Practical Hardware
Decals - Sewing - Lighting - Fenders - Racks - Luggage - Other

Want Your Own Decals?

By Doug Shaker

Doug Shaker used a computer-compatible decal paper for a custom touch on his Centurion Mixte project.

Click here for more info about making custom decals for your bicycle (or other projects.)

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James Black sews up a cycling cap that fits:
(from an iBob List posting)

http://james.architectureburger.com/cycle/cap.html

"Fed up with cycling caps on the market, which are too small and make me look like a pinhead even though my head isn't exactly huge, I took matters into my own hands and made my own. I don't have a sewing machine or know how to sew, but it wasn't that hard -- just took a long time.

I got a very nice 1963-vintage overcoat at the thrift store, and promptly destroyed it. I think it's a cashmere blend or lambswool or something, because it is very soft. I could make several more hats with the fabric -- although I'm sure I won't, because this probably took me 10 hours. I used an old 100% cotton t-shirt for the sweatband liner thing. We'll see if it holds up.

It is four panels. You can see the paper template I used for the panels, and the paper hatmockup I made first which allowed me to test my design -- it was pretty good for predicting what the hat would be like. I used some flexible plastic for the inside of the bill. Yessirree Bob, any of you could take the matter into your own hands and make your own cap!"

James Black
Los Angeles, CA

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Adding a Switch to Lumotec Light:
(from an iBob List posting)

What I did with mine:

1. I got an SPST subminiature toggle switch from Radio Shack.

2. I'm grounding through the frame, so I only have one wire to deal with. If you're running a two wire system, you still need to deal with only one of the wires--make sure it's in the side of the line that connects to the "hot" side of the light.

3. Make sure you have a little extra wire near the headlight. Make a cut in that wire (or in the hot side) and solder the cut ends to the switch. If it's an SPST switch there are only two terminals. If it's an SPDT, solder to one middle terminal and one side terminal.

4. Test your work--spin the wheel and if the light doesn't go on, move the switch lever to the other position. If the light goes on (or if previously it went on and now goes off) you're good.

5. Most light brackets have a slot in the top to allow for compression when the light is fitted. Slide the switch through that slot so that the lever is reachable from the top. I had to enlarge the slot just a little with a metal reamer, but I've also had cases where I didn't need to do that. 6. Slide the washer and nut that came with the switch over the toggle and onto the switch collar, which should be protruding from the slot. Tighten, and apply Locktite if you want.

You should be good to go.

- Andy M-S

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Hardware for Split Fender Installation

If your bicycle lacks enough clearance to properly mount a feder under the brake bridge, here's a nice little hack that the folks up at River City Bicycles (in rainy Portland) recommend. A couple of pieces of properly bent stock and there ya have it!

If you take a moment and click on the picture below, you'll see a page with photos (which can reveal higher resolution, larger images) of these being used to mount a split wooden fender on a bicycle which had sub-optimal clearance.

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"alex wetmore is always busy with something..."

In this case, he has a really helpful post on bending here, entitled "A different way of measuring while bending tubing"

Nitto Canti-Mount Front Rack Question

Steve H. posts a "do I bend it like Beckham?" question in the RBW list - photos and post here.

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Andre Ball Rigs a Low-Cost Saddlebag Quick Release

With a minimum of hardware expense, this simple brass clip release should stand up to loaded saddlebags, but allow you to quickly detach your setup.

PH - Andre Ball's Carradice Longflap Quick Release

Kent Peterson Creates Duct Tape Panniers
(If you haven't run across Ken's writings, ride reports or accomplishments, it's time to do so.)

Ken repurposes some dog food containers, creates lids and attachment systems and neatly documents it here.

Thrifty and practical solution, completely free of heel-strike.

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Take Care of Your Saddle & Your Saddle Will Take Care of You!

Protective Preparations for your leather Brooks Saddle - courtesy of Cyclotourist over on Flickr -

Brooks Saddle Prep - by Cyclotourist

How to "Weave" Handlebar tape for a Diamond Pattern
(answer to an iBob List query)

Not really a "Working" Bike thing, but there are a few good tutorials on how to weave handlebar tape here:

Diamond Wrap - by fixedrider

Harlequin Wrap - by wastedlife

Handlebar Weave - by Ted Durant on the RBW site

Multi-Colored Harequin Wrap - on BikeCult.com

Brooks Saddle Sag Fix:
(from an iBob List posting)

Thought I'd update you all on the low miles but sagged out B-17 standard. I followed the advice (Marcus C.'s??) to soak and reform the saddle. I backed off the tension screw completely. The saddle went into a tub of warm water for an hour or two. When good and soaked, I stuffed newspaper between saddle and rails until the leather matched the shape of a new B-17. I set it aside to air dry for 3 days. When dry, the saddle was tighter than pre-soaking, but still too loose to ride. I carefully brought up the tension until it felt right. I've been riding it for a week now on the new fixie, and it's as comfortable as ever. Now, I just hope it lasts! Thanks for all the advice.

best, joe broach missoula, mt

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