So the bike fun continues. I decided to go skinny on my rust rod project. I stumbled over a set of Bontrager Road Warrior slicks (26x1.25) and a buddy of mine had an old pair of alloy rims that fit the tires perfectly. Aside from looking a heap better than the originals (no rust on these), the bike seems to have lost about 10 lbs just converting to thinner tires and smaller lighter rims. I've done some puttering around the neighborhood this afternoon but don't have time for a proper test ride. I'll take it out tomorrow morning and see what it says. Just from what I've seen so far the bike is much more nimble and easy to move quickly down the road. I'm running a 16t cog on the back instead of the standard 18 or 20.
http://i672.photobucket.com/albums/v...ps4gt1ixg8.jpg
http://i672.photobucket.com/albums/v...psltsizqjv.jpg
http://i672.photobucket.com/albums/v...pspldc99by.jpg
The pretty new rims have re-invigorated the "Buff out the paint, leave the patina and clear coat over it" vs. "strip it down and repaint it" debate. Ultimately I think it will boil down to how desperate for something to do I am this winter. What would you guys do?