Cyclocross - Vintage Lotus to cross bike
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mzeffex
11-17-09, 07:23 PM
Just felt like "blogging" or something. Converting the ol' Lotus to a cross bike.
11/16/09
http://i270.photobucket.com/albums/jj86/dolphinsnats/IMGP0946.jpg
Stripped the bar tape, brake levers, and tires today. Ordered some tektro r200 levers, cinelli swiss flag handlebar tape (I don't know why, was caught in the moment I guess), and Kenda cross tires for 27 inch wheels. Should be in friday! I'll be updating this a lot.
Also, when does cross season end? I'd love to get in a race or two.
UBUvelo
11-17-09, 08:28 PM
nothing wrong with that...i know someone racing an old Lotus...very nice ride. and yes, both his and my bombproof Schwinn have those Kendas...for the price, i really can't complain. they're great.
swiss flag tape? sounds cool!
any idea on the weight?
mzeffex
11-17-09, 08:59 PM
It weighs 26/27 as is. My carbon bike is the dedicated roadie. It doesn't have that saddle anymore either - It had some cheap cloud 9 thing that is lower profile. Going to put a regal on it soon probably..
Only reason I'm getting cheap tires is that I am limited for 27 inch wheels.
UBUvelo
11-17-09, 09:04 PM
yeah, i did replace my stock STEEL rims. well, the front one. back one is next. i replaced my seat, too, with my Giant Defy stock seat. worked out well for my first race. if you are in DC there are several good races left to go...depends on how far you want to drive, too.
i really think there should be a race with CX conversions...as they do with SS. heck, for fun.
mzeffex
11-17-09, 09:08 PM
I can't drive, I'm 16 :p. Well I can drive just no car.. so.. you know..
This one is stock with aluminum rims which is nice.
UBUvelo
11-17-09, 09:16 PM
heck, pull your cx lotus on a trailer. pulled by your carbon road bike...;)
seriously, do post pix of the conversion when done. and check with the DC 'cross folks. there has to be plenty close to you. one in college park MD soon...and malvern PA...
mzeffex
11-17-09, 09:41 PM
That's a bit far. I'll be sure to post pics! The bike is currently hanging up in the back of the shop I work at. Guess I'll have to ride the mountain bike to school. Really looking forward to it!
mzeffex
11-19-09, 06:19 PM
Stripped it down even more today. Last minute new crank. Guy came in and put on a rival crank so I got his old FSA gossamer crank! Complete with bottom bracket - pretty nice! It has a 46/34 cross specific gearing which is nice as well! Derailleurs are hooked up with new cables and housing - in white! Going to use some fizik silver tape I had lying around unused. Not the color of choice, but it's here. Gotta wait for tires and brakes.
UBUvelo
11-19-09, 09:07 PM
Stripped it down even more today. Last minute new crank. Guy came in and put on a rival crank so I got his old FSA gossamer crank! Complete with bottom bracket - pretty nice! It has a 46/34 cross specific gearing which is nice as well! Derailleurs are hooked up with new cables and housing - in white! Going to use some fizik silver tape I had lying around unused. Not the color of choice, but it's here. Gotta wait for tires and brakes.
what's the weight now? my steel steed is still a healthy 30 pounds...time to leap for something made in the current millenium...:rolleyes:
mzeffex
11-20-09, 08:37 AM
I don't know, don't have a scale. I know it was 26 when built up as a road bike. I figure a little less from the crank and levers, but a little more for the tires.
mzeffex
11-20-09, 06:29 PM
Little bit of low quality bike porn:
http://i270.photobucket.com/albums/jj86/dolphinsnats/913.jpg
http://i270.photobucket.com/albums/jj86/dolphinsnats/914.jpg
Dustintendo
11-22-09, 11:27 AM
interested in how this turns out
UBUvelo
11-22-09, 02:58 PM
yeah, get that cable slack out a bit!
i just abandoned my first racing bike/project, 30+ pounds of schwinn....and (until i get that TCX i want...next year) transforming an almost ready made, 6 pounds lighter Giant Avonni...:o
mzeffex
11-22-09, 08:28 PM
What do you mean cable slack?
UBUvelo
11-22-09, 09:28 PM
the brake cables sticking up in the air...streamline them...i actually had my wrapped partly under my tape for the race.
what size is that frame?
mzeffex
11-22-09, 10:08 PM
On the handlebars? I'm using aero levers now. It's a 58 - a bit big. Hopefully won't be a problem.
mzeffex
11-29-09, 08:18 PM
Well it is done and rode it today for 2 hours at a local mountain biking area. This was a lot more aggressive than the race should be.. and it worked out fine. Till I pinch flatted in 3 places on one tube. Here it is: (I'll get real shots soon)
http://i270.photobucket.com/albums/jj86/dolphinsnats/509.jpg
http://i270.photobucket.com/albums/jj86/dolphinsnats/827.jpg
http://i270.photobucket.com/albums/jj86/dolphinsnats/828.jpg
http://i270.photobucket.com/albums/jj86/dolphinsnats/829.jpg
One of the great guys at my local bike shop gave this to me for free! Really appreciate it.
http://i270.photobucket.com/albums/jj86/dolphinsnats/508.jpg
Nice. make it singlespeed, stem shifters do you no good anyways, and then you have the trendy factor ;)
bbllaakke
11-29-09, 11:51 PM
No, lose the stem shifters, use barends. FTW
mzeffex
11-30-09, 04:20 PM
I will. I'm broke now though; can't afford them.