endless automata

First, I’ll begin with the current problem. I happen to be the proud owner of a bike with a 1 1/8” threaded headset manufactured just as the transition from threaded to threadless was occuring. This means that parts for the headset are rather hard to find - which wouldn’t be a problem if I hadn’t upgraded from v-brakes to cantilever brakes. This means I need a cable hanger. Now, 1 1/8” threadless/threaded cable hangers are easy to come by, but they are all about 10mm thick. I’ve got maybe 4-5mm to play with and that’s it. So, here’s the request: if anyone can find me a 1 1/8” head tube cable hanger that’s 5mm thick or less - please let me know.

Now if you can’t find the cable hanger, it’s not the end of the world. I’m considering the rather goofy option of using a rear cable hanger (like this http://www.velo-orange.com/suststcaha.html) and mounting it on the stem clamp screw. I might need some plastic or rubber washers to dampen vibration, but it seems like a reasonable option.

The other option is of course to stick with v-brakes - which would mean returning the levers and brakes that I purchased and buying new levers and probably new brakes (the existing v-brakes are quite rusty and would need all the screws/bolts/springs replaced). But, I really hate v-brake - I never seem to be able to adjust them quite right and they seem to get gunked up more easily than cantilever brakes, so that’s a last resort.

In other news, I’ve finished almost all the cleaning (still need to use some steel wool on my spokes). I’ve overhauled both wheel hubs, which was surprisingly easy. I also overhauled the headset. I’ve also treated the rust on the frame and fork with rust reformer - which dries to a nice black matte finish - so nice in fact I doubt I’ll touch up the paint after all - a few coats of rust reformer should be enough, especially after I wax the frame.

In the making it look cool department, I’m planning on doing a harlequin wrap on the bars with black and red tape (perhaps with cork, if I can figure out how to do it). I’m also looking at getting some custom stickers for the frame - not sure if I’ll cover the Trek decals yet.

More updates in a few days.