Finished building up the new bike today. Made a headset press out of a huge ass bolt, a big nut, and about 12 big washers. Worked perfectly. Covered some of the frame in electrical tape, partially to protect it and partially to obscure the word MARIN painted all over it in big white letters. Added “FUCK TAXIS” on the top tube and “EAT ME” on the front of the head tube with stick-on lettering.
It rides great. The 54cm frame fits me very well. About the only thing I can think of that I want to do to it is put a smaller chainring on. I like 52×18, but I think I’d be better off with 48×18. It would just be an easier spin, which would be good. I’ll eventually put a new, 700c wheel on the front to make life easier, but the current 27″ front wheel works well enough for now. Maybe a few select stickers for it too, but that’s more of a cosmetic thing.
I’ll post an image of it as soon as Steve gets back from Wisconsin and I can use his digicam again.