I finally got a chance yesterday to drop by the local bike shop. I took my fork and crown race part into them, to see if they could get it pounded on the steering tube part of the fork.
Well, 5 minutes and $5.00 later I was back in my car. The guy had some type of special tool that was made especially for this installation. He slipped this long tube down over the steering tube of the fork, and beat on it with a hammer. Sure enough the race just slipped right down to where it should be.
Lesson learned: If I cannot fix it easily with my tools, go to the bike shop - they have the right tools!
I also ordered a stem and handle bar from bikenashbar.com. They should arrive on Friday. Hopefully this weekend I can get all the cables hooked up and adjusted - then take my first ride!
Someone out there in the world is really going to appreciate you for writing all of this down. Pretty neat!
Dad
Posted by: Lyle | August 22, 2004 at 08:30 PM
You could call your bike "Pretty in Pink." Nice job on the paint.
Posted by: Kevin | August 27, 2004 at 10:50 AM
Thanks Kevin - I think that is a fitting name.
Posted by: Burke | August 27, 2004 at 11:06 AM
I'm coming to this build really late but wanted to have my 2 cents in. You go to the bike shop and get work done for a great price, then buy bars and stem mail order. Why not spend the cash with your local bike shop. You know the guys who help you out. The guys who ride bikes. The guys who you ask for help and info.
Posted by: Eric | October 01, 2005 at 09:56 AM