The Repurposed Bike: Ready!

Gentlemen and ladies, here she is.  The "Repurposed Bike is now a new commuter, all fresh from the reworking and ready for the first ride.

Here she is in original form, a stock Giant Escape 1

And here she is now!  Readyand waiting  for that first trip.

Particulars:

Saddle:  An antique Brooks Professional

Driveline:  Shimano 8 speed

Shifters:  Shimano Ultegra 8 speed bar end

Brake Levers:  Cane Creek Drop V

Brakes:  Shimano Deore Vee Brakes

Pedals:  Shimano dual use (flats on one side, SPD on the other)

Cargo Rack:  Tubus

Fenders:  SKS

Frame:  Giant Escape

Wheels:  Giant

Handlebar:  Giant

Stem:  Giant

Tires:  Giant

Panniers:  Old School Schwinn  (Not this new, WalleyWorld crap, but real, honest-to-goodness Schwinn parts!)

The bar end shifters were chosen for their reliability, and because they were not integrated into the brakes.  That choice allowed the use of road bike “drop bar” type brake levers that would function with V-brakes.  Cool, huh?

This bike is a bit of an experiment.  It’s a re-blend of parts, to change the purpose of the bike.  This is no super lightweight racer, nor is it a heavy-duty tourist.  What it is (Hopefully) is a solid, reliable, dependable, commuter.  One that meets my particular needs.

Will it work?  How will it handle?  Will it do the intended job?  I’ll keep you posted.