No pictures yet, I just rolled into the driveway and had to update you.

The bike is what I thought it would be. It's a testament to how far recumbents have come.

Though I haven't gone over it with a fine tooth comb, yet, I can tell you there's a little more work than I thought. We're definitely in the worst case scenario category, mostly because it's been stored outside the last few years. That's OK... For what I have it, the repairs will be affordable and building the thing is half the fun!

The idler pulley appears to have sealed bearings, but they're rusted up. They can probably be replaced, but if not, then a Terracycle unit will work, maybe even a homebrew skatewheel job. The rear derailleur has some rust on it and is pretty low end, anyway. No issues, I have a better one. The front brake caliper is missing the pads, which is OK, because the rear brake is gone altogether! They're cheesy old school stamped brakes, anyway.... A nice set of dual pivot calipers will do nicely to increase stopping power.

The shifters are thumb shifters.... Cheap ones, to boot. I have a nice set of Shimano grip shifters that came off my Mountaintrack. They're 3x6, so just what the doctor ordered! I'm going to replace the cables and housings, too.

The seat is in good condition, but must be missing something in the back part, where it slides on the frame. I'm guessing there was some rubber strips bonded in the slider at one time... Something, because there's a lot of slop in that.

As I suspected, the tires and tubes are pretty much gone. No surprises, I expected that.

So.... I'm pleased. I'll get some pictures posted up tomorrow.

Mark

As promised, here are the "before" picture of the Infinity project. I don't know how quickly I want to complete this project. I mostly want it to be right. I was looking at it today and the rear brake may be a challenge. It looks like I might have to make a drop bolt ala Sheldon Brown, or have a adapter made. I realize this came with a U brake stock and I don't want to go that route, instead, taking a modernistic approach to a classic bike. I'm looking long and hard at the seat, too. I may get me an aftermarket hardshell seat like Actionbent sells, or one of the others. Not sure, yet.

Speaking of the seat; Racer, there is a lot of slop in the back of the seat where it slides on the rails. I'm thinking there should be some UHMW strips, or something, between the seat and the bike tubing to take up that slop. What does your bike have?

Anyway, here are the pics:

I'll take a photo of mine and post it tomorrow. The U brackets on mine are welded to the seat and are open on the bottom. Grenade pins pass under the seat stays to hold it in place.

So, is mine an older model... likely to break at the stays?

Mark

You know.... I've strayed out into the garage a few times and stared at it. The bike really is cool, especially for it's age.... The thing that strikes me is how friggin' large the seat is! Dude, I go 225 and have very broad shoulders and this lawn chair sucks me right up! Talk about a wind sail! I realize this bike was not meant to be a racer... Maybe even aimed at more of the touring market, but geez... This thing is way beyond ridiculous! I still think it's a pretty cool bike.

Mark

My SN seems to be 310036A, though it's kind of hard to read.

You know, I applied for membership to the Yahoo group, but haven't heard anything back.

Mark

Racer... If you have the owner's e-mail address, would you send him an e-kick-in-the-nads and get him or her to approve my membership so I can peruse the stuff on there? I think I've been patient enough.

Mark