The bicycle is finished!
And I have been driving it everywhere. To the Post Office, to the park, to the fair. Lots of fun places! (Minus the Post Office. I rode there, but it’s not a fun place.) And the coaster brakes usually only throw me off once per ride. Well, they don’t literally throw me off. But it really does take some getting used to the absence of handlebar brakes.
Leaving it locked to a post for the first time was a bit how I imagine leaving my 5 year-old-child at school for the first time would feel. I kept walking back to make sure it was still there. And it was. Whew!
For some reason these pictures don’t show the colors as accurately as I’d wished. I think my camera settings were off, and I couldn’t fix it completely in Photoshop. But I’m quite sure she will be making appearances in photos to come.
See the whole before, during, and after photos on my flickr set here. The change was very dramatic in person, but I don’t think the before pictures show just how horrible the bike was at the beginning. My dad and I were talking about how this was a much larger project than either of us had expected, and we felt that we should give the blanket warning to “do not try this at home,” like we did. It went okay for us, because my dad is a super dad and if he can’t do something, he has a friend that can (and will do it for free!). But it’s not an easy DIY, and can quickly turn into a disaster if you don’t know what you’re doing. If you all have any questions, I will answer them in the comments below.
(Oh and P.S. I am saving my pennies for a pretty basket, and I don’t think Archie (my Yorkie) will be riding in it, judging from the way he is scared to even sit in a laundry basket on the ground. And I think the thought of the basket falling from my bike with Mr. Archibald inside is just too much for me to bear.)
wow! the bike has undergone such a great transformation. good job, it’s beautiful!
I want one so badly! I have been searching for something affordable since April. I wish they weren’t so trendy, then they would be easier to find :)
oh how cute!! I’m really wanting a new cute bike!
Oh, it’s gorgeous!! :) Love it to bits! My bike is feeling severely un-cute right about now, in comparison…lol…so thanks for the DIY warning, or I might have been tempted – and I am clueless! lol. Lovely!!
i LOVE LOVE LOVE this bike! I love the basket idea, are you going to add any more cute features like a bell?!
Thanks, Kara! I actually did add a bell already. That was an add on. So fun to hear the “ting ting” when I’m passing someone! haha
Also, the original rear view mirror is going to be put on too, as soon as I can figure out where I placed the hardware.
Oh la la, sooo pretty. I can see how the bike would make the Post Office bearable at the least.
super cute bicycle!
Wow!! You guys did an amazing job!! Super cute!!
Wow, you did that so quickly! It looks incredible. :)
oohh i LOVE it! the colour is absolutely perfect, i’m so glad you’re enjoying it. :)
Oh, bravo, chica! The bike looks beautiful! Happy riding! :)
Amazing! I am SO envious :) Happy biking x
It turned out great Mandi!
Yay for having such a great Dad to help you with all your projects.
Oh my goodness, I absolutely love your bike! I bought an old schwinn (here!) last year and she really needs brakes that *ahem* work at all, and the paint is rusting out a little more than it was last year. I want to take her in but I really have no idea of what to ask for or the price tag.
I think I might just go to a shop and request a medic, and see where that takes me! lol If you have any advice on how to approach this kind of a thing, I would really appreciate it :)
Aaaaaand my link didn’t work at all :)
This is my bike:
http://www.kylaroma.com/2009/07/hipster-envy/
Oh my gosh! I love your bike! I would ride it everywhere. I know exactly what you mean about not wanting to leave your bike alone locked up. Such a beautiful bike!
oh yeah! Your bike turned out so beautiful! I can’t wait to get started on mine.
You have totally inspired me with this project. I just hope my hubby will be as helpful as your dad.
So pretty. I love the colors of your bike. You did a great job refinishing it. I have a new bike that is suppose to look old. Maybe someday I will attempt something like this. Thanks for the inspiration.
I love it!! This is such a happy bike!
ahh this is so perfect! yay!! the most beautiful bike ever!
GORGEOUS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Oh Gosh, I’m extremely jealous :)
She is Soooooo pretty! Good work!
“holy crap! wow!” sorry for the cursing, but that really was my first reaction :)
it looks great!
it looks so GOOD!!! i wanna go for a ride… :)
I love the bike!
i was once riding my bike in my busy city (toronto) and there was this super cute jackrussel terrier wandering in the middle of the road with no owner. he was so friendly and passive and I looked for an owner but couldnt find one, so i put him in my bike basket and rode him to my vet.
i found his owner that night but it was the cutest experience riding with this super passive dog in my basket.
:)
I’m SO jealous! It looks fantstic.
Your bike came out amazing!! I am in love with the color and the seat. Its just awesome. Are you going to get a wicker basket or something like this: http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.shoprelish.com/store/pc/catalog/I301711.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.shoprelish.com/store/pc/viewPrd.asp%3Fidcategory%3D%26idproduct%3D220&usg=__qQWXo5U6rNlJ39EiMWhj7E1j35Q=&h=300&w=300&sz=17&hl=en&start=4&um=1&itbs=1&tbnid=yrWtzC5IEaJZkM:&tbnh=116&tbnw=116&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dswedish%2Bdesigned%2Bbike%2Bbasket%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26sa%3DN%26tbs%3Disch:1
the bike is perfect! i love it!!!
maggiesfarmm.blogspot.com
Just beautiful. A labour of love :)
When I was growing up, my little dog loved riding in my basket … would pout if he wasn’t allowed to come along. Mr. Arch might just surprise you ;)
saw the flickr photos- the bike looks awesome!!!
-kel
jaw dropped.. hit floor… then this wave of jealousy hit me! ha ha! ;) SO FREAKING AWESOME!! Great work!!
Wow, what a lovely bicycle!
I WANT!!!! Lovely bike!
this is amazing! you did an excellent job! and is that a brooks lady’s sit!?!?!?! i really want one for either of my bikes, they are sooo comfy! i love the tires and the color….i am just completely speech less! super freakin’ awesome!!!!!
by the way i found you through a beautiful mess :D
xo,
cb
http://www.thecitybirdsnest.blogspot.com
Wow, this is amazing! I love it!!
Thanks, everyone!
cb: No, the seat is actually a total rip off. It’s Nirve (sp?) brand. It was much more affordable, though I hope to get a Brook’s saddle some day. :)
oh my goodness… i’m jealous times 1 million. i’d love to have a black or brown one.