The one thing I didn’t anticipate when I started this project was meeting some really interesting people. Obviously Eric, but Chris, who sandblasted and powder coated the frame, and Lee, who patiently answered all my questions and even let me video him as he upholstered my seat (I tried it the first time myself, but it was a miserable disaster, so figured I should call in the big guns.) If anyone wants to see how Lee upholstered my seat, I posted a YouTube video. You can watch it here.
I think many of us came to our love of bikes for a similar reason, they were our first taste of freedom from our yards and neighborhoods and parents. Now we’re the parents, but we’ve never forgotten what our bikes represent and our passion for these incredibly beautiful, yet simple machines is still strong.
Again, thanks to everyone.
Lloyd
