Dystopian Future-Tokyo Build Idea-- help me plan! (LONG POST)
 

Hi folks. I have a vision for a build that I want to do. I recognize that some of this may seem "trendy" or "hipstery," so if that isn't your thing, don't keep reading. :thumb:

Aesthetically, I have clear ideas. Tech-wise, I need advice on how to make some of this work. I'll put those questions in bold below. Would love advice/thoughts on the aesthetic choices as well! Totally stoked about this build.

I really like the look of the Deus motorcycles and was inspired to think of this build based on their style. Here's an example of the look I am sort of after: http://i41.tinypic.com/33l04qu.jpg

I like the bare metal and black a whole lot. That's going to be the theme for the bike. Basically a dystopian future/urban/ratbike kind of vibe.

I can start with any frame that is strippable, totally willing to powder-coat or finish the frame so it will look like what I want. There's a guy on Craigslist with a basic Nashbar frame and 105 group for $185 I may pick up to use as the project base.Here's the link. and a picture: [IMG]http://i42.tinypic.com/zvbt40.jpg[/IMG]

I would plan on stripping that frame down to the metal, and I have thought about doing a matte-black powdercoat on the crank arms, seatpost, and other exposed parts. I think the contrast between the bare metal and matte powdercoat would look great.

The cockpit is where I'm thinking of doing some serious modifications. I would like to go to bullhorn bars or potentially a straight bar. Either way, I know I'd need to make some serious changes to the brakes and shifting setup. If I use the bike with 105, I was thinking about getting Shimano bar-end shifters and using the Thumbies from Paul Engineering, to relocate the shifters along the straight part of the bullhorns or on the flat bar. Are the Shimano bar-end shifters relatively interchangeable among the group sets? This is what the Thumbies look like: http://i41.tinypic.com/6i4m4j.jpg

For the brakes, I haven't decided if I want to run them on the ends of the bars or relocate them to the flats. Can I use these Cane Creek Cross Top levers for this?

Otherwise, should I be looking for some flat-top levers? Thoughts?


Wheels are a big question. I want some super-deep V rims, like the EighthInch Julians pictured: http://i42.tinypic.com/20jhkqo.jpg

I would have to build them up from bare rims, because the hubs wouldn't be compatible with a geared setup. Other suggestions for super-deep V wheels that would work? I want flat black.

One of the other big question is how to clean up the cabling with all this. I want to have it as clutter-free as possible. What options might I have for hiding cables and making it look as a clean as possible? Are there any ways to route lines so that this would look as neat (as in neat and clean) as can be?

For the saddle, I would want something that fits the theme. I could look for a used black riveted brooke, or this one from Fyxation looks like it would fit the bill: http://i41.tinypic.com/33w78nb.jpg

Whew. Okay. DEFINITELY looking forward to advice and thoughts!

Do put some clearcoat on the bare frame to preserve that metal look, unless you want to get a Patina. Otherwise, it sounds like a fun project.

Good suggestion. What kind of clearcoat do I need to apply?

Modern automotive clearcoat or Emeron.

If you want something different for shifting, how about some SRAM R2C shifters? Way cool.

Also, that CL find ****s me up the ****ing ****. Where the **** can I find that much bike for $185, dammit.

What's there to preserve on that frame? Strip it and leave it because it's an aluminum frame. It'll just form the normal oxide layer like all aluminum does. If you want a bike based on a cafe build. I see leaving the frame black and everything else polished aluminum. Maybe some 700x28 or 32's if you can fit them. Bars I can picture some Soma Condorina or Sparrow as they'll a nice slim and low profile comparable to the clip ons. I think maybe do some mtb style shifters and it'll give the look of the motorcycle controls. Then some chopped down Bontrager fenders to look like the bobbed front fender. The grips like that you can buy on eBay for pretty cheap. That's just my .02

If a straight bar is where you're heading, the Soma Condorina would fit the bill:

http://www.somafab.com/wp-content/up..._topvu1000.jpg

Thumbies, black grips and some TT/bar end levers would be wicked awesome for the setup you're considering.

If you're building from scratch, also consider Velocity B43 rims, or HPlusSon 42 SLs. If you're not buying complete wheels like the 1/8th-inch ones you cited (recomended), I'd definitely consider the Velocity rims for a custom build($$$).

Dystopian Tokyo Future had me thinking about Radiation suits for cycling ,

and dust masks that trap the radioactive dust from Fukushima ..

Dude sold it out from under me. I still want to do the project at some point, but the guy cheesed out.

That sucks! That's the nature of Craigslist, though.....first one there with the cash wins.