[jyl]

I saw the most beautiful bike today.

It was a Schwinn road frame, black with chrome stays and fork, red banding. Black cranks, track pedals with old-school clips, a fixie. Black seatpost, black and red Selle Italia. Chrome drop bar, red partial tape, a single center-mounted brake lever for the black front centerpull brake. Nothing else.

Just a sleek, old-school, stripped-down hot rod of a bike.

Portland is perfect for these single-speed strippers. The city is basically flat, the roads are decent, the vibe is vintage.

I want one.

My commuter bike is so loaded down with stuff. Fenders. Rack. Saddle bag. Double headlights. Taillight. Seat bag. Pump. Bottle cage. Bell. Computer. 18 speeds, shifters, brakes, shock, blah blah. It was 20 lb back in 198_ but stuff keeps getting hung on it.

My fun bike is sleeker, but its still a Carrera to that bike's 550 Spyder.

I want to get a vintage frame, some of 531 or Columbus, and build me a hot rod. Anyone have tips? Inspiration pics? I'm not fixated on a fixie, probably would have a freewheel and a brake(s).