Bikeforums.net is a forum about nothing but bikes. Our community can help you find information about hard-to-find and localized information like bicycle tours, specialties like where in your area to have your recumbent bike serviced, or what are the best bicycle tires and seats for the activities you use your bike for.kpug505
02-18-08, 05:24 PM
Howdy!
This is my first venture into the world of folders. I have been looking for one for quite a while and finally came across one at an antique auto swap meet (of all places) last night.
Before I introduce my folder I’ll give you all an idea about me and my relationship with all things bike. First, I am usually over in the C&V forum and occasionally I’ll stop by the car free, SS&FG forum (for laughs) and the utility cycling section. I love all things bike! And I’ve got just about every niche’ covered as far as types of bikes go. I’m pretty excited to finally get a folder…….
So, I’ll get to the jist of it. I know my folder isn’t the nicest one out there. They have gotten lighter, faster and way more expensive in the 20 or more years since this one came out. I got mine for $40 and I’m happy with it. It’s a Bianchi Nealeco. I’m guessing from the 70’s. I searched the forums and got quite a few hits but they didn’t really answer any questions. So here goes!
1: Bottom bracket. Since the bike is made in Italy am I safe to assume it is Italian threading? I’d like to replace the cranks with some shorter (165mm or less maybe) square taper alloy ones.
2: Pedals. How about these MKS AR-2 EZY’s?
http://www.thorusa.com/mksqrpedal2.jpg
I like clips and straps so these fit the bill and seem appropriate. And for those not familiar with them they have a quick release. So cool....
3: Seat post. The one on there sucks and is very ugly. Its 25mm and I’m guessing that it’s longer then the 350mm length commonly available. Any suggestions? It must be alloy. I don’t really care about clamp style. The seat will be a Brooks B17 BTW.
That’s all I have for questions for now. My plan with this is to swap cranks, upgrade wheels to alloy 20’s with a single speed coaster brake out back. Get rid of the front & rear caliper brakes, handle bars, seat post and any other crappy stuff that can be upgraded. Then I’ll have it powder coated “celeste” green when I get my Bianchi touring rig ready for a color change.
Ya, so that pretty much sums it up! I look forward to spending some time in this forum while this project is under way. Here is a pic of my new to me folder!
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2236/2275944948_9b303d42b5.jpg
Thanks in advance!
Kelly D
P.S. The seat post is so high up ‘cause I took it out and didn’t want to cram it back in for the pic.
This is my first venture into the world of folders. I have been looking for one for quite a while and finally came across one at an antique auto swap meet (of all places) last night.
Before I introduce my folder I’ll give you all an idea about me and my relationship with all things bike. First, I am usually over in the C&V forum and occasionally I’ll stop by the car free, SS&FG forum (for laughs) and the utility cycling section. I love all things bike! And I’ve got just about every niche’ covered as far as types of bikes go. I’m pretty excited to finally get a folder…….
So, I’ll get to the jist of it. I know my folder isn’t the nicest one out there. They have gotten lighter, faster and way more expensive in the 20 or more years since this one came out. I got mine for $40 and I’m happy with it. It’s a Bianchi Nealeco. I’m guessing from the 70’s. I searched the forums and got quite a few hits but they didn’t really answer any questions. So here goes!
1: Bottom bracket. Since the bike is made in Italy am I safe to assume it is Italian threading? I’d like to replace the cranks with some shorter (165mm or less maybe) square taper alloy ones.
2: Pedals. How about these MKS AR-2 EZY’s?
http://www.thorusa.com/mksqrpedal2.jpg
I like clips and straps so these fit the bill and seem appropriate. And for those not familiar with them they have a quick release. So cool....
3: Seat post. The one on there sucks and is very ugly. Its 25mm and I’m guessing that it’s longer then the 350mm length commonly available. Any suggestions? It must be alloy. I don’t really care about clamp style. The seat will be a Brooks B17 BTW.
That’s all I have for questions for now. My plan with this is to swap cranks, upgrade wheels to alloy 20’s with a single speed coaster brake out back. Get rid of the front & rear caliper brakes, handle bars, seat post and any other crappy stuff that can be upgraded. Then I’ll have it powder coated “celeste” green when I get my Bianchi touring rig ready for a color change.
Ya, so that pretty much sums it up! I look forward to spending some time in this forum while this project is under way. Here is a pic of my new to me folder!
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2236/2275944948_9b303d42b5.jpg
Thanks in advance!
Kelly D
P.S. The seat post is so high up ‘cause I took it out and didn’t want to cram it back in for the pic.