May 3rd – Barcelona, Spain – video update

With my new bike on the beach in Barcelona!!

My bike in Barcelona – almost finished!

So excited to receive news from Recircula today, Jose sent me this beautiful photo of my new bike!

He also sent me a close-up of the seat (a woman’s saddle AND gel!!!)… but that’s the kind of photo that me (and my tushy!) will privately gawk over

My new-old bike – the specs

One of the highlights of this trip is my old-new custom-made bike built almost entirely from recycled parts!  Right now, Jose Aroca (click here to read article about Jose and his work), is building this remarkable bike for me in Barcelona, Spain

Here are the specs:

- Cro Mo frame, size 48cm, low bar, navy colour

- 28″ wheels

- Tyres (1,4) and tubes Schwalbe Marathon (anti puncture)

- 24 speed Shimano alivio/altus, rapid fire shift

- crank set 48-38-28

-V-brakes “Tectro”

- back racks for panniers

- flat mountain-bike handle bars

- water bottle holders

- mud guards

- women’s gel saddle

…Can’t wait to see it when I arrive in Barcelona in early May!!

RECIRCULA – building my unique bike in Barcelona

Jose Aroca Navarro, bike enthusiast and mechanic, works in Barcelona, Spain with an organization called RECIRCULA (literally translated “re-circulated”).  They are an association of cyclists who promote biking as the best way of transport in the city and for travel.  Critical to this non-profit organization is their recycling mission, continuously finding and reusing parts from discarded bikes that are still in good condition.  Then, through repairs and occasionally adding some new parts to the mix, Jose and his team can build a brand new bike, customized to their client’s every need and preference.

Check out RECIRCULA’s website (in Catalan only, for the time being)

So excited to ride this extra-eco-bike and to support such a great project!  To read about the part specs of my bike, click here.