A couple of cool makeovers by some awesome bloggers...

One of the most impressive bicycle makeovers that I have seen was by a blogger who I have read for a few years.

The before and after look like completely different bikes- seriously unbelievable.

Check out the post here;

http://www.thedaintysquid.com/2012/07/bicycle-makeover.html

When I first read this post it gave me so much more confidence that if you can find the right frame shape you can make a bicycle look so amazing even if it doesn't look vintage or at all your style when you get it! Enough so that this post has been bookmarked on my computer since it was published- Great inspiration. 

Thanks so much for posting it Kaylah (The Dainty Squid)

I also found the D.I.Y. Bike makeover by A Beautiful Mess very inspiring back when it was posted nearly a year ago.

It is one of my most read blogs. (I may check it a couple of times a day just in case there is a new post!)

It really shows how a little bit of elbow grease, hard work and some new paint can reinvent a bicycle especially as many elements have stayed the same.

The post also has some great tips about supplies and methods to use for painting your own bicycle- some I am sure I will implement when it gets to it!

Please check out the post all about it here;
http://www.abeautifulmess.com/2012/09/how-to-paint-your-own-bike.html

If anyone knows any other great makeovers let me know! And if I find any more I will be sure to link them here or on my pinterest bicycle board.

Things are looking shiny.

Well, yesterday I undertook a tad bit of cleaning and a couple of the bicycle parts have cleaned up nicely. Namely the handlebars which have gone from a greasy rust spotted look to a rather nicer one.

Here is a picture of the beauty! Certainly looks better without the cheap looking plastic handles. Luckily the rust spots were only on the surface so with a bit of wire wool and metal polish it has cleaned up nicely.

Spokes from one of the wheels

My dad was dismantling the wheels meanwhile for me- although the spokes are in good condition with no rust and came out cleanly with no breakages the rims are not salvageable. They are rusty as anything!

Here is a picture of one of the rims- and one of the areas in a better condition, some of the parts were thick with rust.

I am going to get some new rims and my dad is going to show me how to rebuild the wheel with the hub etc.

The hub is in good condition- looks to be a Sturmey Archer although I haven't yet worked out when it is from. It needs some cleaning up, but looks clean and non rusty underneath the rust.

The gear shifter also cleaned up very nicely- once again the rust spots seemed to largely be on the surface so with a bit of steel wool and metal polish they came straight off, leaving me with a nice shiny little piece of kit.

Given the amount of parts needed to do this bicycle up to the quality I would like wherever we can save a bit of money by polishing up or fixing an existing part is worth it!


I have ordered a few parts from an eBay store which seemed to have a lot of old unused stock for raleigh bicycles etc so will be posting up pictures of those when they arrive...

Oh and as a bonus picture; showing how although parts may have got cleaner my hands definitely did not!

And so it begins... (Bicycle Makeover)

I have decided to follow in the footsteps of my dad and do up my own bicycle.

This has been in my mind for nearly a year, particularly after realising that my favourite bicycles were either only available in America or were way above my budget.

After spending months searching for the perfect frame to use as a basis yesterday we finally found the perfect frame at the perfect price (i.e. cheap!) on gumtree.

And here it is. (Ignore the photobombing dog sunbathing in the background- enjoying the rare English sunshine!)

It is a Raleigh frame of unknown model from about the 90s. Will be trying to find out what particular type and when it was made so will update when I know!

This bicycle needs a lot of work done. (And would not be the most comfortable ride at the moment!) 

This was exactly what I was looking for, as I want to replace most elements of the bicycle- I was mainly after the curved dutch style step-over frame.

My dad will be assisting me in this project  heavily as he has the know how and the skill- I am supplying enthusiasm and time.

Although it looks pretty nice from a distance (and clearly when originally done the paint job was gorgeous) this bicycle is in need of some work.

There are lots of rusty spots and screws and no working brakes. The wheels also need replacing or fixing as they look like they might have been in a fight from the dink marks. Many parts look like they might benefit from either a heavy clean or new parts. I would also like a nice looking chain guard to cover the chain and some new more vintage looking pedals and a dynamo light installed. As well as new handlebar grips.

A saddle is of course required... (I am dreaming of a honey coloured Brooks B-17)

Tis looking to be a big project.

One of the largest parts of the project I want to do is due to personal preference. Although it is currently a lovely colour it has several rust marks and scratches, especially on the mudguards (as can be seen in the above picture) and I therefore want to re do the paint in one of my favourite colours. 

I have always wanted a mustard yellow bicycle so this seems the perfect opportunity! Still have not worked out what will be the perfect shade or method, so at some point will have to do some experimenting.

The bicycle is not looking as whole currently- having taken advantage of the good weather to dismantle it, the rusty screws etc are now sitting in old ice cream pots. This will give us much better access to strip down and clean the parts ready for treating and eventually repainting. As well as get a closer look at what needs doing.

This is a project that will be done in my father and I's spare time so probably a long one. But the end result will hopefully be worth it... Especially when I can get a basket on the back and go for a group picnic!