The receiver of a makeover is not always a willing subject, not always someone looking for judgment on the decisions they (or, in this case, their manufacturers) have made. And who is to say that my $15 gem of a thrift store find, my 80s Univega Road Bicycle, should not continue sporting its classic qualities bouncing golden rays from each well maintained original part? Who, but the BoyF whose mild mannered interest in traveling by two-wheels and pedals has now exploded into a garage turned bike gang clubhouse need to “work on” and customize any bicycle in his path. My gem included. Truth be told the “classic qualities” of my Japanese transport were holding me back. The extra weight of the curved handlebars, the 10-speed action never straying too far from the same notches, and dual brake system were keeping me at the rear of any traffic veering outing (or so the BoyF convinced me in order to okay the procedure). Under the cutter the lucky makeover winner went and out came a slimmed down single speed sass mobile. And golden rays bling from its custom modern upgrades. Shine on.
BEFORE (not mine, from ciclismodesign for reference)
AFTER (chopped handlebars, one brake, single speed)