Project Path Racer

[jig-sore]

a couple of years ago i bought this cheap bike from the local paper

a very low budget road bike

a quick test ride showed that the drive train was very worn with only the front inner ring being of any use,

so i smoothed off the teeth on the big ring to make a chain guard and fitted a six speed freewheel from an old kids bike, creating a simple "leave any where" bike for rides with the kids and trips to the shop etc.

some time later it took temporary service as a commute bike...

but soon ended up in a sorry state having been cannibalised of bits, and i didn't really know what to do with it.

then came the recent trend in retro looking bikes and inspired by the Pashley Govnor and the tweed run a plan was formed to create a vintage look using the simple 6 speed set up on a friction shifter, mostly using parts lying around with just a new saddle, bars and grips on the shopping list

first off, a nice racing green paint job...

and then i couldn't resist building it up with the parts available while i waited for the new stuff to arrive.

and now im at the stage where its almost ready to go. i think its needs some new brake calipers and maybe some retro tyres and then its time to accessorise. maybe a handle bar mounted bottle cage for a nice leather saddle bag ???

 

[betty swollocks]

Some bikes just look right.
You did a beautiful job there and I bet it's a joy to ride.
Well done!

 

[jugglingphil]

agree, from first pic to last the change is immense. nice job.

 

[Herzog]

Matches your bin beautifully!

 

[jig-sore]

thanks guys, yes it is fun to ride thanks to the strange handle bars.

should get it finished after pay day

 

[mickle]

You should post it on Ratrodbikes.com they'd love it.

 

[jig-sore]

You should post it on Ratrodbikes.com they'd love it.

wow, cool site thanks Mickle.

that's gonna keep me busy for a while and should give me some ideas for finishing touches

 

[jig-sore]

stripped and polished the stem today, to give it more of a classic look...

also found this ali drinks bottle in the pound shop. this is a quick mock up with an old broken cage. not sure if i like it ????

 

[brockers]

How didja strip the stem?

Great bike btw, and I admire your resourcefulness. Can't wait to see what tyres you go for.

 

[jig-sore]

How didja strip the stem?

took the paint off with a drill mounted nylon abrasive wheel like this one (but mine are blue and very soft)....

then buffed it up with an abrasive metal polish with help from a tooth brush and finished off with Auto-sol

it will need regular polishing to stop it tarnishing, but the more i do it the better it will get

got the idea from the cooper bike featured in Cycling active.

im thinking the bigger tyres look better on this type of bike but can only get 700x28's in the rear of this frame. the cream tyres featured on the Pashly Guvnor are 700x32

 

[jig-sore]

found these tyres in 700x28

 

[jig-sore]

new brakes fitted...

gears connected and working. now on a 5-speed cassette that was in better nick than the 6 speed.

bottle mounted on face of stem and temp bell on until i can get one that fits on the bars. LBS wanted £5 for a bell !!! really ??

nearly done now. the white tyres are on order and I'd like a nice old style saddle bag if i can find one

 

[jig-sore]

bike finally finished. im really pleased with the way it turned out, even my 12 year old daughter said it looked cool

the new tyres are cream, with a white side wall

new bell...

still not sure on the water bottle... opinions wanted.

oh, and i need help... how the hell do i keep these tyres clean ?????

 

[betty swollocks]

Your daughter's right: it does look cool.
Well done and enjoy riding it.

Ps. Water bottle's fine and you won't keep the tyres pristine.....obviously, just ride it and the road friction keeps them ok-ish.

 

[jig-sore]

thanks b-s