Ol’ Paint has been sitting unused outside the Halfakid’s apartment since he bought his new bike in January, while I’ve been planning a total refurbishment — including a new paint job, naturally. Today I picked her up to get the project rolling. We’d already cannibalized the pedals, so I brought along some that I’ve had sitting in the parts bin.

I just rode her to my workplace, about 7km, where the stripping and painting will be done. These photos are a record of how low she’s fallen before the work begins, as well as showing some of the components before they’re replaced.

It took me a couple of tries to remember how the shifters work!

The seatpost is stuck in the frame. We’ve tried penetrating oil and riding the bike a couple of months without the seatpost bolt — no luck. Today I sprayed the area with apple cider vinegar (which I’ve read is good for this aluminum-to-steel corrosion). Then I turned the bike upside-down, stepped on the saddle and twisted the bike frame. After some effort I felt something give. Closer inspection revealed that I’d done nothing more than break the saddle.

On Monday I’ll put the seatpost in a vise and try twisting the frame again. If the seatpost won’t come out, there’s no point in continuing the project.