The next installment of "Making something from nothing" is the heaviest water bottle holder in the world. And it may get heavier. I need to add another tube to hold the bottle a little better. This holder was made entirely from 316ss tubing scrap. It had to be pieced together using the shorter lengths to get what you see. It seems to be a unique design. Though, I doubt anyone would think of it or want to copy it. Most modern water bottle holders try to have a stylish design and very light weight. I think I have bucked the trend. The WBH resides on my Big Dummy where the weight will not be noticed.

Making something out of nothing.

Today is your lucky day. A double post. I know my legions of loyal followers will have their day made.

Today's feature is a caliper guard for my Big Dummy. Xtracycle makes one. It's a good one I guess. But I like to make the things that I can. I like to make them out of scrap metal too. Industrial scrap. Stuff that will be sold for scrap value only, or thrown away. I dig through the scrap bin several times a day to find the most bikable parts I can. I've made several things for bikes out of scrap and would make a lot more if only more stuff would get scraped or thrown away. The caliper guard is the latest part out of scrap.

Starting the new year right.

I placed the order for a Surly Big Dummy from Bill at Dirtroad bicycles. I hope the have the frame on the 9th of January '09. Also on order is the Longtail kit from Xtracycle. I intend to move some parts from my commuter bike over to the Dummy until I can sell enough stuff to buy replacements. I'll need another rear wheel with a gear hub. First choice would be the Rohloff Speedhub with 14 gears. Second choice and posibly the most reasonable is the Shimano Alfine hub. The Alfine hub with 8 speeds is really all I need in Baton Rouge, but aiming for the Speedhub is a posibility. A front wheel with disc and rim brake capability is also needed. 36 hole drilling of course. Disc brakes will eventually be installed at both ends, but for the first few rides, I will have to do with rim jobs. I will be working hard at getting the dummy ready for hauling the kids. Getting Landon willing to ride on the bike instead of in the trailer will be difficult but necessary.