Building a second hand bike

[mikejohnhale]

Hi,
Looking to build a road bike over the Summer but have no real idea what I'm doing or what to get started. Where is the best place to get a frame from. Ideally something lightweight and old looking.
Thanks,
Mike.

 

[vickster]

@biggs682

 

[smokeysmoo]

Modern or 'vintage'?

Do you want to scratch build from a frame up, or do you want to pick up a complete bike and undertake a restoration/makeover?

For complete bikes older Peugeot's are great to do and easy to get hold of.

 

[mikejohnhale]

Honestly, I don't know. It depends on what I can get my hands on. I.e. if I find the perfect bike that needs restoring; then I'd go for that. If I couldn't find one; then hopefully build from scratch. Ideally, something vintage-looking. Mostly be used for commuting with the odd longer ride.

 

[biggs682]

Hi,
Looking to build a road bike over the Summer but have no real idea what I'm doing or what to get started. Where is the best place to get a frame from. Ideally something lightweight and old looking.
Thanks,
Mike.

easiest source has to be e bay and local gumtree and freecycle

@smokeysmoo is right old Peugoet's are good and strong but watch for odd threads etc etc

if you are local to me (Northamptonshire) @mikejohnhale feel free to pop over and have a look and a chat

if not let me know what size frame you are after and i can keep a look out

 

[mikejohnhale]

Are Peugeots relatively lightweight? I'm 6'1-6'2 and have been told that around 58 cm would be right, does that sound about right? Also, is the best way to paint a bike to get it sandblasted and done powder coated? Cheers

Also, this is my first attempt at something like this (as you've probably guessed) I'd be more than happy with something that ended up looking like this: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Vintage-1...1174800761?pt=UK_Bikes_GL&hash=item43cb5edd79

 

[John the Canuck]

trouble with buying an 'old' frame only is then getting the wheels
as i have found - when buying an older Peugeot with totally rusted wheels....

older bikes have front forks inside width of 100mm - that's not a problem as modern front wheels will fit
BUT.......the rear OLN [ Over Locknut ] Distance [that is the clearance inside the forks ] is usually 120 - 124mm and for 6-7-8 speed screw-on freewheels
and modern wheels which take a cassette are 130-135mm
ok - you can find 120+mm wheels on eBay as i have just done - but quality/condition can be suspect..[don't ask.! ]...

just saying - do some homework before splashing the cash....

 

[SteCenturion]

Try Hillary Stone.Com for some tasty frames in different flavours, they have some nice Bob Jackson, Mercian, Raleigh, Swallow & Condor frames for example.

They seem to be very knowledgeable people, whereas I no nothing (said Manuel) apart from what I like the look of.

I am lead to believe that it can become a very expensive business getting into old frames & bike building.

 

[SteCenturion]

trouble with buying an 'old' frame only is then getting the wheels
as i have found - when buying an older Peugeot with totally rusted wheels....

older bikes have front forks inside width of 100mm - that's not a problem as modern front wheels will fit
BUT.......the rear OLN [ Over Locknut ] Distance [that is the clearance inside the forks ] is usually 120 - 124mm and for 6-7-8 speed screw-on freewheels
and modern wheels which take a cassette are 130-135mm
ok - you can find 120+mm wheels on eBay as i have just done - but quality/condition can be suspect..[don't ask.! ]...

just saying - do some homework before splashing the cash....

I am no master in the black arts of vintage bikes either, so could I just ask, as I am unsure on this, dont Mavic make vintage spec wheels new ?
Or at least the rims.

 

[mikejohnhale]

How old are the bikes that have this kind of issue? Going by what I've seen on eBay so far, some from as late as the 90s have interested me. As it's my first ever attempt at something like this, I'd prefer a more simple build/restoration. Would a second hand 90s Peugeot make a good project for beginners? I.e. ease of getting parts etc. Thanks.

 

[John the Canuck]

"mikejohnhale,
Are Peugeots relatively lightweight?
relative to what ....? it's a steel bike

I'm 6'1-6'2 and have been told that around 58 cm would be right, does that sound about right?
How to Fit a Bicycle

Also, is the best way to paint a bike to get it sandblasted and done powder coated?
i think powder coating is expensive - get a mate with a spray shop
i chose to leave the rough paint as-is
a sheet of decals can cost between £15-25

Also, this is my first attempt at something like this (as you've probably guessed) I'd be more than happy with something that ended up looking like this:
so would I..! i would hazard a guess this cost more than £180 to build

OK to give you a clue - this cost me £52 - a 1987 Peugeot P10PG in rough condition


£50 used QR wheels from eBay 100mm and 124mm OLD
£8 new 6 speed freewheel
£25 2 new Conti ULTRA tyres
£10 for 3 inner tubes
£7 bar tape
£8 brake hoods
£10 new inner and outer brake and gear cables
£8 Kool Stop brake pads
£22 new headset
£8 new KMC chain
£12 toe clips
£8 straps
£20 saddle - still to come
optional £7 bottle and cage

so you can see you MUST do your sums before starting a 'project'
but happy with the result

[/QUOTE]

 

[John the Canuck]

.................... Would a second hand 90s Peugeot make a good project for beginners? I.e. ease of getting parts etc. Thanks.

yes
see typical list above - all available

 

[mikejohnhale]

yes
see typical list above - all available

That's great, cheers. Answered a lot of questions I had. I've got a budget of 250-300 but could stretch a little higher. Obviously I don't have to spend that. Would you say my best bet would be eBay? I think a Peugeot seems like the most viable option due to the number available, availability of parts and price. Thanks.

Does this seem like the right sort of one to be looking for? Seems to tick all the boxes so far. http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/peugeot-road-race-bike-/181444861731?pt=UK_Bikes_GL&hash=item2a3ef4df23

 

[John the Canuck]

firstly i got both of mine from Gumtree ads.. which, rightly, some are wary of
BUT
the first was from a LBS shop in Stoke
the second i met the chap in my village - and so was able to knock him down £20....

eBay is fine - my 'approach' is to bear the list above in mind
and pick a price point say £75 then ADD what i DONT need to buy
my rationale being the initial bike cost is a small part of what you'll spend
eg a saddle and 2 decent tires = £60/70

the linked Peugeot looks clean
it's a PE10N 54cm frame [exactly as mine]

paint is good
original Lyotard pedals
crap saddle
downtube shifters are good and original
if those are steel chromed wheels [ they look in good condition] you can use them with Continental Kool Stop pads from here
KOOLSTOP Continental :: £4.00 :: PARTS & ACCESSORIES :: Components - Brakes - Brake Blocks :: Spa Cycles, Harrogate - The touring cyclists specialist.
people say steel rims are wicked in the wet - dunno, i ride when it's dry [so far.!]

i'd bid up to £85 [or more if you're flush] if i was local and could pickup
are you local for a pickup..?..................[i wish people would add their 'Location'.]

hopefully our biggs the guru will correct anything i've said wrong................

if you do get it...allow some money for tools as you'll need
cone spanners - to relube the hubs
crank extractor....to service the BB
BB lockring removal tool - to relube the bearings
Rock and Roll Web Grease - the best IMO
a proper cable cutter - don't use side cutters
any questions later - feel free to PM me

good luck........................john

 

[mikejohnhale]

Yeah, I'm from Wirral, Merseyside so it's not too far. I read the link on how to pick sizes and basically said that the frame-size charts that shops use are unreliable due to everyone being different, however it did recommend a frame around 58. Would 54cm not be too small?

Also, a lot of that bike did appear to be in good condition so probably wouldn't require buying a huge amount.