The Almost 10 by Almost 15

[Squashfest81]

While off to a fair with the family yesterday, I spied in the distance an interesting pile. A mess of bikes. I quickly directed the wife to pull over and leaped from the car. I was in awe. I looked around, thinking this can't be trash, but who parks bikes in a pile by the curb? The owner came out of the garage carrying some games to add to the pile. So, her youngest is off to college next year and they are clearing out. She said they all need tires. Wow! The black 16in Raleigh will be perfect for the wife. And the kiddos will grow into the others. Now to clear out some other bikes. There is only four of us, but we now have 15 bikes including the tandem. Yikes!

 

[OzarkMan]

Wow, thats a great score! Bikes look almost new. Its a shame that they cost so much to buy new and yet have little perceived value later that people just throw them away. Glad they are going to a new home.

 

[Squashfest81]

Mesa, it's amazing what gets tossed. Even more so, what someone will spend on a kids bike. That black Raliegh retailed for $690. That Navarro was from REI and sold for like 500. I still have my Fugi I saved up 340 bucks for in 93.
The Raleigh had presta valves, which I don't have a pump for, so I just drilled the wheels to fit your standard Schrader valve. Simple and worked. The wife took a cruise and is super happy.
Hopefully I'll get the door to the shed up tomorrow.

 

[BoilermakerFan]

Wow, nice score!

For future reference, they make a Presta to Schrader adapter that just screws on to the Presta stem. It's like $2 at a bike shop. I keep mine in my saddle bag.

 

[drivesitfar]

SQ: that's how some of us obtained the hobbies or side jobs we do is because we found stuff cheap or just available that we could fix up and use or sell. great stop and it sounds like your wife likes the idea too since she's getting a sweet ride?

now that you know how to raise and just about build a shed maybe it's time to build a BIKE SHED TOO.

keep up the great work and best of luck.

 

[Squashfest81]

Got the door up, finally. I'm a huge fan of solid core doors, but my goodness a 36in wide solid core is just silly heavy. Looking at the pic, yes the door is offset, the Shopsmith will get the extra space on the left with the 101 little lathe to the right.

 

[Squashfest81]

And that pic really shows the reason for all of this. Look at those tiny green doors.
It was getting dark and I have no power yet, but I switched out the "stem extension" thing that hold the handlebars between the bikes. Boiler jump in here as I know little about bikes. I put the longer extension from the wife's new bike on my Gary to gain a little stretch. Gained like an inch and a half.
Yes Boiler, I could have got a presta valve, but I googled it first and it was really not suggested to drill, so I drilled anyway. Tubes are cheap.

 

[Squashfest81]

Drives, the wife is on board, most of the time. I try to be open minded with my roadside finds. If they fill a need for me great, if not I'll sell.
Funny you mention the bike shed. The wife and I were speaking last night about a third shed. Something for just bikes and sport stuff. Then we'd have the lawn equipment shed and the shop. The shop is not for storage.

 

[BoilermakerFan]

well, I don't think your wife will be jumping or thrashing the Raleigh, so it should be ok, but watch the rim. It may be weaker now...

I've swapped several stems. The longer stem just "slows" down the steering response a little, but proper fit is more important.

On my 2000 GF Tassajara I put a little shorter but taller stem on my to get a more upright position since I converted it to a single speed fully rigid bike.

 

[BoilermakerFan]

What year and model is your Gary Fisher?


Here's my shorter, taller stem:

The bike is now a city bike and geared pretty tall, but for basically flat city streets it's perfect. Started out at 32/16. Now it's 34/15 and I've thought about going taller to 34/14 or 36/15, but I've already stretched one chain so I'm not sure. When I converted to SS the bike went on a major diet. Shed over 9 pounds between the cheap suspension fork, heavy crankset, wheelset, gears, shifters, derailers, etc.


I hate Schrader valves, love Presta valves, but that's me. We don't ride far enough away from home that I couldn't just carry a bike home if I blew a tire or tube. Back when my GF was hard tail MTB, I carried spare tubes, a frame mounted pump, and a fiberglass tire lever. Changed several tubes on the side of the trail. Then I blew out the suspension fork on a big, unexpected drop. That's when I converted to a rigid single speed and had new wheels built up by my bicycle mechanic. I do a lot of my own work on my bikes, but I always have my bike mechanic check it over... I have too many scars from cheap bikes that failed at the wrong time and I don't have the tools or patience to build my own wheels.

 

[Squashfest81]

Boiler, have you met my wife? No, she will not be thrashing. But now she has a formidable ride to get her through the trails to the beach.
My ride is a 2007 GF Bitter. Overall I'm super pleased with it. It works so well for my trails. It wants to be in the woods though, she's a slow heavy beast on the pavement. That's why we need a fleet of bikes though.
Next winter I'm going to hydraulic brakes on the GF. The previous owner switched out the brake levers for cheap levers made for standard bike brakes, not disk. They just aren't effective and if I'm spending money...

 

[BoilermakerFan]

Boiler, have you met my wife? No, she will not be thrashing. But now she has a formidable ride to get her through the trails to the beach.
My ride is a 2007 GF Bitter. Overall I'm super pleased with it. It works so well for my trails. It wants to be in the woods though, she's a slow heavy beast on the pavement. That's why we need a fleet of bikes though.
Next winter I'm going to hydraulic brakes on the GF. The previous owner switched out the brake levers for cheap levers made for standard bike brakes, not disk. They just aren't effective and if I'm spending money...

Ha ha ha ha.

Put the widest tires that will fit on her bike, it will help immensely on the beach.

Properly set up cable disc brakes use standard levers just fine. What brakes are on the bike? Avid BB5 are decent and BB7s are really great mechanical discs. Deore XT mechanical discs are nice too, but I'm just not a Shimano fan. The only Shimano on my bike are my Deore XT 525 wheel hubs, but nothing touches those hubs for the money so I made the exception... I bought most of the components for my bike online on clearance years ago. Kept them in a box for almost 2 years before having everything put on. I still have some old Easton EA90 racing bits, but I'm saving them for an eventual SS hardtail XC racer build. I've had the frame for over 12 years. Eventually I'll build the bike...

If you have Avid BB5 or BB7 brakes, you can save a lot of money if you just upgrade the rotor size in front, put aftermarket pads, and new high performance cables on the mechanical brakes. You should be able to buy the correct caliper mounts for the larger rotor, the larger rotor, new pads, and new cables. Put new pads and cable on the rear too, then adjust them per Avid's recommendation. I forget how they are set up.

My brake levers are old SRAM 9.0 full polymer. They are super light, flex a little, but haven't broken in 7 years. And I can still lock both wheels with a 2-finger pull on the lever. I actually backed them off a lot so they don't lock up so fast. I've thought about upgrading to an Avid BB7 6" or 7" rotor on my fork, but my GF is rim brake only on the rear.

 

[Squashfest81]

I've got research to do on the brakes. I'll consult with you before making any decisions.
The GF has 2.4in tires, which have massive drag, but are so stable in the wet. They still don't get me very far in our soft sand. Close to the waves they may do alright.
One plus for the giant tires is our local trails have lot's of marsh which needs bridges. The bridges have been made with two 2 by 10's side by side with a gap in between. 2in tires will drop between, but the 2.4's can cruise over the gap. Really helps my inexperience out.

 

[drivesitfar]

SQ: i like the idea of another shed for bikes and family stuff and looks like BM might have some tips on how to set up a workbench for bike work in there too.

bikeriding on the beach just sounds like a blast and i can't recall doing that as an adult.

 

[cderalow]

the general term for that bit is the 'stem'

 

[Squashfest81]

Stem, thanks Cderalow.
Drives, get out to the coast and ride. It's got to be gorgeous over there.
I definitely want to come up with a bike workstand setup. Something that I just c clamp to the bench or grab in a vise? Cderalow, Boiler, or anyone what's​ your setup?
Got a few more screws in to even my gaps out then tossed the lock on. Even dragged the windows over for the next step. Pull the siding and get those windows in.

 

[cderalow]

Stem, thanks Cderalow.
Drives, get out to the coast and ride. It's got to be gorgeous over there.
I definitely want to come up with a bike workstand setup. Something that I just c clamp to the bench or grab in a vise? Cderalow, Boiler, or anyone what's​ your setup?
Got a few more screws in to even my gaps out then tossed the lock on. Even dragged the windows over for the next step. Pull the siding and get those windows in.

where are you in MA that you keep referencing the coast? Somewhere on the Cape?

 

[BoilermakerFan]

the general term for that bit is the 'stem'

Or a whatyamacallit, or thingymabob.


Squash,

I was going to go high end hydraulic brakes, but my mechanic talked me out of it. For my riding conditions, I just don't have anything that would warrant the need for 4-piston hydro brakes on my MTB. I put more money into my headset and bottom bracket/crankset. Or the "pivoty-thing" and "pedal spinner parts"

Family Handyman has almost all of their annual shed plans available free to download online from their web site. They include assembly drawings and materials lists. Several different sizes and styles. I downloaded about 7 of them just to have on file. Another member on here has a build thread for his modified 2015 Family Handyman shed. I'll find his build thread and send you the link.

 

[Squashfest81]

Cd, we are on the South coast of Ma. just before the Cape. So, when I mention my local trail I'm looking across the water to Falmouth.
Boiler, a link would be great! I'll google the handyman too.

 

[BoilermakerFan]

Squash

You can buy bench mounted bike repair stands. There are cheaper ones, but you do get what you pay for...

I will be getting one of these two Park models because they are also strong enough to hold my motorcycle forks for rebuilding.

 

[BoilermakerFan]

Boiler, a link would be great! I'll google the handyman too.

Here ya' go:

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=350462


Just search for SHED on the Family Handyman web site.

 

[drivesitfar]

SQ: we love driving down and spending a few days on the OREGON COAST, but we sold or gave away our bikes years ago. we do walk a lot and just for a little color for your thread here's a few pictures from our side of the USA. we like the COAST in the winter and stormy season maybe even better than in the summers cause lots going on. we've got a place to stay where we can sit with windows about 20 feet from the edge of the PACIFIC OCEAN. there are also these sand castle contests during the summers. I'm guessing you might have sand castle contests in your area too?

your shed is coming along nicely and as always another project seems to be getting ground to get started as you do. are we enablers at GJ or do we just like to keep improving our lives?

best of luck with the windows!!

 

[OzarkMan]

Wow, outstanding views! I too, enjoy a good storm. Unfortunately for us, Phoenix doesn't have much in terms of storms aside from blowing dust and lightning.

 

[Squashfest81]

Thanks Boiler, I've been through that shed build and it's a great looking structure. Didn't realize it was a handyman. If I do a bike shed I'll definitely use some type of panel roof. My father used the tinted plastic when he redid his, and it's always light in there. One shed at a time.

 

[Squashfest81]

Drives, I'm thinking anywhere there is wet sand there are sand castle contests. It's amazing what some can do. Sculpting is such a mystery to me. Kudos to those that can.
I do love an ocean view. The price just goes up exponentially with a view. Decks overlooking an angry coast is awesome! Renting for a week down the Cape just off the national seashore this summer. The waves and winds should be fun!
Mesa, I'm all set with dust, but I've always been a fan of lightning.

 

[BoilermakerFan]

So you're just east of Dartmouth or south of Dartmouth? We lived in Shrewsbury just east of Worcester for exactly 365 days back in June '97 to June '98. We had actually found an affordable duplex in Wouburn right before I found out we were being transferred to Minneapolis. My aunt and uncle have a small place about midway in the Cape. We used to go to Hampton Beach in NH all the time. Love that beach.

I still want to come back to visit Boston and drive The Big Dig now that it's done. When we lived there it was just a construction nightmare.

 

[BoilermakerFan]

Thanks Boiler, I've been through that shed build and it's a great looking structure. Didn't realize it was a handyman. If I do a bike shed I'll definitely use some type of panel roof. My father used the tinted plastic when he redid his, and it's always light in there. One shed at a time.

Yep, that is the 2015 plan. I'll probably build either the 2009 or 2013 plan and put in skylights. I found nice Velux skylights at our local ReStore for $100 each and I can probably get all 3 for $200.

 

[Squashfest81]

You want to drive the big dig? Funny. I'm a fan of giant infrastructure, but...
I only experience it when I head to Logan. It all looks so concretey!
2009 or 2013, I'll go look.

 

[BoilermakerFan]

You want to drive the big dig? Funny. I'm a fan of giant infrastructure, but...
I only experience it when I head to Logan. It all looks so concretey!
2009 or 2013, I'll go look.

Yes I do! As much as the city was turned on it's head to do that project and dealing with all the detours, I want to drive it, then experience the parks and shopping on top of it.

 

[Squashfest81]

Walked into the other shed, that's full of ****, and found this little nightmare scene. Yeah, that's like a 4 foot snake, dead, with it's head caught in that net, hanging, and dripping blood on my bike helmet. Why the hell?

 

[Squashfest81]

What is it? Any experts?

 

[Strouty]

It was a milk snake, one of the most friendly snakes you can ever imagine. They are great at keeping pests away, but won't mess with people at all.

 

[BoilermakerFan]

Yep... poor thing. You can tan the hide easily though... might as well.

I relocate or leave most snakes alone with ONE exception...

We own property in TN that is infested with Copperheads. In Indiana they are protected so I called the local conservation officer in TN to ask if they were protected in TN and what I needed to do when I come across one. He laughed, said no those bastards aren't protected, and asked me to shoot every one I see on sight, no matter how big or small they are. They are highly aggressive and poisonous. According to the CO, my county in TN is almost overrun with them and they hospitalize many residents a year there.

So my next call was to my local Indiana CO to find out if I could have the skins on my person in Indiana if they were taken in TN. They said sure, just have the TN CO sign off that they were harvested off my property in TN and keep that letter on file in my safe. My neighbors also asked if I planned to reduce their numbers because apparently they hang out in my property but come to all the neighbors yards to cause problems. So I have plans to harvest as many as I can this fall and I'll tan the hides then send them to a leather worker in TX to make a belt and holster for me (to carry my "snake gun"), a sling, a belt for my son, and a belt for my dad, plus whatever other ideas we come up with.

 

[Squashfest81]

Hold on. Are you seriously suggesting that I "tan" the hide. Like, go get it from where I tossed it in the woods? Then what? Off to YouTube.

 

[HSpencer]

SQ

I would offer to trade you a set of raccoons for the snake, but I have a "slight" aversion to snakes of any flavor. You see, which what kind or how many, I just don't want any around.

Best Regards
Herb

 

[Farmall450]

OP, that's a good looking shed/shop you've got going on. Just read the whole thread...good job. I'm not a big fan of snakes, friendly or not.

 

[Squashfest81]

Strout, good to know. Im not anti snake, spiders, or racoons, but I do like them to stay in their habitat. Leave me and my house and tiny shed.
Boiler, I'll see if I can grab the carcass off the vines and poison sumac at first light. Then we will need to consult on skin tanning, and more importantly, some bike talk.
Herb, good catch on the racoon. Luckily I haven't found any swinging in my sheds.
Thanks Farmall, yeah, the snakes have a ton of woods to enjoy. They need to quit snooping in my shed. Although, less mice is good too. Which reminds me, I've go to build some bat houses.

 

[BoilermakerFan]

Strout, good to know. Im not anti snake, spiders, or racoons, but I do like them to stay in their habitat. Leave me and my house and tiny shed.
Boiler, I'll see if I can grab the carcass off the vines and poison sumac at first light. Then we will need to consult on skin tanning, and more importantly, some bike talk.
Herb, good catch on the racoon. Luckily I haven't found any swinging in my sheds.
Thanks Farmall, yeah, the snakes have a ton of woods to enjoy. They need to quit snooping in my shed. Although, less mice is good too. Which reminds me, I've go to build some bat houses.

If it's on poison sumac, let it be... not worth getting that for the hide... unless your don't react to it, but I wouldn't risk poison sumac for the skin. But yes, snakes are pretty easy to tan the hide.

 

[Squashfest81]

Switched out of the flip flops into actual pants and shoes to begin my search for the elusive milk snake carcass. I cleared a path through the poison thorny vines to the spot where the carcass was haphazardly discarded. Possibly it was dragged away and consumed, maybe it's natural camouflage has done it's job, or just maybe my heart wasn't in it...

 

[BoilermakerFan]

Switched out of the flip flops into actual pants and shoes to begin my search for the elusive milk snake carcass. I cleared a path through the poison thorny vines to the spot where the carcass was haphazardly discarded. Possibly it was dragged away and consumed, maybe it's natural camouflage has done it's job, or just maybe my heart wasn't in it...

Like I said, I would have left it in the sumac... but a scavenger definitely picked it up last night so you at least fed other wildlife.