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I’m into tearing down the complete Black Lightning now, so hereto forward I shall refer to it as BL2. It didn’t look like the headset had been serviced in quite some time. Cups look fine. So do the bearings. But I bought a box of ten retainer sets so I’ll install new ones.

Zero bidders. Shipping is a killer...

Absolutely. First thing I did when I opened the shipping package was count the clicks. I got 8. My brain said “great! It’s an 8 speed!” Duh!

It’s worth a shot to try with lacquer thinner. I shall try.

The shipping cost is why I’m hesitating. Great seller. Same one I bought the complete BL from.

Not to confuse the difference between the 2 Black Lightnings, but…. While working on the complete one I discovered the script Black Lightning logo on the stem is hidden below a layer of paint. I’m wondering if I can save them.

What the heck were they on about? Hindu? India? I can‘t find anything on the interwebz that discusses the graphics on the 2005 touring bikes. Any ideas out there?

A touring bike is gonna have to fall out of the sky and hit me in the head for it to be #9. I am full. I am going to have to get creative as it is. Or that 911 tribute frame. I do have the inseam for it…..

I got the bars wrapped. Not perfectly, but it will have to do. I went for a pedal and all is working well. A tad more adjustment is needed on the rear brakes to even up the pull between levers. But I’m happy. My legs are rubbery and I can’t stand on one leg by itself, so it was a productive pedal…

I’ve watched some videos on bar tape wrapping and it is an art form. As long as it doesn’t come out lumpy I’ll be happy.

Finished some component swapping. Except the planned brifters. The Sora’s will stay. They’re in good shape mechanically. The 105 calipers are a nice upgrade. They “feel” better. On the stand. All new cables while I was at it as well. Bar tape is next.

When you don’t know where to start, go back to the beginning. It was the shifter. I put the original Sora brifter back on and voila, all 8 cogs are accessible. Turns out my ignorance has cost me once again. The Shimano 105 Flight Deck ST-5500 is absolutely in fact a 3X”9” brifter. And is NOT...

I did not even think of that @JohnnyD Thanks!

It's weird. I can get it shifting like a Swiss watch through the first 7 cogs. But the biggest rear cog (8th) eludes me... I shall try it with the cable disconnected. Any chance that it could be a chain issue? It isn't worn to the 50% level yet as checked with the Park Tool chain checker.

Nope. Optical illusion with all the curves. Nothing is bent. I carefully measured and compared to my CAAD4 frame. If there are differences it’s less than half a mm. It’s a bicycle not an airplane. I just don’t know how to dial in a RD apparently….

I replaced my RD on my R400 with a 105 to match the FD. I can not get the L limit screw in adjustment. I’ve watched the Park Tool video multiple times. I do believe I’ve discovered the issue. The first step in the video is to make sure the derailleur hangar is straight. It looked straight...

The picture is of it on my bike stand. I just finished reassembling it as I just received it yesterday. It is pretty nice. If you look close enough its age does show. Needs a tune and lube. Maybe new shift cables. New brake cables for sure. And the dia compe calipers are a pain to center! I...

I am joking. It is ANOTHER Black Lightning. I needed another one to figure out how to assemble the first one. Not really. Joking again. I couldn’t help myself. Another 88 Black Lightning in my size (60cm) came up for sale after buying just a frame. Wish it would have come up for sale first. For...

Well that went together quickly and easily…

Thanks @Peat I took a look at your BL it is a dandy! I wish my paint and decals were as nice.