Frame Choice

[Deleted member 1258]

its been relisted at least once so I reckon he'll take an offer, thinking 2x£20s cash and in person?

I reckon I'd like to do a lot to it so I'll probably go flip flop off the bat and flog any bits in good nick to fund additonal tweaks. I have access to real good spraying so it'll be a bare frame job.

Where would you buy parts online- I've been hunting?

VeloSolo are worth looking at for fixed bits and pieces

http://www.velosolo.co.uk/shoptrack.html

 

[david1701]

both those are lovely bikes, are the aero levers good to use in traffic ect?

And 2 brakes vs 1.....

 

[david1701]

velo solo look great

This is going to be a fun project

 

[smokeysmoo]

both those are lovely bikes, are the aero levers good to use in traffic ect?

And 2 brakes vs 1.....

The aero levers are great but you obviously need to make sure the stem length is right or you'd be straining to reach them.


Yes 2 brakes, I don't want this to disolve into a 2 v 1 brake debate, but for what's it 's worth I always run two, the first Peugeot I built was more for show really as I knew the frame was too small for me, but I knew I'd get decent money for it renovated and that I could re-use the components on another bike, and that's why I just put a front brake on that one, but the Langster is used in real time rush hour traffic, and as such I just feel safer with 2 brakes. I don't often use the rear, but I know it's there and it has proved it's worth on more than one occasion. For the record, this model of Langster was always supplied with 2 brakes, go figure!

Another good site to look at is Freshtripebikes, they sell full on bike porn like this..........................

and this

 

[david1701]

yeah there is some sexy stuff out there, Does anyone know why the pretty cheap stronglight cranks are for SS not fixed use, is it just a not good enough for track thing?

 

[david1701]

kinda back to square one (but I know what size works) as that was a beautiful bike and should just stay as it is not be cut down to make a fixie. Hell the paint was scratch free small amount of rust on chain/cassette and some dulling on the shiny brakes and its new :s

Guessing ebay is your friend for frames? they don't have gumtree out here

 

[david1701]

would this be too small, its a lovely looking bike and comes with its brakes which saves me 30 quid? and the cranks look good so could make something too ditto potentially the bars levers and shifters

Again thinking of bull horns not drops

 

[smokeysmoo]

That's a nice looking frame and would look stunning if it was restored, especially if you polished the lugs

As for size, only you'll know what size is best. Forget online size calculators, get down to your LBS and find the right size frame for you, remember it and find one that size. There are some variables but you shouldn't go far wrong by doing this.

It would be criminal to make that frame into a fixed gear, but would be beautiful made into a 12 speed retro racer

 

[david1701]

I know it sounds shocking but Ihave no use for a racer I need only a beater fixie so I'll keep hunting

 

[AlexStevens]

I am building a singlespeed at the moment, take a look : http://buildingabicycle.tumblr.com/

 

[david1701]

I don't mean beater at all :s I just mean an about town new built ss/fixed not a perfectly original condition 80's racer :s

 

[AlexStevens]

If I were you find a nice frame on ebay, dont spend more than £50 depending on your budget and then build it up using as many parts as possible from the frame you buy like headset, stem, handlebars etc. Put new brakes on, wheels etc then you are done : lovely retro but updated fixie/ss.

 

[smokeysmoo]

I am building a singlespeed at the moment, take a look : http://buildingabicycle.tumblr.com/

I'd have stripped all the components instead of painting them, did you do this as you couldn't remove them, or are you intentionally going for the 'hipster' look? If so I hope you did at least strip and re-grease the bottom bracket as judging from the age of this frame I'd want BB peace of mind myself.

Don't forget to wrap your spanner in a cloth when you need to tighten/adjust the headset, (you have stripped and re-greased this too haven't you?), otherwise you'll just scratch all the paint on the once chrome headset nut. If you plan to ride it through winter I'd recommend fitting a sealed 'threadset' to keep out all the grot.

This is not a criticism, just my own critique, I hope you've enjoyed doing it, (I love building bikes), and I sincerely hope it rides well.

 

[AlexStevens]

Took it all off and greased it then put it back

 

[smokeysmoo]

Took it all off and greased it then put it back

Happy days You got your messenger bag and 3/4 length pants ready for the first ride? Don't forget some spoke cards too