Commuting - Starting from scratch and need ideas.

So I have come across an old road bike, a fuji dynamic 12 and its just my size. The drive chain and brakes are shot and rusty so my plan is to strip it down and build a backup commuter bike. I have gotten it down to just the frame and even had it sandblasted down to bare metal to get rid of some paint chippind and surface rust. I want to make a fun project out of this but need some direction/input.

First, any fun color schemes or anything that someone has a good idea for. It could be a solid color or a crazy funky twist of colors.

Next im not sure whether I want to make it a 2 speed (front derailluer only) with surley cog abd shimano chain tenaioner for the simplicity as a backup or go the standard 10 speed shimano tiagra group. Mainly I was womdering others opinions on having only a single/2speed for commuting with the weight of a backpack, fenders for a 8 miles each way ride.
I already all the parts for either setup so its just a matter of would a 2 speed be sufficient.
Id also appreciate pics of anyone elses custom paintjobs or even just their overall old steel bike revamped for commuting. I NEED INSIRATION!

What year is this Dynamic?

by following a fuji serial number identifier it is a 1977

by following a fuji serial number identifier it is a 1977

First, I would have it professionally powdercoat painted. Next, I would the gradually either replace or upgrade my components in time, starting with the 10 speed drivetrain and shifters.

This time next year, folks would think I had a brand new bike!

Yes I agree about doing a the pain right but a good friend of mine used to work in a body shop and has all the sprayers and everything I need, so no need to spend the money to have someone do it for me for a spare bike. I just need color ideas. Also, I have a brand new shimano tiagra full group sitting in its box, and I also have several surly single speed cogs and chain tentioner and all so upgrading over a period of time is not a problem for me. Its really a debate between the simplicity of a 2 speed vs 10.

First, I would have it professionally powdercoat painted. Next, I would the gradually either replace or upgrade my components in time, starting with the 10 speed drivetrain and shifters.

This time next year, folks would think I had a brand new bike!

Yes I agree about doing a the pain right but a good friend of mine used to work in a body shop and has all the sprayers and everything I need, so no need to spend the money to have someone do it for me for a spare bike. I just need color ideas. Also, I have a brand new shimano tiagra full group sitting in its box, and I also have several surly single speed cogs and chain tentioner and all so upgrading over a period of time is not a problem for me. Its really a debate between the simplicity of a 2 speed vs 10.

Well it looks like you're all set then, my friend!

I dunno, if you have hills or any serious inclines at all, I'd go with the 10 speed. Besides, some half-butt outta shape posing roadie might piss you off one day, and make you have to drop him! :lol:

Well it looks like you're all set then, my friend!

I dunno, if you have hills or any serious inclines at all, I'd go with the 10 speed. Besides, some half-butt outta shape posing roadie might piss you off one day, and make you have to drop him! :lol:

Im leaning more towards going 10 speed myself and also i secretly a roadie in my non commuting hours. SHHHH. So no worries, I ride for a road team but they dont need to know that. Im like a sleeper agent commuter.

You'll also need wheels to accomodate the 10s cassette. Respace the rear to accomodate the 130mm hub, probably go to 700 rims so you'll also most likely need long reach brakes, which may need to be nutted rather than recessed. Been there done that. These are some of the issues, none that can't be overcome.


http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php/361558-retro-roadies-old-frames-with-STI-s-or-Ergos

I hear ya, all of the issues have been adressed. Cane creek makes a nice pair of cyclocross style cantaliever brakes that would work perfectly and as far as wheels go, I have not had any problems fitting 700c with normal hubs from standd 700 frame onto a 27 1/4 frame. In fact this bike had a fairly decent pair of 700mavic equips when I got it.