Ted Wojcik, Take 2

[misterdangerpants]

Okay, back in February of 2007 I decided to treat myself to a new mountain bike. My trusty 1994 Rhygin (built in 1996) was still serving me well, but I really wanted to try some of the new technology and also go back to having a completely rigid bike. What I wanted was a modern version of a Fat Chance Yo Eddy; a bike I passed over for my Rhygin.

Now, all my frames are locally made, and I wanted to keep it that way. When it came time to decide which local framemaker to use, and there are many qualified craftsmen/women in the Boston area, it was a no-brainer: Ted Wojcik. Similar to my affinity for Fat Chance products, there was always something about Ted's work that I just liked. Maybe it was his reputation concerning his brilliant welding skills or maybe it was the funky font emblazoned on his bikes. Whatever it was, I dropped a dime and made an appointment to meet with Ted to fit myself up with what I have been affectionately calling a "Yo Teddy."

Ted's the type of guy you can hang out with all day and shoot the breeze. He'll bend your ear like it's nobody's business. With more than 25 years in the frame building industry, he has a lot of stories.

When I got the call to go and retrieve my bike, I was elated, but then somewhat bewildered when I arrived to find my frame hadn't been built up with all the components. Though, this feeling quickly subsided as I got the chance again to pick Ted's brain and talk about a myriad of topics for the next several hours.

To save myself some time, I opted to have Ted build the complete bike considering I wasn't all that familiar with things like the hydraulic braking systems. I chose a full XTR gruppo with Mavic CrossMax SLR wheels and some carbon fiber bits. After several cups of joe, here's what I got at the end of the day:

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It's a beauty, isn't it? Well, one of would think. After several rides, something just wasn't right. I just didn't like it like I anticipated. I took some time and waffled about exactly what I should do. Convert it to a single speed? A 2x9? Sell it? I came to the conclusion that what I really wanted was to build the bike up as a custom bike, similar to what I did when I built my Rhygin. I then proceeded to disassemble the bike and sold everything on eBay.

Things have changed a lot in the past decade. I really wasn't all that well versed with the 21st century bike industry. Companies like Cook Bros. Racing, Hershey, Kooka, TNT and Fat Bottom are gone from the landscape and Syncros, Salsa and Bontrager aren't the independent companies they once were. Gone are the days when you can get rebuildable derailleurs. Planned obsolescence is just a fact of life. My goal is to use as much from smaller builders as I can (i.e. American-made), throwing in some "vintage" parts here and there to fill the gaps.

That being said, here's what it looks like now:

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As you can see, it's just the frame and fork. Speaking of which, Chris Igleheart provided the traditional New England segmented fork.

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The first thing I did was install a Chris King aheadset. Okay, Roy from Grace Bicycles in Holliston, Massachusetts actually installed because I'm lazy. Plus, I was picking up my Independent Fabrication Titanium Crown Jewel, which is pictured behind the Yo Teddy, so it was convenient. By the way, the Deda stem is just a placeholder. I have an order from Black Sheep that I have been patiently waiting to arrive that includes a stem, handlebars and a seat post. I am champing at the bit to get these. It's taking James at Black Sheep a tad longer, but they've been really cool and I'm not in a rush, so all is groovy.

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I haven't used water bottles in like 15 years, and I should have had Ted skip the process of adding these to the frame (my IF doesn't have them). To make it pretty, I installed these nice little titanium bolts.

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UPS and FedEx have visited me several times this week with lots of tasty bits for my build. For wheels, I decided to go the hand built route. My days of wheelbuilding are over, so I opted to have my local bike shop (Belmont Wheelworks) build them for me. Again, I'm lazy. I really liked the Mavic CrossMax SLR wheels, and actually have a set of my Rhygin, but like the personalized service you get from places like Phil Wood. It's great when you can actually call a company and get a human and not a maze of customer service menus.

Anyway, these hubs are custom drilled to use with the 28-hole NOS Mavic 231 rims. I really liked these back in the 1990s, and when I saw a set for sale up on eBay, I snagged them. These will be ready in Friday, and I can't wait to get them.

I went with the Schwalbe Nobby Nic 2.4 tires because they're pretty light. It was a tossup between these and the Continental Mountain King Supersonic 2.4 tire, which are actually lighter than the Schwalbe tires. Might try the Continentals on my recently acquired mint condition 1992 Fat Chance Yo Eddy. Maybe...

[misterdangerpants]

I also picked up a Selle Italia SLR saddle last week. Once I get the seat post, it'll be installed. I have one on my Rhygin and like the shape. It's super light, though don't consider myself a "weight weenie."

Got the bashguard a couple of months ago directly from Ted. Glad he had one hanging around. It'll be a nice addition...

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[misterdangerpants]

These just came in. When it came time to select the derailleurs and shifters, I initally was just going to go with the same system I have on my updated Rhygin: SRAM X-0 Grip Shift along with SRAM X-0 rear derailleur and Shimano XTR front derailleur. The more I thought about it, the more I wanted something made in the USA. This is pretty much impossible for new components (unless you can enlighten me as I might have overlooked a company that still does these), so I'd have to go the NOS route. I like the old Rhino, Paul Components and Precision Billet Proshift systems. The latter came up on eBay and I took the plunge. I've read mixed reviews about the old CNC derailleurs, but quite frankly, I think they'll perform just fine. These were made in late 1995 or early 1996.

I don't know all that much about Precision Billet, but information on the company was easy to find. For instance, this article. As for quality, found reviews here on the MTBR site.

Anyway, here they are. Again, I was lazy, so used the photos from eBay, though the instructions are taken by me:

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[Harryonaspot]

really like the fork also. where are you located ?

[misterdangerpants]

Originally Posted by Harryonaspot

really like the fork also. where are you located ?

Thanks! I didn't know about Chris Igleheart until I met with Ted, so I was glad to get hooked into his work also. As for paint, I also liked the Fat Chance Yo Eddy Team Violet color, but the green really screams out. I'm in the metro Boston area, which is a goldmine for independent bike builders.

[MMcG]

Can't wait to see the finished product! Should be amazingly cool.

Keep us posted on how it builds up!

I have to ask Ted about those bashguards.

[misterdangerpants]

Picked up the wheels this morning. They are really sweet. I already received the tubes & tires last week so slapped them on. I'm leaning towards Avid BB7 brakes along with Paul Components Compact Love Levers, but will most like get to that next year. I'm also on the fence about the crankset. I have a Crank Brothers Cobalt on my Rhygin, and really like it, though wouldn't mind getting a nice old NOS Cook Bros. Racing RSR. I used to have those on my Rhygin...

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[MMcG]

Lookin good sir! Lookin really good.

[misterdangerpants]

Originally Posted by MMcG

Lookin good sir! Lookin really good.

thanks! earlier today I received the UPS shipment notification regarding my Black Sheep order. it's coming 2nd Day Air, so I'll have the seat post, stem and handlebars installed by the weekend...

[MMcG]

Black sheep stuff - nice compliments to the Ted frame that's for sure!! Should be one helluva cool bike when done. Can't wait to see the final product.

[misterdangerpants]

Originally Posted by MMcG

Black sheep stuff - nice compliments to the Ted frame that's for sure!! Should be one helluva cool bike when done. Can't wait to see the final product.

Yeah, I really like their stuff. I've been dreaming about one of their titanium road forks, but I need to pull the reigns back a bit on the spending! Anyway, it was almost a 2 month wait, but like the Ted, well worth it. UPS just arrived so it's time to open this:

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[misterdangerpants]

...quickly installed the Black Sheep items (with a gratuitous shout of the Phil Wood rear hub). super nice.

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[MMcG]

nice!

[misterdangerpants]

Originally Posted by MMcG

nice!

again, thanks! it's coming along. next up are the Paul Components Compact Love Levers and the Avid BB7 brakes. still have decided on the crankset and bottom bracket. currently sporting a nice Crank Brothers Cobalt SL w/Crank Brothers Cobalt titanium bottom bracket on my Rhygin, which I really like. debating going with something NOS "vintage" (or in excellent used condition), like Cook Bros. Racing, though I wouldn't be able to use the Ted Wojcik bash guard going that route.

currently, I also have an NOS Shimano XTR 8-speed cassette (CS-M900, 12-28) heading my way. it's taking a little longer than I expected as it's coming from Canada...

[MMcG]

That bike is calling out for some Syncros Revolution cranks IMO!

[misterdangerpants]

Originally Posted by MMcG

That bike is calling out for some Syncros Revolution cranks IMO!

ha! well, if you come across a set (NOS or mint condition), preferably in black, you let me know! :-)

[KDXdog]

MrDp!

How ya been? Nice job. I didn't know Ted made "yo" forks.

PS: nice color on that Indy lurking in the background!

[misterdangerpants]

Originally Posted by KDXdog

MrDp!

How ya been? Nice job. I didn't know Ted made "yo" forks.

PS: nice color on that Indy lurking in the background!

hey buddy! things are groovy in my neck of the woods. snowing outside, so bummed that the cycling seasons is over, though can't wait to get on the snowboard and skate skis. yeah, Ted doesn't make forks (I think) and Chris Igleheart made the one on my bike. he's a great guy and as gregarious as Ted.

that's my 2008 IF Ti CJ in the background. I actually just completed that last week with the update of the STI shifters (and front derailleur) from the 7800 Dura Ace to the new 2009 7900 Dura Ace. way nicer with the concealed cables! here's a peek (go here for the full story):

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[misterdangerpants]

So, the cassette and grips arrived today. The cassette took just over 2 weeks to arrive as it came from Canada. It's an 8-speed Shimano CS-M900 12-28 (XTR). I really didn't see the need to go with a 9-speed, of which my Rhygin is equipped, and the new XTR doesn't go any smaller than 32. In addition, obviously I need an 8-speed to go with the Proshift drivetrain.

The grips, which are locking Cane Creek, were the wrong type. I ordered twist shift length and got the standard/normal length. They were nice enough on the phone, and will be sending me the correct ones along with a return shipping label.

Next up is the brakes...

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[Harryonaspot]

Gonna be real cool

[MMcG]

If you'd rather not send those grips to Cane Creek, I'd buy them from ya.

Cheers,

Mark

[misterdangerpants]

Originally Posted by Harryonaspot

Gonna be real cool

yeah, I think I'm going to like it. and trust me, I really, REALLY want this project completed! I've already decided the brakes (Paul Components Compact Love Levers & Avid BB7s) so that just leaves the crankset. After a lot of research, I think I'm going to go with the Middleburn RS8 (triple). They have a nice retro feel to them...

[misterdangerpants]

Originally Posted by MMcG

If you'd rather not send those grips to Cane Creek, I'd buy them from ya.

Cheers,

Mark

hey there. most likely will just be doing the swap as the correct grips are on their way with the return UPS paperwork (they're not charging me twice). I'll let you know.

[moosehead]

this has got to be the guiness world record for longest striptease. photos of parts boxes, minute build increments, close up skin shots. jeebus man, get her done and post up otherwise the crowd is going to storm the stage.

[misterdangerpants]

Originally Posted by moosehead

this has got to be the guiness world record for longest striptease. photos of parts boxes, minute build increments, close up skin shots. jeebus man, get her done and post up otherwise the crowd is going to storm the stage.

well, I have 2 speeds: slow and stop.

that being said, I just picked these up from a guy in Portugal and they're currently en route via CTT Correios de Portugal. they're the NOS 10th Anniversary Syncros Near Net Forged cranks and come with the Crank-o-matic bolts. I like the vintage approach and will be slapping on an old Kooka 24 tooth chain ring I've had since the mid 1990s. don't have the bolts or the outer chain rings yet. heading out for the next few weeks so will post when these are built and installed. I don't know what size bottom bracket to use, so need to research that.

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[chefmiguel]

Wow DP! (That sounded wrong), Nice bike, I think most of us are curious to see how this bike ends up! Nice to see a modern build with a nod to the retro era!

[MMcG]

Originally Posted by misterdangerpants

well, I have 2 speeds: slow and stop.

that being said, I just picked these up from a guy in Portugal and they're currently en route via CTT Correios de Portugal. they're the NOS 10th Anniversary Syncros Near Net Forged cranks and come with the Crank-o-matic bolts. I like the vintage approach and will be slapping on an old Kooka 24 tooth chain ring I've had since the mid 1990s. don't have the bolts or the outer chain rings yet. heading out for the next few weeks so will post when these are built and installed. I don't know what size bottom bracket to use, so need to research that.

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Holy Moly!

How did you find those? the story of how you found those would be a good one to hear.

I remain patient and can't wait to see this all finished up!

[thebigred67]

Nice. I want to see how this turns out.

[misterdangerpants]

Originally Posted by MMcG

Holy Moly!

How did you find those? the story of how you found those would be a good one to hear.

I remain patient and can't wait to see this all finished up!

well, I posted a Wanted thread up on RetroBike for either Cook Bros. Racing or Syncros cranks, either NOS or minty fresh condition. got a response pretty quickly regarding the NOS Syncros, and I liked them, so took the plunge. there's a set of black Cook Bros. Racing RSR cranks I'm also in the process getting more info, but probably won't jump on that opportunity. I think...

[misterdangerpants]

okay, it was my birthday yesterday so I'm still feeling pretty good, so treated myself to these NOS goodies this morning:

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they are currently en route from the UK. I need to figure out what size bottom bracket for both the Syncros and the Cook Bros. Racing. leaning towards the Cook Bros. Racing as I had a set of these on my Rhygin until earlier this year.

I wanted to finish the bike before New Year's, but with the delay in shipping, most likely won't.

[MMcG]

Happy Belated Birthday

[misterdangerpants]

Originally Posted by MMcG

Happy Belated Birthday

thanks! also got engaged on Monday, so it's been a busy week...

[haaki]

about 2 years ago a guy sold an entire Syncros 10th Anniv. Gruppo on ebay and it got very little interest. sold for a song

[MMcG]

Holy Moly - big week.

Use the Syncros cranks!

[misterdangerpants]

Originally Posted by haaki

about 2 years ago a guy sold an entire Syncros 10th Anniv. Gruppo on ebay and it got very little interest. sold for a song

Originally Posted by MMcG

Holy Moly - big week.

Use the Syncros cranks!

yeah, leaning towards the Syncros. the Cook Bros. Racing are just so darn pretty though...

[misterdangerpants]

a little update this morning because I'm home sick. this morning I ordered the brakes: Paul Components Compact Love Levers and Avid BB7 calipers. also, I decided to go with the Cook Bros. Racing crankset as it's a bit more custom (plus, it's just way more cool). I'll use the Syncros on the cyclocross project that I'm planning for late next year. anyway, all I need is a bottom bracket, and I'm thinking a nice Ti Phil Wood will do the trick.

once I get all this installed, I'll post photos. early next year. until then, happy holidays and New Year's.

[MMcG]

shoot me a PM about your CX project.

I'm working on one myself right now.

Happy Holidays!

[misterdangerpants]

okay, yeah, I said I wasn't going to post until I finished this project, but I've been so dreadfully sick for the last two weeks, I actually had enough energy today to actually do some work.

the brake levers & calipers came in the day after Christmas, so that was my next project to tackle. I also installed the twist shifters, which took a little bit more time because I had to file down the clamps that affix the shifters to the bars.

I was particularly proud of myself as this was the first time I have installed disc brakes all by myself. aside from a retention bolt that was rubbing on the rotor (took about 30 minutes to figure this out; just needed a washer), it was wicked easy. granted they're mechanical, but hey, you have to start somewhere! the instructions were actually somewhat helpful, too.

it took all the energy I had to do this, so hopefully I'll be able to do the rear this week. I want to finish the bike by New Year's...

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[way-no]

very nice taste! working at some of those company's that you ride on and being from that area makes me wish I was back there still working on frames, but I needed money so life goes on.

[thebigred67]

QR handle should be on the non-disc side to avoid burns.

[misterdangerpants]

Originally Posted by way-no

very nice taste! working at some of those company's that you ride on and being from that area makes me wish I was back there still working on frames, but I needed money so life goes on.

thanks! as long as I can afford it, I'm sticking with the local folks.

finished the brakes today with what energy I have left from this dang virus. the rear was much easier then the front, considering I didn't have to fumble with the instructions. used matching green zip ties for the rear cable housing to match the bike. silly, I know, but it looks nice. had to cut the grips as I really can't go any further with the levers/shifters. the position feels good, so all is good.

won't get to the drive train until next year, so have a happy one!

p.s. thanks for the tip on the skewers.

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[MMcG]

Originally Posted by thebigred67

QR handle should be on the non-disc side to avoid burns.

put the QR lever on whichever side you want.

[misterdangerpants]

Originally Posted by MMcG

put the QR lever on whichever side you want.

well, they're staying on the non-drive side as that's what I'm used to. I'll just be careful not to touch the hot rotor! considering I'm new to the disc brake world, any advice is welcome.

[way-no]

what ever side you want works, you have to do a very long down hill run to heat up the rotor enough to burn you, I did one of the fastest runs at sunrise AZ and the rotor was real warm to the touch but thats it and thats in 100 degree weather

[thebigred67]

Originally Posted by way-no

what ever side you want works, you have to do a very long down hill run to heat up the rotor enough to burn you, I did one of the fastest runs at sunrise AZ and the rotor was real warm to the touch but thats it and thats in 100 degree weather

It isn't the fast no brakes runs, it is the techy lots of brakes runs that heat 'em up. I have burnt my leg on a rim brake heated rim before.

[IF52]

It doesn't really matter. It seems to be the accepted practice to put the lever on the right with disc brake wheels, but that is so out what I grew up with I just can't get used to doing that. I use not-so-quick-release skewers like Control Tech on almost everything anyway, so it isn't much of an issue for me.

[misterdangerpants]

speaking of skewers, what I'd really like is a set of Nuke Proof Twist Tight skewers. I had a set of these back in the mid-1990s. always on the lookout. if you have a set, or ever see one on eBay/CL/retroBike, let me know!

anyway, close to finishing. replaced the saddle with a vintage Selle Italia Flite. it's en route at the moment. going with a Phil Wood bottom bracket and will order that this week.

[misterdangerpants]

Yeah yeah, I know, I shouldn't post every insignificant little addition, but I've been sick for like almost a month and really haven't had any energy to work on this. I got this saddle yesterday and replaced the modern/new Selle Italia SLR (which I put on my road bike). It's in excellent condition, and has absolutely no signs of wear (except for the "Titanium" logo being faded). I wanted NOS, and actually found one after I bought this (Murphy's Law), but this is in such great shape, I'm going to keep it. It has a stamped date of 1991, so it fits the retro theme.

I really like the old Flite saddles, and this was more an afterthought. My Yo Eddy sits next to this, so it was definitely an influence. Anyway, I'm ordering the bottom bracket and chain rings today so hopefully I'll be able to finish this beast in the next week. Until then (I promise)....

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[Cracked Headtube]

In one of those fork photos, it is already scuffed?!! Not even ridden yet!

[misterdangerpants]

Originally Posted by Cracked Headtube

In one of those fork photos, it is already scuffed?!! Not even ridden yet!

Good eye. Well, this is the second build (see the first photo in this thread for a before shot). During the brief period it was in the first configuration, I miscalculated a narrow opening, kissed the granite and then went ass-over-tea-kettle.

[misterdangerpants]

so, I wanted to finish this beast tonight but found out I need a specific tool for the Phil Wood bottom bracket, so I am at a standstill. ordered the tool earlier and am waiting patiently for UPS to arrive in the next few days. got the Cook Bros. Racing skewers (eBay via USPS), the Phil Wood bottom bracket and chainrings (both through my LBS) all today. at least I got to attach the chainrings, so all was not lost. next posting will be the completed bike....

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[misterdangerpants]

photos for your viewing pleasure:

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[misterdangerpants]

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[JmZ]

Nice looking modern retro ride. How does it ride since the update?

JmZ

[misterdangerpants]

Originally Posted by JmZ

Nice looking modern retro ride. How does it ride since the update?

JmZ

thanks. well, I literally just finished it, so haven't had a chance to ride it. a ride report will definitely be in order once the spring arrives up here in the northeast.

[MMcG]

What's that traditional New England saying again?

something like - Wow that bike turned out "Wicked Pissah!"..............or something like that.

well done.

C'mon Spring!! Hurry up and get here in New England already - people have cool bikes (or bikes to be) to ride!!!

[Harryonaspot]

Hopefully you can come to Ted Fest!

[MMcG]

Originally Posted by Harryonaspot

Hopefully you can come to Ted Fest!

Ted Fest - I like this idea! Let's explore this further!!!! I'm totally serious.

Let's do it in 2009.

[amillmtb]

Nice job, you even got green zip ties..now thats attention to detail, I love the look of your Ted its stunning.

[thebigred67]

Originally Posted by amillmtb

Nice job, you even got green zip ties..now thats attention to detail, I love the look of your Ted its stunning.

Need to find some hunter green cable casings!

[D.F.L.]

Needs a DeKerf one piece bullmoose bar/stem combo. Or the Jericho version.

Beautiful bike!

[misterdangerpants]

Originally Posted by MMcG

What's that traditional New England saying again?

something like - Wow that bike turned out "Wicked Pissah!"..............or something like that.

well done.

C'mon Spring!! Hurry up and get here in New England already - people have cool bikes (or bikes to be) to ride!!!

Definitely "wicked pissah." Yeah, can't wait until mud season ends. Although I absolutely love all this snow!

[misterdangerpants]

Originally Posted by MMcG

Ted Fest - I like this idea! Let's explore this further!!!! I'm totally serious.

Let's do it in 2009.

Yeah, I'd be down with this, too. Last year, there was a great Rhygin get together/ride.

[misterdangerpants]

Originally Posted by amillmtb

Nice job, you even got green zip ties..now thats attention to detail, I love the look of your Ted its stunning.

Thanks! I have a lot of run-of-the-mill computer ties and just happened to have green. Just lucked out.

Originally Posted by thebigred67

Need to find some hunter green cable casings!

Definitely when I replace the cables!

[misterdangerpants]

Originally Posted by D.F.L.

Needs a DeKerf one piece bullmoose bar/stem combo. Or the Jericho version.

Beautiful bike!

I toyed with the idea of getting a custom one piece from Groovy Cycles. I like having the flexibility of swapping out stems and bars. I wanted titanium also. Black Sheep does amazing work.

[scrublover]

Dear me, that turned out #%&*!@g awesome!

[misterdangerpants]

Originally Posted by scrublover

Dear me, that turned out #%&*!@g awesome!

thanks!

here's what inspired it:

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[MMcG]

Again - so nice. Well done. Let us know how those shifters/and derailleurs work out on the trails once spring comes (will it ever this year?) to New England.

[Hardguy]

Originally Posted by misterdangerpants

okay, it was my birthday yesterday so I'm still feeling pretty good, so treated myself to these NOS goodies this morning:

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they are currently en route from the UK. I need to figure out what size bottom bracket for both the Syncros and the Cook Bros. Racing. leaning towards the Cook Bros. Racing as I had a set of these on my Rhygin until earlier this year.

I wanted to finish the bike before New Year's, but with the delay in shipping, most likely won't.

Awesome build! I noticed you sold the CBR cranks and the pw bb. Did you get a hold of some nos Syncros Revolutions?!

[misterdangerpants]

Originally Posted by Hardguy

Awesome build! I noticed you sold the CBR cranks and the pw bb. Did you get a hold of some nos Syncros Revolutions?!

Thanks. No, I never found any Syncros Revolutions, as the RSRs were really my first choice.

[Hardguy]

So does that mean you'll be using those shinny anniversary Syncros forged cranks on the Yo Teddy build? Can wait to see the final version of it!

[misterdangerpants]

Originally Posted by Hardguy

So does that mean you'll be using those shinny anniversary Syncros forged cranks on the Yo Teddy build? Can wait to see the final version of it!

No, I actually also sold those recently. They were nice, though. At the moment, I am in "Take 3" mode of this fine frame & fork, which is a single-speed cyclocross project (that I can also use as a commuter). Thinking it will be completed sometime over the summer....

[misterdangerpants]

An update (not that it's all that vintage or retro any more): Finished the latest version of the Ted, and really am liking it. Kept the wheels, headset, saddle and brakes (and of course the frame/fork). Used the Surly single speed kit as well as their cog (13T). The tensioner is a Rolhoff and it works great. It's now my city beater/commuter as Boston roads are horrific. Also want to try cyclocross this year, so this is going to serve that purpose also.

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[jh_on_the_cape]

cool. Hey I have a NOS blue 42t nonramped chainring that might look cool. it's avatar, i think. It's 94mm BCD, which is I think what you have there. You can have it for shipping, or come down to the cape and pick it up. if there is a 'Tedfest' can someone please let me know? There was one last year but I missed it, or maybe it was 2 years ago.

you are truly whacko with the bike building. but you have good taste, at least. I never knew that new D/A stuff had the hidden cables.

I used to ride for years a Merlin Fat Beat, made in Cambridge... awesome bike, but then I tried a 29er and made the jump. I just the other day sold my Cambridge built Merlin Extralight road bike. It was tough, but I never rode it. I got an IF cyclocruiser to replace it.

I LOVE the paint on the Rygin. This summer I am going to abuse the paint on my Ted, then next winter drop it off and have it repainted like that Rhygin, but not faded, panels.

Good luck on the marathon. it's coming up. i just ran my first marathon last month in 4:13. not bad, not great. you can do it. run LOTS before hand.

Here's my Ted... it's a 29er. I have a color matched waltworks segmented fork for it, but I have never even mounted it. It looks alot like the igleheart fork. i went and hung out with chris I. one day while a buddy got fitted. what a kook! in a good way. lots of cool old stuff. i assembled my Ted there using some 'Fat City' grease in a pink tube. Jen Green made a nice Ted Wojcik headbadge for me. She can make you one, too. Try googling her jewelry store.



and hopefully you see a pic of that chainring. down there somewhere...

[thebigred67]

MDP that is a sweet looking ride.

[smittylube]

>>Ted Wojcik<<

Wow that is a work of art.. How much does it weight all said and done?
Have you had it out on the trail yet? I would like to know about the shifters how do they work?

Steve

[misterdangerpants]

Originally Posted by jh_on_the_cape

cool. Hey I have a NOS blue 42t nonramped chainring that might look cool. it's avatar, i think. It's 94mm BCD, which is I think what you have there. You can have it for shipping, or come down to the cape and pick it up. if there is a 'Tedfest' can someone please let me know? There was one last year but I missed it, or maybe it was 2 years ago.

you are truly whacko with the bike building. but you have good taste, at least. I never knew that new D/A stuff had the hidden cables.

I used to ride for years a Merlin Fat Beat, made in Cambridge... awesome bike, but then I tried a 29er and made the jump. I just the other day sold my Cambridge built Merlin Extralight road bike. It was tough, but I never rode it. I got an IF cyclocruiser to replace it.

I LOVE the paint on the Rygin. This summer I am going to abuse the paint on my Ted, then next winter drop it off and have it repainted like that Rhygin, but not faded, panels.

Good luck on the marathon. it's coming up. i just ran my first marathon last month in 4:13. not bad, not great. you can do it. run LOTS before hand.

Here's my Ted... it's a 29er. I have a color matched waltworks segmented fork for it, but I have never even mounted it. It looks alot like the igleheart fork. i went and hung out with chris I. one day while a buddy got fitted. what a kook! in a good way. lots of cool old stuff. i assembled my Ted there using some 'Fat City' grease in a pink tube. Jen Green made a nice Ted Wojcik headbadge for me. She can make you one, too. Try googling her jewelry store.

and hopefully you see a pic of that chainring. down there somewhere...

Hey, sorry for the wicked delayed response. Now that the Boston Marathon is behind me, I can get back to cycling! Groovy you've taken the plunge. This was my 5th Boston, and most likely my final. Anyway, thanks for all the compliments.

Yeah, I'm a bit of a nut when it comes to bike building. My mind changes as many times as the weather does here in New England. This bike was sort of an experiment, and I had fun playing with it. The current setup is nice, and it gets compliments all the time. I'm debating having Ted build up a new frame with similar geometry as the Amaro Lollobrigida. If I had to do it all over again, I'd add sliding drop-outs. Not wild about the disc brakes, but starting to like them and am getting used to them as time goes along.

Next week, my new Independent Fabrication Deluxe is supposed to be ready (or so I am told), so I'll be transferring all the parts from my 1992 Yo Eddy to that, as well as installing some nice NOS parts I recently picked up (the Holy Grail being a Syncros Revolution crankset). The Rhygin stays in the rotation (it really is my favorite bike), and the Yo Eddy will be sold. Once that is sold, I'll start researching my next project.

So, I saw your Ted up on his website. Very nice. Cool you got to assemble it with Chris Igleheart. I spend an afternoon up there with him and, just like Ted, he's got a million stories and you can just sit there all day and listen. I talked to him about putting sliding drop-outs on the Ted, but it was just too expensive.

Have you posted your cyclocruiser on the IF Rider site yet? Too bad you had to get rid of the Merlin Extralight. One of my riding buddies has one and she loves it. Amazing ride, I must admit.

Yeah, I know of Jen Green. I bookmarked her site awhile ago as I found she had a Rhygin headbadge. She does pretty nice stuff.

I'll let you know if hear of a "Ted-fest." My father actually lives in Barnstable Village, and I'm looking at a wedding site at the Audubon site there too. Would love to ride down there sometime, like at Otis, so will let you know when I'm there next.

Finally, sure, I'll take the chainring. PM me with your e-mail (for PayPal).

P.S. Here's a better photo of the Rhygin:

[misterdangerpants]

Originally Posted by thebigred67

MDP that is a sweet looking ride.

Originally Posted by smittylube

>>Ted Wojcik<<

Wow that is a work of art.. How much does it weight all said and done?
Have you had it out on the trail yet? I would like to know about the shifters how do they work?

Steve

Thanks folks!

I weighed the bike once, but not in the second configuration (or the current configuration either). It was 21 pounds. I imagine it's about the same. As for handling, it's pretty tight. A tad more relaxed than my Rhygin, though if I'm not paying attention, it's pretty easy to go over the handlebars in the twisties.

Unfortunately, I never rode the bike during its second configuration so can't comment on the shifters (the bike was just WAY too pretty to ride). I did adjust them on my bike rack, and it was pretty responsive. Not as fluid as my old Grip Shift SRT-800 X-Ray shifters, but nice nonetheless.

[misterdangerpants]

So, I finally got the magic number for the single speed gearing: 36:18. It's actually perfect. Glad to dump the tensioner!!!! Also, I'm ordering a 25.4 stem (same size/angle) so I can throw on some dirt drop bars.

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[haaki]

Originally Posted by misterdangerpants

So, I finally got the magic number for the single speed gearing: 36:18. It's actually perfect. Glad to dump the tensioner!!!! Also, I'm ordering a 25.4 stem (same size/angle) so I can throw on some dirt drop bars.

Attachment 456740

can't wait to see it

[misterdangerpants]

Originally Posted by haaki

can't wait to see it

well, the stem will look exactly the same as what's on there now, just with a 25.4 clamp. nothing special or custom. found one on eBay, so will probably go that route.

[MMcG]

Originally Posted by misterdangerpants

So, I finally got the magic number for the single speed gearing: 36:18. It's actually perfect. Glad to dump the tensioner!!!! Also, I'm ordering a 25.4 stem (same size/angle) so I can throw on some dirt drop bars.

Attachment 456897

Attachment 456898

Something to consider - if you are going to dirt drop bars - you'll mainly want to be riding in the drops if you will - so it may necessitate a different stem to get your hands where you would want them to be with Dirt Drops.

Just something to think about.

[misterdangerpants]

Originally Posted by MMcG

Something to consider - if you are going to dirt drop bars - you'll mainly want to be riding in the drops if you will - so it may necessitate a different stem to get your hands where you would want them to be with Dirt Drops.

Just something to think about.

Howdy Mark. Thanks for the tip! At the moment, it's going to stay as is. As CX season approaches, I'll tinker a little more. Also, I want to be able to throw on a rear derailleur and a thumb shifter, so a 25.4 or 26.0 bar is needed. I want to use this for the D2R2, though not as a single speed (obviously).

In the interim, this just came in on Tuesday and I can't wait until it's finished. It has the exact specifications as my Rhygin, so I'm excited to see how different or similar it feels.

EarleB IF MTB Pic 001 (Large).jpg

EarleB IF MTB Pic 002 (Large).jpg

[misterdangerpants]

So, even though I enjoy the single speed setup quite a bit, I really want to get a frame that was designed for such a thing at some point in the future. Possibly a SS CX bike. In the interim, I've decided to convert this to a 1x8 setup. I'm using an Deore thumb shifter (was on my fiancee's 1992 Stumpjumper), which yes is a 7-speed, but has the ghost click so it'll work nicely with the 8-speed. I installed some WBT drop bars, also. It's wider, and I like the stable feeling. Looking for a derailleur and cassette, so have been scouring eBay & CL. No preference, but XTR or Dura Ace would be nice. Anyway, it reminds me of the 1987 Bridgestone MB-1 or the 1989 Specialized Rock Combo.

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[Guido Beeck]

Love it!

[misterdangerpants]

Originally Posted by Guido Beeck

Love it!

Thanks, me too! Just got an NOS Shimano XTR (M900) 12/28 8-speed cassette and a near NOS (used lightly) Shimano XTR (M950) short cage rear derailleur. They both should be in my grubby little paws next week, so this project will finally come to a close.

[MMcG]

Cool - but why those heavy tires????

[misterdangerpants]

Originally Posted by MMcG

Cool - but why those heavy tires????

Hey there! Have you ridden Boston area roads lately? They're terrible! These tires make commuting and general all-around riding in the city absolutely dreamy. I have other tires for CX and off-road riding so these are street-only. Heavy, yes, but they're pretty nice on long rides. Did a 35-mile ride recently and it handled well and was pretty fast.

Anyway, got this yesterday so hopefully the cassette won't be too far behind (coming from Canada):

P6150001.JPG

[misterdangerpants]

So, it's been a long journey with this bike and I'm finally happy to report that I'm done. My fiancee has dubbed this bike the "green monster" (appropriate as we live in the Boston area), so that has stuck and how I refer to it. This will be my all-around, do everything bike, and I think I'll spend more saddle time in it than in any of my other bikes. It's quite fun. Anyway, some final photos and the specs:

Frame: 2007 Ted Wojcik
Fork: 2007 Igleheart New England Segmented
Rims: Mavic M231, 28-hole
Hubs: Phil Wood Disc, 28-hole
Quick Release: Curve Titanium
Tires: Maxxis Hookworm 2.4 tires
Crank: Shimano Deore LX, FC-M563
Chain: SRAM
Rear Cogs: Shimano XTR CS-M900, 12-28, 8-speed
Bottom Bracket: Tange 113mm
Front Derailleur: N/A
Rear Derailleur: Shimano XTR, RD-M950, Short Cage
Shifters: Shimano Deore, SL-MT62, 7-speed (well, 8-speed for this)
Handlebars: WTB Dirt Drop Bars
Tape: Fizik Green Apple
Stem: Kalloy, 120mm, 45 degree
Headset: Chris King
Brake set: Avid BB-7
Brake levers: Cane Creek Drop V
Saddle: Sella Italia SLR
Seat Post: Kalloy
Paint: Bright Green
Size: Custom
Serial #: 031607
Place of Origin: Windham, NH & Wenham, MA

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P6170004.JPG

[MMcG]

Wicked!

Looks like it is ready for anything the mean streets of Beantown can throw at it!

[misterdangerpants]

Originally Posted by MMcG

Wicked!

Looks like it is ready for anything the mean streets of Beantown can throw at it!

Thanks Mark! It's riding really nice so far. I just ordered a White Industries ENO crankset with the matching White Industries titanium bottom bracket, so am waiting for that to arrive. Also ordered a Eriksen titanium seat post (wanted a Black Sheep, but they never responded to my inquiry), so that should also arrive this week. I'm using this bike for the D2R2, so lightening it up a but will make that ride far more pleasurable! Speaking of pleasurable, I also switched saddles and am now using a Terry Fly Ti on this (when the new seat post arrives) and my IF road bike. It makes riding REALLY comfy, without adding too much weight. Anyway, I wanted to make sure I really liked this set up before taking the plunge on these. I'll post some photos when I get them installed.

Two Ted stories from last Friday: First, I was driving on Route 2 (near my house) and saw a beautiful blue Ted on a car I was passing. I think it was a 29er Sof-Trac. Gave him the thumbs up. Second, I was at lunch at the Blue Ribbon BBQ here in my stomping ground, and I rode my Ted because it was such a nice day, and a guy coming out of the restaurant as I enjoyed my lunch stopped and asked about the Ted. He said he had a road bike that he had done about 20 years ago, and recently had Ted do some service. Small world!

[MMcG]

Originally Posted by misterdangerpants

Thanks Mark! It's riding really nice so far. I just ordered a White Industries ENO crankset with the matching White Industries titanium bottom bracket, so am waiting for that to arrive. Also ordered a Eriksen titanium seat post (wanted a Black Sheep, but they never responded to my inquiry), so that should also arrive this week. I'm using this bike for the D2R2, so lightening it up a but will make that ride far more pleasurable! Speaking of pleasurable, I also switched saddles and am now using a Terry Fly Ti on this (when the new seat post arrives) and my IF road bike. It makes riding REALLY comfy, without adding too much weight. Anyway, I wanted to make sure I really liked this set up before taking the plunge on these. I'll post some photos when I get them installed.

Two Ted stories from last Friday: First, I was driving on Route 2 (near my house) and saw a beautiful blue Ted on a car I was passing. I think it was a 29er Sof-Trac. Gave him the thumbs up. Second, I was at lunch at the Blue Ribbon BBQ here in my stomping ground, and I rode my Ted because it was such a nice day, and a guy coming out of the restaurant as I enjoyed my lunch stopped and asked about the Ted. He said he had a road bike that he had done about 20 years ago, and recently had Ted do some service. Small world!

Was the Blue Ted mtb one with white logos?

Did it resemble this?


If so, I'm very familiar with that frame! It made for a sick ridnig 29er for the short time I had it as a Demo bike:

[misterdangerpants]

Originally Posted by MMcG

Was the Blue Ted mtb one with white logos?

Did it resemble this?

If so, I'm very familiar with that frame! It made for a sick ridnig 29er for the short time I had it as a Demo bike:

Yes, it looked like that. Small world. By the way, I was out on the Ted on Saturday and ran into a guy named Larry who has a Ted 29er. He said he knew you. Again, small world.

Here's some photos of the final build (I'll take a closeup photo of the new crankset later; forgot to with this round!):

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[misterdangerpants]

So, here's a detailed shot of the White Industries ENO crankset (it's attached to a White Industries titanium bottom bracket). It did lighten things up a bit, though I'm not so much concerned about the weight considering I'm running the Maxxis Hookworm tires. They're like 3 pounds each. Anyway, I debated using an NOS Syncros Revolution crankset (triple) I have hanging around, but I really like the 1x8 setup. I'm using it in the D2R2 in August, and think it will he a nice ride for such an event.

Anyway, that's it. I'm done with bikes for quite some time....

P7290001.JPG

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[MMcG]

Larry or Harry?

Originally Posted by misterdangerpants

Yes, it looked like that. Small world. By the way, I was out on the Ted on Saturday and ran into a guy named Larry who has a Ted 29er. He said he knew you. Again, small world.

Here's some photos of the final build (I'll take a closeup photo of the new crankset later; forgot to with this round!):

Attachment 473071

Attachment 473072

Attachment 473073

Attachment 473074

Attachment 473075

Attachment 473076

[Harryonaspot]

[misterdangerpants]

Originally Posted by MMcG

Larry or Harry?

Larry.

[olapiquena]

Hey, how'd you fare in the D2? I was on the lookout for the green Wotjik, but no sighting. Which one did you, do the 100 or 170?

[misterdangerpants]

Originally Posted by olapiquena

Hey, how'd you fare in the D2? I was on the lookout for the green Wotjik, but no sighting. Which one did you, do the 100 or 170?

Howdy. I think you're the only person that didn't see it! It seems to attract a lot of attention. Anyway, the D2R2 was a blast. Great weather. Did the 100K. Nothing really all that unexpected. I rode with 4 other folks, and this was more of a pleasure ride, so I wasn't out to break any land speed records. We stopped at all but one water stop (the one right after the lunch stop), and enjoyed a nice long lunch.

The Ted (a.k.a. Green Monster) easily conquered anything that was thrown at it. The gearing worked quite well (38/12-25), though perhaps a 32 chainring would have made it easier, but I have no complaints. I stayed with the 2.5" Hookworms and they performed admirably.

[PSpuza]

Hey were you able to run those road levers without any problems to the Mountain Bike Calipers? I really want to run some drops on my rig and I'd like to know if I have to drop the coin on brakes to. Thanks. Also sweet bikes I wish someday I could have a stable like yours.