Tan Classics?

Here's the latest series of saddle recoveries. Tan, kind of classic, kind of not. We've got skulls, hearts, Japanese family crests and an abstract cathedral like dot pattern. The dark brown one is off to London tomorrow while the the tan trilogy is destined for the S!X store opening up at Von Haus, Melbourne around mid March.

A tricky bunch, trying out some new techniques and working on perfecting the old ones. The biggest challenge is that "cleft back' saddle.

Handcrafted bicycle saddle: The Purple Cookie Monster

The "cookie monster" components as photographed by Fyxomatosis at the Skin Grows Back headquarters in Ulla Dulla.

Still really looking forward to seeing the project complete. But gee, the gold and purple certainly looks rich. I did the double straps too, unfortunately couldn't get my hands on gold buckles at a reasonable price (could have gone gold plated).

The Mixte is Done

The old Shogun Mixte is finally done. It's been about a week now, has just been waiting on the final touch of the white leather saddle. The saddle is a softer friendlier white version of an earlier one I did for Thuy, with detailing that reflects the lug work on the head tube. The frame, forks, headset, bottom bracket and seat post are original from the side of the road in South Melbourne. The saddle came from the back shed of Fyxomatosis, rims were reclaimed from another old road bike and polished up, wheels built by Shifter Bikes, cranks from the free Repco Superlight from Carlton (fixed.org), bars from the tip at Phillip Island, pedals from another old bike sourced from Phillip Island. New chainring, cog, 1/8 chain and tyres. Why did it take so long? Because I had the forks chrome plated by a factory with a lot of work on which also closed down for a month over Christmas. Anyway it's done, it's fun and cruisy to ride and I'm happy with the outcome. This one is for Feride, I feel inclined to do a similar one for myself now.