The Pinup pose of one beautiful conversion bike, the Avalon

[buyagain]

Ok This is the last time I'm placing the Avalon on Display for all you guys here. Just to show off her finished lines and what a great conversion She might just turn out to be. Of course the proof is in the actual driving so that remains to be seen. Those of you like Johntolhurst are asking to "taste the soup" or something like that. All I know to tell you is that I'm trying to learn as fast as I can so give me a break will you. Oh that reminds me, This is my third day and I finally peddled. Look mommy I peddled. I must have broken some confidence barrier because I lost count of all my peddling and I did quit peddling for some time. Yes the road or turn that I decided to take was not completely my decision and yes I would swear someone besides me was in control at times but I just kept going and going and going. Next I'm going to practice going down the road I decide and not the road the bikes decides. LOL
OK so feast your eyes on this baby. PS If anyone is going to want a write up or a narative on the assemblage of this particular bike including any unique problems , speak now or forever hold your peace.

Don't forget to click on the photo for the larger version.

Bob

 

[John Tolhurst]

That is exceedling complimentary of the builder as well as the concept.

If you want to go for a regular stem, it could lower the handlebars if in fact there is room to do so.

 

[buyagain]

Thanks for the compliment, Johntolhurst.

johntolhurst wrote:
If you want to go for a regular stem, it could lower the handlebars if in fact there is room to do so.

I guess we need a see where my knees strike that stem, right? Also by regular stem do you mean as in this picture? And replace that large head I got from the LBS.

bob

 

[John Tolhurst]

True, it is not uncommon to find a large head at the LBS. :?

Yes the ahead style as in that picture, make sure you retain good reach, bent limbs need to be about 135 to 165 degs included angle to have any real strength.

 

[buyagain]

johntolhurst wrote: Yes the ahead style as in that picture, make sure you retain good reach, bent limbs need to be about 135 to 165 degs included angle to have any real strength.

For your recommendations see photo attached. I know its not a pretty sight but this is for analytical purposes only please. I've already heard the joke about "where's the bike ?" so please no wisecracks. So with all this 135 and 165 degrees stuff please note that my knee is at it's highest. I hate that i must give up that stem because I just bought it, but if you say so it will be done.
I can see cutting 2" off the extension tube and using conventional stem aimed at me. ?????????

Regards
Bob

 

[Doug Burton]

johntolhurst wrote: True, it is not uncommon to find a large head at the LBS. :?

BWAHHAHHAHA... very good.

Bob, it looks pretty good from here, you got knee clearance and the bike's all together... you might wanna go ahead and get some seat time in before making a lot of modifications...

You can go with the "aheadset" type stem shown in your picture above; you'll want to select a stem/handlebar combo that keeps your hand placement no further than about 3" behind the steerer tube centerline. (At least in m experience, the further behind the steering axis the hand position goes, the more the steering/pedaling relationship changes. John may have some comments on this.)

(See, I can do the "hide the bike" thing, too...) :shock:

A fine bike. I think the Avalon can go on the recommended frame list.

Good on ya.

Doug