Do you ever build one up and then tear it down after few rides
#1
Si Senior
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Do you ever build one up and then tear it down after few rides
A little maddening, but I find myself doing this periodically. I'll build up a bike, decide I don't love it, and then tear it down again.
#2
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I might be doing this soon. My twenty-something daughter visited for a month this summer and needed a bike for transportation around Chicago. I found a Miyata touring bike her size, but she doesn't like drop-bars. It came with a 48,38,28 triple and a 14-32 six speed. Freewheel. It also had the original 36 and 40 spoke wheelset. It has the factory rear rack. The frame came with cantilever brakes and has room for 700x35 tires.
I upgraded the bike to trekking handlebars, 3x8 Shimano trigger shifters, a 11-34 eight speed Cassette and linear pull V brakes. I also installed a 1997ish wheelset with Shimano 600 and Open Pro rims.
The bike is restored as a serious touring machine, but I would never be able to sell it for what I have invested. I might restore it to original and sell it. I haven't decided.
My Soma Double Cross became a mule for different saddles and handlebars, shifters, cassettes and crankset. Tires, too. It went from a 36 & 38 Cyclocross crankset to a 44 Single chainring set-up to a 50, 39 and 26 triple. Every build since then has benefited from what I learned on that bike.
I upgraded the bike to trekking handlebars, 3x8 Shimano trigger shifters, a 11-34 eight speed Cassette and linear pull V brakes. I also installed a 1997ish wheelset with Shimano 600 and Open Pro rims.
The bike is restored as a serious touring machine, but I would never be able to sell it for what I have invested. I might restore it to original and sell it. I haven't decided.
My Soma Double Cross became a mule for different saddles and handlebars, shifters, cassettes and crankset. Tires, too. It went from a 36 & 38 Cyclocross crankset to a 44 Single chainring set-up to a 50, 39 and 26 triple. Every build since then has benefited from what I learned on that bike.
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When I ride my bike I feel free and happy and strong. I'm liberated from the usual nonsense of day to day life. Solid, dependable, silent, my bike is my horse, my fighter jet, my island, my friend. Together we will conquer that hill and thereafter the world.
When I ride my bike I feel free and happy and strong. I'm liberated from the usual nonsense of day to day life. Solid, dependable, silent, my bike is my horse, my fighter jet, my island, my friend. Together we will conquer that hill and thereafter the world.
Last edited by Barrettscv; 09-30-14 at 12:58 PM.
#3
feros ferio
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I have been pretty lucky in that regard, in the sense that I have been happy with most of my component swaps or bare frame scratch builds. (Either that, or I am less sophisticated or less particular than you are. )
When I was an undergrad I did a fair amount of swapping and rebuilding in search of the perfect theft-resistant commuter. I have rebuilt bikes when they have changed ownership within the family -- my elder son wanted different gearing on my Peugeot PKN-10, and when my wife decided she preferred mountain bikes, I changed the bars, pedals, and gearing on her Peugeot UO-8, which I had originally custom built for her from a bare frame, to make it my commuter/transportation beater.
When I was an undergrad I did a fair amount of swapping and rebuilding in search of the perfect theft-resistant commuter. I have rebuilt bikes when they have changed ownership within the family -- my elder son wanted different gearing on my Peugeot PKN-10, and when my wife decided she preferred mountain bikes, I changed the bars, pedals, and gearing on her Peugeot UO-8, which I had originally custom built for her from a bare frame, to make it my commuter/transportation beater.
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"Far and away the best prize that life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing." --Theodore Roosevelt
Capo: 1959 Modell Campagnolo, S/N 40324; 1960 Sieger (2), S/N 42624, 42597
Carlton: 1962 Franco Suisse, S/N K7911
Peugeot: 1970 UO-8, S/N 0010468
Bianchi: 1982 Campione d'Italia, S/N 1.M9914
Schwinn: 1988 Project KOM-10, S/N F804069
"Far and away the best prize that life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing." --Theodore Roosevelt
Capo: 1959 Modell Campagnolo, S/N 40324; 1960 Sieger (2), S/N 42624, 42597
Carlton: 1962 Franco Suisse, S/N K7911
Peugeot: 1970 UO-8, S/N 0010468
Bianchi: 1982 Campione d'Italia, S/N 1.M9914
Schwinn: 1988 Project KOM-10, S/N F804069
#4
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I only tear it down again if something tragic happens to the frame (GURU comes to mind) or I decide to sell it as frame-only.
Otherwise . . . they stay built and (hopefully) ready to ride.
Rick / OCRR
Otherwise . . . they stay built and (hopefully) ready to ride.
Rick / OCRR
#5
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I did this several times in succession.
I bought a steel bike and a titanium frame. I thought the only way to fairly compare the two was to use all the same components on the two frames. Switching one set was the only affordable way to do so. I switched components back and forth several times during the year of the test.
Titanium won, BTW. And I replaced all my saddles (and bought a couple of spares) with the saddle that came on the steel bike. It also confirmed that Ultegra was good enough, and that I really like the 18t cog in back.
I put the components back on the steel bike, sold it, and bought all new components for the Litespeed--Ultegra 6700.
Then I decided I didn't like the 6700. Everything they did to the levers to make them better for smaller hands made them awkward for my XL hands, and that's before we get to how the shifting became work with that first under-the-bartape series. Plus, the color in the anodization of the parts looked bluish-green next to the silvery bare Ti.
So the 6700 stuff went out the door--couldn't get rid of it fast enough--replaced with older, Dura-Ace 7800.
Shifts better, fits my hands, and looks nice on the frame.
I bought a steel bike and a titanium frame. I thought the only way to fairly compare the two was to use all the same components on the two frames. Switching one set was the only affordable way to do so. I switched components back and forth several times during the year of the test.
Titanium won, BTW. And I replaced all my saddles (and bought a couple of spares) with the saddle that came on the steel bike. It also confirmed that Ultegra was good enough, and that I really like the 18t cog in back.
I put the components back on the steel bike, sold it, and bought all new components for the Litespeed--Ultegra 6700.
Then I decided I didn't like the 6700. Everything they did to the levers to make them better for smaller hands made them awkward for my XL hands, and that's before we get to how the shifting became work with that first under-the-bartape series. Plus, the color in the anodization of the parts looked bluish-green next to the silvery bare Ti.
So the 6700 stuff went out the door--couldn't get rid of it fast enough--replaced with older, Dura-Ace 7800.
Shifts better, fits my hands, and looks nice on the frame.
Last edited by tsl; 09-30-14 at 09:00 AM.
#6
Banned
Not 'After a Few rides', But.. the Frame set I built as a Light tourer in the mid 70's has been re dedicated for other Purposes several times..
With various Component changes..
With various Component changes..
#7
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I have a frame that will most likely end up being a less purposed ride than my two racers. Thanx for the glimpse into the future.
#8
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My new Bike Friday, less than three weeks old, already has bullhorn bars on it replacing the flat bars.
I think anyone who tinkers at all with bikes will change stuff, much of it related to comfort, but some to how the bike will ride and perform. It can range from one change such as the handlebars on the BF, to a full groupset change.
However, once I have the bike the way I like it, it's very rare for me to strip it down again. It has happened, though, with my CF bike which started out as a go-fast trophy, double-chainring bike, changed to a triple-chainring randonneuring bike, then went back to being a go-fast bike. the handlebars and seat have had several iterations, as have the wheels to suit the riding conditions. And, of course, the groupset, although remaining in the Ultegra range, required complete changing out except for the brakes.
I think anyone who tinkers at all with bikes will change stuff, much of it related to comfort, but some to how the bike will ride and perform. It can range from one change such as the handlebars on the BF, to a full groupset change.
However, once I have the bike the way I like it, it's very rare for me to strip it down again. It has happened, though, with my CF bike which started out as a go-fast trophy, double-chainring bike, changed to a triple-chainring randonneuring bike, then went back to being a go-fast bike. the handlebars and seat have had several iterations, as have the wheels to suit the riding conditions. And, of course, the groupset, although remaining in the Ultegra range, required complete changing out except for the brakes.
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I've done it more than a few times and suspect I'll continue to do so. However, I don't see it as maddening at all. Rather, I consider myself lucky to have so many choices with which to play. Just this last week, I took apart a cross bike and rebuilt it as a credit card tourer. I didn't like the heel clearance; so, it went back to the cross forumlation with the modification of different wheel and studded snow tires. I'll have to wait for the first snow to see how it does, but with the higher bottom bracket, it should be OK. If not then I'm in luck... another project needs my attention!
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Favorite rides in the stable: Indy Fab CJ Ti - Colnago MXL - S-Works Roubaix - Habanero Team Issue - Jamis Eclipse carbon/831
A conclusion is the place where you got tired of thinking. - S. Wright
Favorite rides in the stable: Indy Fab CJ Ti - Colnago MXL - S-Works Roubaix - Habanero Team Issue - Jamis Eclipse carbon/831
#10
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Yes I have done it on my Surly Big Dummy that I just built.I did it for a reason first off I did not like the grey color it was but I wanted to see if I could find the right setup for me.I got it all setup and it rides great.So back on my repair stand it went took off ever thing on it then took it to be re powder coated in white I hope to get it by some time next week then I can build it back up and be very happy to ride it and show it off to my LBS they help me order most all of the parts I needed for it.Here it is in grey there will be a few changes to it as far as the handlebar and new shifters and new [h=1]Hydraulic Disc Brake.[/h]
#11
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I usually try out riding new builds without wrapping the bars --just in case it's a no-go.
Just finished the newest light tourer (no wrap yet). THIS one might be a keeper (best no-hander yet, no toe overlap, 853 steel, dura-ace shifters, sub compact double, 650B 38's, rando drops).
Nahhh. Still too early to tell.
Just finished the newest light tourer (no wrap yet). THIS one might be a keeper (best no-hander yet, no toe overlap, 853 steel, dura-ace shifters, sub compact double, 650B 38's, rando drops).
Nahhh. Still too early to tell.
#12
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"Never pay for the same ground twice." Gen. George S. Patton
Well ... I guess that's kinda relevant. Fact is, if I take all the trouble to build up a bike, I'll ride it a good long time before I might decide to do something else with it. But I haven't got a lot of spare time.
Well ... I guess that's kinda relevant. Fact is, if I take all the trouble to build up a bike, I'll ride it a good long time before I might decide to do something else with it. But I haven't got a lot of spare time.
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#14
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I usually try out riding new builds without wrapping the bars --just in case it's a no-go.
Just finished the newest light tourer (no wrap yet). THIS one might be a keeper (best no-hander yet, no toe overlap, 853 steel, dura-ace shifters, sub compact double, 650B 38's, rando drops).
Nahhh. Still too early to tell.
Just finished the newest light tourer (no wrap yet). THIS one might be a keeper (best no-hander yet, no toe overlap, 853 steel, dura-ace shifters, sub compact double, 650B 38's, rando drops).
Nahhh. Still too early to tell.
__________________
When I ride my bike I feel free and happy and strong. I'm liberated from the usual nonsense of day to day life. Solid, dependable, silent, my bike is my horse, my fighter jet, my island, my friend. Together we will conquer that hill and thereafter the world.
When I ride my bike I feel free and happy and strong. I'm liberated from the usual nonsense of day to day life. Solid, dependable, silent, my bike is my horse, my fighter jet, my island, my friend. Together we will conquer that hill and thereafter the world.
#15
Si Senior
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I'll post pic of the NEW one when I get home. The old one is pictured below, but the modifications I did this past year took it from "sort-of OK" to "difficult" to no-hand.
I'm partial to the older Lemond 853 frames. The geometry seems to work well for me. The new build is same year Lemond (2000) but one size bigger (55 c2c) and Zurich model instead of Buenos Aires.
No room for real fenders with the 650B-38s but for light touring (and the minimal support on our annual Wisconsin trip) I'm OK with a simple rear fender for where/when I use this bike.
(not sure what I'm going to do with the old one)
I'm partial to the older Lemond 853 frames. The geometry seems to work well for me. The new build is same year Lemond (2000) but one size bigger (55 c2c) and Zurich model instead of Buenos Aires.
No room for real fenders with the 650B-38s but for light touring (and the minimal support on our annual Wisconsin trip) I'm OK with a simple rear fender for where/when I use this bike.
(not sure what I'm going to do with the old one)
#16
feros ferio
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I do have one example, although I did not do the original build.
When I brought home my brand-new Nishiki Competition, I replaced the padded vinyl saddle with a tensioned leather Ideale I already had. "All the discomforts of home," a friend wryly remarked. I subsequently changed the freewheel from 14-34 to 14-28, then 14-24, and finally to 14-26. Chainrings started at 54-47, ended up 50-47-44, my third-step triple with the 14-16-19-23-26 freewheel. The top tube was so short that I needed a long-reach handlebar stem, which is the opposite of my usual problem.
When I brought home my brand-new Nishiki Competition, I replaced the padded vinyl saddle with a tensioned leather Ideale I already had. "All the discomforts of home," a friend wryly remarked. I subsequently changed the freewheel from 14-34 to 14-28, then 14-24, and finally to 14-26. Chainrings started at 54-47, ended up 50-47-44, my third-step triple with the 14-16-19-23-26 freewheel. The top tube was so short that I needed a long-reach handlebar stem, which is the opposite of my usual problem.
__________________
"Far and away the best prize that life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing." --Theodore Roosevelt
Capo: 1959 Modell Campagnolo, S/N 40324; 1960 Sieger (2), S/N 42624, 42597
Carlton: 1962 Franco Suisse, S/N K7911
Peugeot: 1970 UO-8, S/N 0010468
Bianchi: 1982 Campione d'Italia, S/N 1.M9914
Schwinn: 1988 Project KOM-10, S/N F804069
"Far and away the best prize that life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing." --Theodore Roosevelt
Capo: 1959 Modell Campagnolo, S/N 40324; 1960 Sieger (2), S/N 42624, 42597
Carlton: 1962 Franco Suisse, S/N K7911
Peugeot: 1970 UO-8, S/N 0010468
Bianchi: 1982 Campione d'Italia, S/N 1.M9914
Schwinn: 1988 Project KOM-10, S/N F804069
#17
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I just sold an 80 Raleigh Record 12 spd last Sunday that I rode as a drop bar bike for a while, added some goodies, took them away and added NR bars and different wheels for a "townie". Last year I changed it again to a flat bar road bike.
When a friend said his son wanted to try cycling again and did I have anything available I decided that this was a good fit (it was) and the Record has found a new home.
I now realize that it was not meant to be mine if it needed all those changes and did not get ridden much.
Perhaps the fact that my sweet wife bought it for me at a yard sale clouded my judgement.
Pictured when purchased for $20.
When a friend said his son wanted to try cycling again and did I have anything available I decided that this was a good fit (it was) and the Record has found a new home.
I now realize that it was not meant to be mine if it needed all those changes and did not get ridden much.
Perhaps the fact that my sweet wife bought it for me at a yard sale clouded my judgement.
Pictured when purchased for $20.
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We are what we reflect. We are the changes that we bring to this world. Ride often. -Geo.-
We are what we reflect. We are the changes that we bring to this world. Ride often. -Geo.-
Last edited by browngw; 10-01-14 at 09:43 AM. Reason: add info
#18
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Not a complete tear-down and build-up, but several of my bikes have been 'works in progress' for years at a time. This week I decided that my Baron lowracer was too heavy so I took off the disc brake rear wheel and installed a 650c Rev-X. Now I'm figuring how much weight I can shave by 'fixing' the front end...
#19
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I tend to do this with my commuters as I like playing around with them. In fact I have a surly 1 x 1 frame sitting around that may need a transfusion of parts from my bridgestone BB-1 commuter in the very near future . . .
#20
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Not only do I redo my bikes to various degrees constantly, I can't understand why there are so many riders who don't. I'd think it would be boring to think that my bike was as good as it's ever going to be.
My next big project is differentials for the Kettweisel tandem train that I ride with Mrs. Grouch.
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