Category: HB-03

More RED things to cap off the build of Senator Buff.

New brake cables and bar tape are joined by the original bar plugs (the ones with dasblinkenlights ate themselves). Our RED saddlebag is supplemented by a RED “feed bag”. Like its sibling, this is a piece overflowing with imperfection handmade warmth.

It can be mounted a few different ways, but I found this to be the best. The brake cable is tucked behind, and the lower portion is stabilized by strapping it to the front reflector mount.

HBs 02 and 03 are hitting the block soon. But first, one last trip…

“When you have a hammer, everything looks like a nail.” Since getting a sewing awl, I’ve been thinking of how to repurpose all the scrap material around me. Among them: the RED marine vinyl remaining from upholstering Senator Buff’s saddle.

Freehanding didn’t go so well, so I went to the other extreme and made a 3D model. The wireframe UV map makes a perfect sewing pattern.

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Digital precision is great, but without real world skills to back it up, the results are pretty sloppy overflowing with handmade charm.

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Seriously though, it’s kind of cute. And “character” over “precision” fits in pretty well with this build.

Having a super wide gear range is nice, but not without issues. Besides clunky front shifting, the smaller rear gears can’t be used with the small front chainring – the rear derailleur folds too far thanks to the excess chain length. Adjusting the rear derailleur positioning (B-Tension) seems to help, but that impacts rear shifting performance.

With the new freewheel in back, I also wasn’t spinning out on the lowest gear possible, even on downhills. Time to try a smaller big ring in front.

Finally, decent weather for a test ride…

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Still needs some adjustments, but for the most part rides super smooth.

The final piece. An 18 tooth difference between front chainrings makes drops more of a possibility. Summon catcher: