This made the bike into a pretty cute commuter, and one that could still get beat up without causing me too much strife. However, it is terribly mismatched. One part urban, one part grandma, one part athletic. Alas, I do not think all of the pink is going to make it through the makeover. The pedals are great and I will definitely find another use for them. The panniers are pretty great, too, both in terms of aesthetics and utility. They are pink pannier-style bags manufactured by Basil, and I will most likely keep them on the bike.
However, two of the three daisies on the basket were casualties during tragic bike-knock overs on the train, and the basket looks rather sad now. I do think I got my $6.99 worth out of it, so it won't be too hard to let it go.
The first thing to go (and actually one of the nicer existing elements) is the pink handlebar tape because I am replacing the whole handlebar set. I went to Manifesto in Oakland last weekend and got some porteur-style handlebars and guidonnet levers to go on them. I also got some cute brown handlebar grips with a pattern reminiscent of little flowers all over them. I put the set together and now all I need to do is put it on the bike!
While I was out and about looking for the handlebars, my Associate came across the business card of a fellow who paints frames for a reasonable price. I have been thinking about repainting the beat-up silver frame into a lovely shade a mint green. But, I am still letting that idea simmer.
I think this Motobecane is going to be the first bicycle for which I make the exciting investment in a Brooks saddle. I am planning on going with the standard B-17 model, unless research yields any of the other models are vastly better options. This will be the next step in making the Motobecane into a thing of beauty.
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