Singlespeed & Fixed Gear - My First Put-Together

Been volunteering at my local community bike workshop since June and put my limited knowledge and skills to use putting together my first bike this week. Gotta thank not only the workshop staff but also several local LBS folks and, of course, this forum, which provided much guidance and spirit towards the effort--THANKS TO ALL:

(Sorry, a newby photo mistake and I'll take a new picture showing the drive side as soon as it's nice again in Buffalo, it is a single speed with a Paul Tensioner.)

232045

I'll provide more details in a day or two but would love any comments/criticism in the meantime. Happy 2012, everyone.

jed

What's up with that brake lever?

What's up with that brake lever?

It has a quick release built in to the lever, Campy style on Campy shaped hoods. Right now it is in the open position

Great looking bike btw you did a great job on your first build. I know it feels good, now get out and ride!

O and how much does she weigh, with it being bamboo? I bet it really smoothes up any bumb.

The bike goes just about 20lbs and for the few times I've had it out, it feels very smooth but my experience riding a variety of bikes is limited. The brake levers are Cane Creek SCR-5's and I'm pretty sure they are set up correctly, maybe a little high on the handlebars but feel comfortable using them were they are and I like riding on the hoods.

they look a little high, but thats your preference. Also make sure the button just behind each lever is pushed inward towards the stem. this is the closed quick release position, as Hairnet mentioned.

Sorry for the confusion about the brake levers, looking at the photo, you are right about the position. I was in a rush to get a picture of the bike during a momentary burst of sunlight and was just adjusting the brakes and hadn't set the lever right before snapping the photo.

Thanks for looking so closely and taking the time to point it out. In the next "official" photo, everything will be set. Unfortunately, the weather here may push that back a little while. :)

jed

I reallly like that bike!

Nice man, I don't really like that frame but its a good looking bike.

Nice bike you got there.

Make sure to level your saddle in the "official photo".

Bike should be in front some statue, preferably an ironic one. On top of a building with the wooden watertank just behind but with a glimpse of the city visible on one side would be ideal. Or in a graveyard. In front of garage doors is strictly for the Roadie forum.

example
http://gallery.mac.com/bbattle/100187/100_1130/web.jpg?ver=12148741860002

I see that wheelandsprocket (http://www.ebay.com/itm/ORGANIC-BIKES-CALEB-BAMBOO-ROAD-FRAME-FRAMESET-S-53CM-/400233871063?pt=Road_Bikes&hash=item5d2fcc36d7) is again asking $699 for the frame on ebay. I thought it was worth grabbing when they recently had it on sale for $350 with free shipping. All the other parts were purchased over the last couple of months from a variety of people and vendors--I really spread the love around on this one. Also learned that it is cheaper to buy a bike already-equipped, but it certainly was worth the learning and the experience it gave, and I like having something that's one of kind.

Took it for a nice ride this morning and already adjusted the seat. :lol: and I'll keep my eyes peeled for an iconic, non-roadie background. Should be easy to find here in the Queen City.

I'm especially pleased with the wheels as it was my first attempt. I built them up from Salsa Delgado Cross rims, Surly hubs and DT Swiss spokes. Took about two hours each to put together with only one misthreading. Put 700 x 25's on them with plenty of space on the front fork--28's left only about a mm of room.

jed

That's a beautiful bike mate

after you get a few miles on it could you please comment on the ride quailities of that bamboo frame?

Nice bike you got there.

Make sure to level your saddle in the "official photo".

Bike should be in front some statue, preferably an ironic one. On top of a building with the wooden watertank just behind but with a glimpse of the city visible on one side would be ideal. Or in a graveyard. In front of garage doors is strictly for the Roadie forum.

example
http://gallery.mac.com/bbattle/100187/100_1130/web.jpg?ver=12148741860002

this is still a terrible example.