Classic & Vintage - My White Bicycle: Latest Build

Finished it today. Totally built from odd parts I had lying around spare. With the help of Forum Members the frame was identified as a Giant Allegre from 1993. Giant's own triple butted Chromoly tubing (Ishiwata or Tange perhaps?).

It started as a derelict frame destined for the skip but rescued from a shed clearance with some other bike parts a few months ago. It had been daubed in black, red and army green paint and was in a sorry state to start with:

http://i623.photobucket.com/albums/tt314/StuartAgutter/DSC00161.jpg

http://i623.photobucket.com/albums/tt314/StuartAgutter/DSC00162.jpg

http://i623.photobucket.com/albums/tt314/StuartAgutter/DSC00164.jpg

A dose of paint stripper, respray in gloss white enamel and new manufacturer's decals from an e-bay shop in Canada and the frame looked a lot sprucer. Being a one-time fan of the Scottish rock group 'Nazareth' and in particular their song "My White Bicycle" - I realised that I didn't actually own a white bike (Pearl and Blue Viner doesn't count), so it had to be white!

http://i623.photobucket.com/albums/tt314/StuartAgutter/Giant%20and%20Cov%20Eagle/DSCN0369.jpg

OK, so I now know it would have originally been a red/orange fade but I think it looks quite good in its modern livery. The decal set was only about £3.50 plus postage and that's the only cash I spent - everything else was sitting in boxes cluttering up my garage. Is this what's referred to as a "Frankenbike"?

http://i623.photobucket.com/albums/tt314/StuartAgutter/Giant%20and%20Cov%20Eagle/DSCN0372.jpg

Brakes are recessed bolt Dia Compe sidepulls with alloy wheel guides. The front shoes were mislaid at some point so replaced with chromed Campagnolo Record shoes with grey plastic coated wheel guides. Levers are Suntour aeros that look unused but have been kicking around for years waiting to be fitted to something.

http://i623.photobucket.com/albums/tt314/StuartAgutter/Giant%20and%20Cov%20Eagle/DSCN0371.jpg

Drivetrain is all Japanese - Suntour Cyclone rear, Shimano 7 speed screw on freewheel, Suntour triple front and Silver friction down tube shifters with a Yaba chain.

http://i623.photobucket.com/albums/tt314/StuartAgutter/Giant%20and%20Cov%20Eagle/DSCN0370.jpg

Chainset is an SR Apex 38/50 found covered in crud embedded in the mud floor of the same shed the frame came from - after a lot of cleaning and the "khatfull" treatment, it came out like new! Only one chain ring bolt now shows any tarnishing. There was insufficient chainstay clearance when I fitted my spare Campagnolo Mirage cartridge BB so I made up a cup & cone BB from spare bits and fitted MTB crank bolts. Pedals are spare NOS alloy Lyotard with chromed toeclips and new white leather straps that were unused from a previous project years ago. The headset is another mix n' match from the parts box!

The saddle is a very comfy gel type off a full suspension MTB that I flipped. The buyer wanted something wider so this was left over. A white one would look better, but this cost nothing. Handlebars are Winpista, Japanese engraved light steel bends with an alloy ferrulr. Original stem choice was a Cinelli quill (shown in the 'before' frame photo) but the bars were too thin to fit the clamp so a Kalin touring stem displaced when I changed the forks onanother bike was pressed into service. Seat binder bolt came from the loose parts box and the seat post is one of many spares from my box of 'too useful to throw away' parts. It's seen better days, but does the job. Bar tape & plugs are Bennotto black left over from a job lot I bought cheaply previously to get some green tape for another build.

The wheels are currently mis matched. The front is a Mavic Module E on Normandy hub hand built by Harry Rowlands, the survivor of a pair. Skewer is an old Maillard Simplex. The rear is one of a pair of really deep square section Weinmann eyeletted rims on Joytech hubs. Fitting a tyre to this is a rear challenge and I had to put a deeper profile tyre on than the front. In time I may rebuild these with gold Sunshine slotted high flange hubs and matching rims, but I need to find a rear hub with good freewheel thread first - preferably free!

So there it is, in recession-hit Britain it's still possible to rebuild steel road bikes by using all the old spares lying idle in the recesses of sheds and workshops! Some parts were dirty and rusty - but it's amazing what a bath in Oxalic acid and a polish up with Mother's polish can achieve - thanks Khatfull! Here's a comparison from my previous build - one pedal has been treated and the other is waiting to be. Both were in the same condition to start with.

http://i623.photobucket.com/albums/tt314/StuartAgutter/Giant%20and%20Cov%20Eagle/DSCN0368.jpg

There I go being a verb again... :)

Nice job Stuart...great use of spares. Now we need a ride report!

Oh, and let me know the final count for the next shipment as we discussed. I'll take care of it when I get back from vacation.

That looks incredible. What a transformation.

- Or a household name! Maybe "Keithing" and "Keithed" should enter our vocabulary meaning "To clean and polish to a better than new condition", in the same way as "Drewing" and Drewed" relate to carving the best bits off of perfectly good classic frames? At least "Keith" would be a positive adjective!!!

Frustratingly I can't ride at present, (the old sciatica's flared up again big time and I'm hobbling around like an old'un for a bit) - but looking forward to giving this one a spin; so plenty of motivation to get better quickly.

Enjoy your holiday Keith, have a great time. At present it looks like 4 tubs @ 10 ounces but I'm waiting for confirmation and hoping to catch up with a couple more chums at a cycling promotions event on July 4th, so will confirm after then by PM.

All the best, Stuart

Gee-aunt' ?? is that french?

That looks incredible. What a transformation.

Thanks, it's really satisfying to transform skip fodder into something useful and more attractive and I've built up quite a nice collection this way. I like doing this because it costs next to nothing, saves another bike, keeps me occupied when I can't ride and develops my skills (and with the help of other Forum Members, my knowledge and experience).

I'm lucky to have a pretty basic airless spray set up that gives a super hard gloss finish with stock enamel. This frame used about a coffee cup full of primer, the same of top coat and two cups of thinners - plenty left in the tins, which I've been using for years. In real terms, painting only costs me time and effort although if I need a colour other than white, green, black or red (or a mixture of these), I'd have to buy another tin of paint - still only £9.99 on clearance though.

Gee-aunt' ?? is that french?

Korean, I think - but I prefer your version Bianchigirll !

I was expecting to hear a song...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=62yWU4ryrgI

Very nice job!
I have a craving for a white bike myself. Sold my Pearl White P8 and regretted it ever since. Eying the once white Raleigh I picked up a couple weeks ago and thinking it needs to go back to white.

Looks clean. Nice build!

Thanks, it's really satisfying to transform skip fodder into something useful and more attractive and I've built up quite a nice collection this way. I like doing this because it costs next to nothing, saves another bike, keeps me occupied when I can't ride and develops my skills (and with the help of other Forum Members, my knowledge and experience).

I'm lucky to have a pretty basic airless spray set up that gives a super hard gloss finish with stock enamel. This frame used about a coffee cup full of primer, the same of top coat and two cups of thinners - plenty left in the tins, which I've been using for years. In real terms, painting only costs me time and effort although if I need a colour other than white, green, black or red (or a mixture of these), I'd have to buy another tin of paint - still only £9.99 on clearance though.

That's a very pretty bike.

I'm not sure if it's my imagination or not, but did you line some (or all) of the lugs with blue? If so, what is the technique? I'm working on a frame and want to line the lugs (Mercedes ivory color) with red. Been experimenting, but with poor success.

Excellent work! You did the respray yourself? How did you do that?

I never heard that song before, either.

A very nice job with the bits and pieces, and a fabulous transformation on the frame. Now that's motivation to get yourself in shape to ride! Enjoy it.

That's a very pretty bike.

I'm not sure if it's my imagination or not, but did you line some (or all) of the lugs with blue? If so, what is the technique? I'm working on a frame and want to line the lugs (Mercedes ivory color) with red. Been experimenting, but with poor success.

Yes, I couldn't resist lining the head and seat lugs and "colouring in" the cast Giant logos on the drop outs, just to give a little contrast. In keeping with the cheap and cheerful ethos of this build (dictated as much as anything by household economics) I borrowed a little 'Sharpie' permanent marker from my son's room and ran the tip around the vertical lip of the lugs. Because the lugs on this frame are not filed very thin, this was easy. Once this had dried, a light coat of clear lacquer keeps everything sealed. A damp soapy tissue at hand while doing this removes any smudges or mistakes before the ink dries. I'd usually use a fine Edding paint pen or a modeller's brush and enamel but the colour of the 'Sharpie' was a good match and I had it to hand.

Hi Tom,

Stripped the frame to bare metal using a little chemical stripper I'd been using on a garden seat. Nitro Mors will do the job too. Sanded with wet and dry then fine steel wool. Wiped the frame down with a clean cloth dipped in surgical spirit and let it evaporate - any alcohol or methylated spirit would work. This removes all sanding grime. Sprayed two light coats of grey primer with a 6" fan pattern spray head at 12" distance to dust the paint on and give a flat finish. First coat thinned 50:50 then topped up the spray reservoir with a little more thinners for the second coat to give a glossier, thinner covering. Let it dry & harden for a couple of days. No runs, drips or sags so very lightly rubbed the whole surface with very fine steel wool used wet and cleaned again with alcohol. Repeat spray method with the top coat (in this case Appliance enamel, because I had a tin) in the same proportions but with a 4" cone spray at 10", laid on at an angle and keep the gun moving. Let it dry and harden for a week, add decals, lining, whatever. I usually clear coat the lot but this time a light clear coat over the decals and polished the rest with car wax. Job done! Kit used - a Burgess electric airless spray gun. Pretty rubbish for cars, OK for fences but great for bikes and garden seats!

OK, I can see you're quite skilled. I have been reading articles here and elsewhere on how to paint a bike and thinking about taking it on myself. And last night, I just decided I'm not going to bother, because I'll be starting at the bottom, with no skill. There's a powdercoater a half mile from me. I'll use him when I need to.

So you're selling this bike, right? What will you ask for it?

Another great job Oldpeddaller!! Nice save, I'd be proud to throw my leg over it.

Amazing save Oldpeddaller! Your bike thanks you!
(+1 on Khatfull's request for a ride report.)

OK, I can see you're quite skilled. I have been reading articles here and elsewhere on how to paint a bike and thinking about taking it on myself. And last night, I just decided I'm not going to bother, because I'll be starting at the bottom, with no skill. There's a powdercoater a half mile from me. I'll use him when I need to.

So you're selling this bike, right? What will you ask for it?

No real skill involved Tom, people like the good Dr Deltron are skilled. I've just done a few over the years and learned from mistakes. The good thing is, if it turns out bad you just get the paint stripper out and start again - no damage and little cost. Single colour enamel is really simple compared to masking off lugs, bands and arrowheads or spraying flamboyant 'Candy Apple' over a metallic base coat. I have to say that the last eight or so frames I've sprayed have come out really well - no flaws at all, so I'm getting a feel for it and gaining a lot more confidence. I'm much better at spraying bike frames than car panels or boats, etc with their large flat surfaces - while most car body guys find bikes fiddly and difficult. The trick is not to try to lay too much paint on at once and let previous coats dry properly before putting any more paint on. I'd say get an old frame that looks dreadful and have a go - you'll be surprised how easy and cheap it really is. I don't have any powder coaters near me and at present I couldn't justify the cost on an old bike.

No plans to sell this in the near future unless I need the cash for something special - it's hard to shift road bikes in the UK, everyone seems to want MTB's. That suits me fine, I'm only keeping two MTB's - an early Claud Butler I rescued and refurbished and an alloy Y-frame dual suspension bike that I got out of a skip and am upgrading with salvaged parts. All other MTB's I build are either given away or sold to help fund my road bike obsession. If I was to sell it I'd probably be looking for £80 to £100 GBP in my local market but I'd prefer to add it to my ready to ride collection for a while first.

I did brush enamel a frame recently because my son wanted an "Urban distressed" light road bike to use in London, where a bike is stolen every 90 seconds and the Police only issue crime report numbers by phone. This is a surprisingly nice Coventry Eagle built of Reynolds 453 single butted seamed titanium manganese alloy steel. I was astonished by the finish achieved which looks great from even a few feet away. No preparation just cleaned the frame and buffed it with 1200 grade wet and dry used with soap, an alcohol wipe then brush painted over the original paint leaving old decals exposed.

http://i623.photobucket.com/albums/tt314/StuartAgutter/Giant%20and%20Cov%20Eagle/DSCN0361.jpg

http://i623.photobucket.com/albums/tt314/StuartAgutter/Giant%20and%20Cov%20Eagle/DSCN0359.jpg

Oh, I've just realised these are the "before" pictures - he took it away before I could take pictures of the painted bike. Sorry, will try to get some when I visit him.

I was expecting to hear a song...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=62yWU4ryrgI

Thanks Sontageek, that's the song I couldn't shift from my head when I was thinking about this build. I wasn't sure if there would be copyright issues in linking to it but clearly not since Forum readers can do their own search to find the track.

So here's another for my colleagues on the C&V Forum:

http://www.24listen.net/2CTPLUcQAjk/queen-bicycle-race/

Another great job Oldpeddaller!! Nice save, I'd be proud to throw my leg over it.

Thanks WNG, looking forward to doing the same myself once my lumbar spine settles down again.

Refurbing bikes stops me getting too frustrated when this happens and I can't ride for a while - and gives me an added incentive to recover.

Amazing save Oldpeddaller! Your bike thanks you!
(+1 on Khatfull's request for a ride report.)

Thanks Auchencrow, will be pleased to oblige as soon as I am able. Members who helped ID the frame all said how much they enjoyed the Giant Allegre's they had owned in the past. The geometry looks interesting so I'm keen to find out how she handles.

would love to see the after pics of your sons bike, I'm thinking of doing some simple paintwork on my nishiki

would love to see the after pics of your sons bike, I'm thinking of doing some simple paintwork on my nishiki

No problem, I'll post photos on this thread when I manage to take some. Saves starting another thread and is roughly on the same topic, refurbishing tired bikes. Hope that's within the rules, Mods?

would love to see the after pics of your sons bike, I'm thinking of doing some simple paintwork on my nishiki

Hi OPFITNESS, as requested, photos of the brush painted Coventry Eagle after rust treatment and brush painting over original paintwork. I painted around the decals. In this case, the idea was to produce a sound finish but to retain a dilapidated, low value, urban distressed appearance in an effort to discourage the bike thieves of London. Hence the "daubed over" down tube decals - I've got a pair of crisp new ones ready to fit later on. Build was a pair on "nut on" Vuelta wheels on Shimano hubs - (no QR's the thieves will have to bring spanners!), Sakae chain set, Rolf Vector saddle with insulating tape disguise, Weinmann side pull brakes with new pads, Original Simplex gears with Huret old style levers, Holdsworth "Allez" bars, scratched up quill stem, Shimano brake levers and Ritchey seat post, black paint removed. The Colnago tape was all I could find in the workshop at the time of building but I don't think anyone would make the obvious mistake! Mudguards (fenders) are a deliberately-selected old pair of German touring guards that have seen many miles on a variety of bikes and add to the overall "tired" appearance. Despite appearances it rides like a dream! I used a 1/2" soft bristle artist's brush and the whole paint job took just 20 minutes and a couple of hours to dry. Paint was a small jar of 'Plasticote' Midnight blue metallic (Cost - £4.55 GB Pounds) and I used less than a third of the jar. I'd have liked to make it look good, but we don't want this one going the way of his last one in London, the bike theft capital of the World. Despite Sheffield bike rails and High security D locks, one bike is stolen and not recovered every 90 seconds - and the Police don't even investigate ot prosecute, just issue a warning on the rare occasions when a thief is caught.

http://i623.photobucket.com/albums/tt314/StuartAgutter/Giant%20and%20Cov%20Eagle/DSCN0375.jpg

http://i623.photobucket.com/albums/tt314/StuartAgutter/Giant%20and%20Cov%20Eagle/DSCN0376.jpg

http://i623.photobucket.com/albums/tt314/StuartAgutter/Giant%20and%20Cov%20Eagle/DSCN0377.jpg

http://i623.photobucket.com/albums/tt314/StuartAgutter/Giant%20and%20Cov%20Eagle/DSCN0378.jpg

oldpeddler, I forget if I responded to your pm but thank you for your info, and the bike looks awesome.

To the op, how do you like that drivetrain setup? my old nishiki has a Suntour Honor RD and I just put that megarange on there. I like it a lot. on flat ground on the small ring it feels crazy as if the chain has fallen off but when i took it too a big hill I was grateful. Looking at your bike is making me think about doing the same thing. It's a nishiki but the frame was manf by Giant. I'm thinking leave the Nishiki badge on the headtube, but repaint it and outfit it with Giant decals

Wow, it's beautiful. Then again I think white is the best color for bikes. I really dig the idea of an old bike with new decals. Gives me some creative inspiration.

oldpeddler, I forget if I responded to your pm but thank you for your info, and the bike looks awesome.

To the op, how do you like that drivetrain setup? my old nishiki has a Suntour Honor RD and I just put that megarange on there. I like it a lot. on flat ground on the small ring it feels crazy as if the chain has fallen off but when i took it too a big hill I was grateful. Looking at your bike is making me think about doing the same thing. It's a nishiki but the frame was manf by Giant. I'm thinking leave the Nishiki badge on the headtube, but repaint it and outfit it with Giant decals

Great, I've got plenty of 42/52 X 12-22, 13-21 or similar set ups on other bikes. This bike was built using left over parts but it's worked out well. The Suntour derailleurs and friction shifters handle the range with no problems and it shifts smoothly and quietly. The SR Apex chain set cleaned up like new and I had the NOS 7 speed freewheel and chain left over from an MTB build, where I had changed my mind and went to 8 speed cassette instead. Since I'm currently recuperating from a back problem, the lower ratios help. I'm not yet up to mashing a big gear or stomping up a hill so this is a delight. Really a touring set up I guess, but could be considered a practical road set up for less energetic rides!

I found my decals on e-bay from a shop in Canada. Looking at the envelope they came in the seller was Chase Products, Niagara Falls, Ontario. Might be worth doing a search to see if they have any Nishiki decals. The Giant set I bought were really good quality vinyl with clear instructions at a bargain price. They were dead simple to apply, compared with the water slide and varnish fix versions I use on 1930's to 1980's frames.

Wow, it's beautiful. Then again I think white is the best color for bikes. I really dig the idea of an old bike with new decals. Gives me some creative inspiration.

Thanks for the kind words. I agree with your view on white bikes and was surprised to find I didn't have one somewhere in my collection! I think clean old Peugeots look awesome and I'm pleased with the way this turned out. I did toy with the idea of leaving the frame as it was, but not for long - it looks much better like this.