So here is the big reveal of my bike project. I give you the War Pigeon! First to explain the name; at one time Fixed Gear = Messenger Bike, likewise War Pigeon = Military Homing Pigeon. So a classic messenger name seemed appropriate to a classic messenger ride.
So the original idea behind this rebuild was to recycle as many parts as possible, so here’s how I did;
I purchased
- Handlebar tape
- Chain
- Pasela Tour Guard 700x25C Tires
- Wabi Cycle wheelset and 15T rear cog
- Brooks B17 saddle
- Axiom rack (with military surplus bag as panniers)
- MKS Grip King Pedals
- Powder Coating from the Fixed Gear Gallery
I don’t think the first three really count against the project since they will always need to be replaced because of wear, and I didn’t have a saddle, or rack to borrow. The new wheelset, and the pedals were worth every penny, and the panniers and powder coating brought my vision together.
Nor can you count the head badge that I hand crafted from a piece of recycled aluminum. Note my War Pigeon does not look too vicious, yet push comes to shove, it might have what it takes to win the Dickin Medal.
After all, it does have a lot of heart.
Now after the silliness you might want to know how it rides. Well with a 52:15 tooth set up or 94 gear inches, this little bird flies (sorry I couldn’t help myself). The Brooks B17 is a great seat, and is not the first one that I have owned. Even after three year of use I really like the wheelset/tire combo as it is very responsive and easy rolling, andthe pedals work with any type of shoes I wear.
