Framebuilders - New bike from an old bike
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silent1
04-24-06, 04:53 PM
I have an old schwinn world that is way too big for me. I am thinking about heating and pulling apart/cutting the tubes, re-setting the lug angles, brazing them back together to make a single speed frame. I have been toying with the idea of building a bike for a while but don't want to buy all the parts, even though they are halfway cheap, just to screw something up and have a piece of junk. I know this sounds like a huge pain in butt but I have this frame and I will have about a week off of school to do absolutely nothing except for ride and work on this project. I have most the the required tools a decent torch and use of a good garage for the week. Is this a horrible idea or is it even possible? I have been reading everything that I can find on framebuilding and even have some plans for the different jigs.
I don't know much about this kind of approach, except that the folks selling touring bikes, like Rivendale, boast that lugs are the best option since broken tubes can be easily replaced by torching joints apart and reassembling them.
I have an old schwinn world that is way too big for me. I am thinking about heating and pulling apart/cutting the tubes, re-setting the lug angles, brazing them back together to make a single speed frame. I have been toying with the idea of building a bike for a while but don't want to buy all the parts, even though they are halfway cheap, just to screw something up and have a piece of junk. I know this sounds like a huge pain in butt but I have this frame and I will have about a week off of school to do absolutely nothing except for ride and work on this project. I have most the the required tools a decent torch and use of a good garage for the week. Is this a horrible idea or is it even possible? I have been reading everything that I can find on framebuilding and even have some plans for the different jigs.
In all honesty, it sounds like a lesson in frustratation. Just buy a frame that fits, it's cheaper and safer. Good luck
Tim
You should give it a go!
People are always going to tell you that it's impossible. Just give it a try.
I'm surprised that no actual frame builders have weighed in with actual experience.
Good luck.