1989 Maruishi Tour Ace, purchased off craiglist about 6 months ago came with suntour Alpine ders and downtube shifters, half step gearing with sugino VT cranks, 27" wheels and randoneur drop bars. A very nice bike although the original paint has seen better days so it became the perfect project for a grocery getter and around town bike.

Fast forward about 6 months and it's gone through a transformation. 700c Nexus 7 wheels and grip shifter with 35mm Michelin City tires are fat, squishy and so far, flat proof. They fit right in to the frame, no mods save couple of spacers although I did get some different canti brakes. Nice older sachs in the rear and some old school dia compes up front since the original dia compes came too close to the new rack. Eventually, the project is to find some other nice adjustable canti's for the front.

The custom TCB rack, done by Tad is very, very nice and holds the larger wald basket perfectly. It's also got a nice little light mount on the underside. The one custom piece on the bike, since the wald struts were not withstanding the loads being carried. It looks good and works even better.

Some chromed sugino VT cranks from the parts bin, with a 38 ring up front mated to a 21 tooth in the rear keeps the gears low and looks good. Soma Oxford bars, nitto stem, easton 2 bolt post, a classic rolls and Velo Orange fluted 48mm fenders round out the package. Some Avid brake levers along with streamers for a bit of bling. Nothing tech, minus the brake levers, just solid and dependable, like the entire project.

So far, this bike has exceeded my expectations. It's faster, handles better and more comfortable than the older, low end raleigh it replaced and truly a joy to ride. I believe it's the perfect city bike for most people. Low maintenance, doesn't get much attention, due to scratched paint and a basket, easy to ride and plenty fast.

Hope you all like my new ride.

kpm@krishnamuirhead.com