after borrowing my brothers bmx to goto work, ive decided to have his old frame and do it up myself.
I have a frame, handlebars, seat, seatpost, crankset and pegs.
Ive been on ebay, and purchased a stem, chain and forks.
my dilemma now is this, what size wheels do i need? most bmx wheels on ebay are 20 inches, but after measuring my brothers, and measuring the rear end on the old frame, it seems i need 16 inch wheels. does this sound right?
I measured from the edge of the rim, ignoring the tyre totally. and on the old frame, i measured from the rear axle holder (a bit back, to account for axle size) and 16 inches fits just right, compenating for a tyre aswell.
My other dilemmas are thusly - are freewheels the same thing as rear cassette hubs? how do freewheels attach to a rear hub? how do i fit a gyro and headset along with my stem? and lastly, what amount of teeth do i need on the rear gear? i havent counted the ones on the crank i have, but im sure there of a standard size.
i hope you can answer my questions, sorry if its long winded, but im new to this and i hope to learn quickly!
Thanks
Pablo
mude
06-19-05, 07:19 PM
dilema:
1. take the front whell off your bro's bmx and try it on yours just to make sure
than go to you lbs
2. cassette hubs are like freewheels that are attached permanetly to the hub. its called a cog i belive
3.count the ones ont he sprocet (chainwheel, front gear, etc.) than tell us the number...im sure someones gonna post the proper ratio's n e ways. its something like a 2.5 ratio...
Brian
06-20-05, 04:04 AM
First, put the crack pipe down. Just kidding. You lost me on the wheel measurement, as you seem to be making more trouble for yourself than necessary. Just read the sidewall on one of his wheels if they came off the bike. Should read 20x1.95 or something close. The first number is the diameter of the rim it fits, the 2nd is the actual tire width. 10 and 16 are little kids bikes, 20 is the standard BMX size, 24 is either BMX cruiser size or a small MTB tire. 26 is a standard MTB size.
We need to know how many teeth are on your sprocket (the front gear on your crank) before we can suggest a freewheel. As far as hubs, freewheel hubs and cassette hubs are different. Freewheels are still cheaper and more common, but offer limited sizes. The whole freewheel mechanism is housed in one unit with gears, which threads on to your hub. Cassette hubs have the freewheel built into the hub, and you just replace the cog, which is the little gear with teeth.
Someone else will have to explain Gyros - not my thing.
mr_pablo
06-20-05, 04:32 AM
sadly, i dont smoke crack.
i told you i was new to this malarky! So i just went downstairs, grabbed my brothers bike, and this old frame.
My brothers bike has tyres saying "20x1.95" so its assumed these are 20 inch wheels right? (its just i cant really see how their 20 inch, as i measured the rims being 16~ inches =S)
anyway. it seems those wheels will fit the old frame nicely.
and the front crank has 44 teeth (its quite large, my brothers is a small DNA one)
lastly, a question about brakes. what should i get? i think this old frame is fitted for the U style brakes, with lugs on the frame. the ones my brother has are very good so they seem a good option. what about V brakes? are they a go area?
thanks for the help guys (and gals)
Pablo
Brian
06-20-05, 04:40 AM
Those are 20 inch wheels. Tyres, not tires? Hmmm. You're not American. Pommy?
44-16 is pretty much the standard gearing, you'll need to locate a 16 tooth freewheel.
Brakes? You'll have to wait for the freestyle guys to log on. I run a single V brake on my race bikes.
mr_pablo
06-20-05, 04:46 AM
Yes, im a good old Brit! only tYres for me :p
what are some good tyre sizes? id like to start learning some freestyle, but i love to race around my town too.
Are these chain tensioner things important? my brother doesnt have any...
well, now ive sorted out this damn tyre dilemma, im back on track to getting this bike up and running (cycling?!)
Brian
06-20-05, 05:02 AM
Thought so. Most tyres are around the 2 inch mark. Maxxis makes some nice ones called the Hookworm, but again, freestyle's not my thing. Wait until the Yankee kids wake up, they'll help you out. As far as chain tensioners, yes, you'll need some. They're cheap though - I got 3 sets of Kore for under $3/set on ebay.
mr_pablo
06-20-05, 05:10 AM
do the tensioners come in different sizes?
the rear axle dropouts (is that correct?) are quite long, nearly twice the sie of the ones on my brothers frame.
can anyone help identify my old frame? i cant find any markings. its a bright yellow, the downtube is quite chunky, with an upwards curve. the rear forks (?) are wavy, instead of being straight.
also, whats the best thing for cleaning up a bike? good old washing up liquid? i need to get some stickers off it.
KinetikBiker
06-20-05, 07:38 AM
hmmm, what mude siad....why are these the only new threads now...
mude
06-20-05, 01:59 PM
why'd you waste your tiem posting that
mr_pablo
06-20-05, 04:05 PM
either way, i still need some help with headsets and gyros.
i haven't a clue on the fork size or if its threaded untill i get them in the post.
eitherway, any suggestions on a half decent head set and gyro?
also, is 44 teeth ok to have with 18 on the rear?
queensrider86
06-20-05, 08:21 PM
44 goes with 16. don't worry, you're fine with a 44-18, you will just have a bit more acceleration
Brian
06-21-05, 01:22 AM
With a 44-18, you'll be set for going up hills, but you won't get to go too fast unless you spin like mad. For a headset, just get the FSA Pig. They're cheap, last a long time, and are available everywhere.
queensrider86
06-21-05, 08:04 AM
solid headsets are better
KinetikBiker
06-21-05, 08:55 AM
sure they are better, if you want to drop $50 bucks on a HEADSET...the FSA PIG is only $18.95 on Albes unsealed...
FSA is cheaper and ive heard good things about them too
Solid is the best though...but theres nothing wrong with FSA Pig's
queensrider86
06-21-05, 09:22 AM
sure they are better, if you want to drop $50 bucks on a HEADSET...the FSA PIG is only $18.95 on Albes unsealed...
FSA is cheaper and ive heard good things about them too
Solid is the best though...but theres nothing wrong with FSA Pig's
i would rather pay $50 for a good headset than buy several cheap headsets
mr_pablo
06-21-05, 09:28 AM
how do i determine what size headset i need?
ive seen ones for 1 inch or 1 1/8 inch... what do i measure on my forks, the inside hole, or from the outer edges of the tube?
i recieved my stem today, looks lovely. i put it on my bars, just need my forks and bits now! i noticed though, that the hole on the stemfor the forks, is somewhat smaller then the hole in the frame for the forks? is this extra space for the headset to sit in?
if anyone knows awesite with diagrams and such on how to install headsets and gyros, that would be highly apprecited!
cheers
KinetikBiker
06-21-05, 11:37 AM
i would rather pay $50 for a good headset than buy several cheap headsets
several cheap GOOD headsets.......
Brian
06-21-05, 03:01 PM
i would rather pay $50 for a good headset than buy several cheap headsets
Just don't let all the DH and DJ pros know that they're using a cheap headset. The only thing you would ever need to replace on the FSA Pig is the balls. I would suggest you get 2 sets yourself.
Fly Bikes90
06-21-05, 03:52 PM
i have one of those chris king headsets, they are sooo nice.
CMcMahon
06-21-05, 04:23 PM
The Chris King headset is an overly expensive piece of crap. I'm a pretty smooth rider, and that thing broke in three months for me; aside from a faulty FSA Pig bottom cup I had back in '99 that had a crack in it when I put it on, I've never broken one before that.
I'll stick with my Solid; the thing's indestructable.
queensrider86
06-21-05, 08:03 PM
The Chris King headset is an overly expensive piece of crap. I'm a pretty smooth rider, and that thing broke in three months for me; aside from a faulty FSA Pig bottom cup I had back in '99 that had a crack in it when I put it on, I've never broken one before that.
I'll stick with my Solid; the thing's indestructable.
i like my solid. even though it's not sealed those bearings work great
queensrider86
06-21-05, 08:12 PM
how do i determine what size headset i need?
ive seen ones for 1 inch or 1 1/8 inch... what do i measure on my forks, the inside hole, or from the outer edges of the tube?
i recieved my stem today, looks lovely. i put it on my bars, just need my forks and bits now! i noticed though, that the hole on the stemfor the forks, is somewhat smaller then the hole in the frame for the forks? is this extra space for the headset to sit in?
if anyone knows awesite with diagrams and such on how to install headsets and gyros, that would be highly apprecited!
cheers
you shouldn't have bought the stem without knowing the size of your frame.if the stem has a shaft, then it is a 1 inch stem. if it has a hole and 2 bolts on the side it is 1 1/8.
FuzzyRyder
06-21-05, 09:48 PM
you shoud also learn how to build a bike properly and "Know " not no what you want the bike for befor you just start buying parts so your bike dosent come out all fu*ked up, if you dont know how you put together a front end then you need to get someone who can show you first or go to a web site the has instructions
mr_pablo
06-22-05, 04:11 AM
the stem is one without the small shaft on it, it has the hole and two bolts.
it just doesnt look like 1 1/8 inches =S the headtube on my frame is wider, but im guessing its meant to be?
also, i know the forks i bought come with a cap on the end of the steer tube, so im thinking these are 1 1/8 threadless too? and i need a threadless head set, one that has a cap in the top?
i did start this thread so people could help me with building this bicycle, or point me to websites with the info.
Brian
06-22-05, 04:36 AM
you shoud also learn how to build a bike properly and "Know " not no what you want the bike for befor you just start buying parts so your bike dosent come out all fu*ked up, if you dont know how you put together a front end then you need to get someone who can show you first or go to a web site the has instructions
You shouldn't be attempting to correct someone else's spelling and grammar.
Brian
06-22-05, 04:45 AM
the stem is one without the small shaft on it, it has the hole and two bolts.
it just doesnt look like 1 1/8 inches =S the headtube on my frame is wider, but im guessing its meant to be?
also, i know the forks i bought come with a cap on the end of the steer tube, so im thinking these are 1 1/8 threadless too? and i need a threadless head set, one that has a cap in the top?
i did start this thread so people could help me with building this bicycle, or point me to websites with the info.
You don't have a quill stem, you have a threadless one. The stem clamps to the fork steerer, and a compression bolt goes through the top cap into the star nut in the steerer tube in order to preload the bearings. This is much better than the old style quill which uses a wedege, with the bearing loads done by tightening a big nut on the threaded steerer. Hopefully everything is 1-1/8" as well. It would all be so simple if it was expressed in metric units. Do a search of the forums for a home made headset installing tool. Also, Google Sheldon Brown or Park Tools for info on how to identify your parts as being 1 -1/8", and how to install them. What else do you need?
mr_pablo
06-22-05, 05:12 AM
the park tools website is a big help.
a few quick questions, will my chain, 114 links, fit over a 44-18 gear set? and will my tyres, 2.125, be too big, they seem kind of chunky. lastly, can i fit a head set and my forks and stem, without a gyro? and add one in at a later date? brakes arent a priority at the mo, a im just using the bike to cruise (well, when its built!)
CMcMahon
06-22-05, 01:36 PM
If you're using the bike to cruise around, you have no reason to put a gyro on there; just use a straight cable.
As for the chain, it depends on how far back the axle is in the dropout, but honestly, I have no idea. Why? Because no one measures their chain by the number of links in and then asks "is this going to be long enough"? They simply put the back wheel on, grab the chain, and see if both ends reach; if it's too long, then they take out links. It's as simple as that.
FuzzyRyder
06-22-05, 04:31 PM
lol i wasnt correcting some one elses spelling i was just puting know in there becuz u always bi*ch about how people spell things like know, no
mr_pablo
06-22-05, 04:36 PM
another quick Q here. when installing the headset cups, do i need one of those presses, or can it be done without? i dont particularly want to fork out for a load of tools im likely to use once.
p.s. i have a feeling the hole in my stem is 1 inch.. 1/8 of an inch too small... but i thought all threadless stems were 1 1/8 inches? its a pretty newstem aswell (looks it) and is off a hoffman bike. either im wrong, or im right and need a new stem =( need my darn forks to arrive!!!
Brian
06-23-05, 01:50 AM
Don't make me start again with Pommy comments. Do a search in the forums, or even Google, for a home-made headset press. You could use a hammer and block of wood, but a few bucks at the hardware store gets you a decent alternative.
mr_pablo
06-23-05, 06:14 AM
yet another dumb question here.
there wheels i've ordered come with 20 x 2.125 tyres on them. Im looking to buy some blue tyres, do i have to get 2.125's, or can i get 1.95's? So long as they are 20 inches of course.
queensrider86
06-23-05, 08:58 AM
another quick Q here. when installing the headset cups, do i need one of those presses, or can it be done without? i dont particularly want to fork out for a load of tools im likely to use once.
p.s. i have a feeling the hole in my stem is 1 inch.. 1/8 of an inch too small... but i thought all threadless stems were 1 1/8 inches? its a pretty newstem aswell (looks it) and is off a hoffman bike. either im wrong, or im right and need a new stem =( need my darn forks to arrive!!!
ok. loosen the bolts on the stem all the way, and measure it. for the headset. 2x4 +hammer
CMcMahon
06-23-05, 09:55 AM
As long as they've got a 20" diameter and and are between 1.75" and 2.125" you should be fine; tires skinnier than 1.75" are generally for mini-class race bikes.
mr_pablo
06-23-05, 10:05 AM
ok thanks guys!
more of my parts should arrive soon, just need to wait for those and i can buy a headset to fit!
i'll try and take a photo of my frame as id still like to identify it.
also, what are your opinions on a yellow frame with blue tyres, headset, seeatclamp, brakes etc? funky, or cheesey?
CMcMahon
06-23-05, 10:09 AM
It'd be pretty cool if your nickname was "Weasel", you had a small part in Road Fools 4, and it was still 1998.