Alan 80's Aluminum fixed gear.... Question??
10-17-08, 12:35 PM
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Alan 80's Aluminum fixed gear.... Question??
well i recently picked this frame up and converted it to a fixed gear... its from the late 70's early 80's im not sure.. anyways its the first production of aluminum road bikes and the frame is not like a typical bike that is welded in the joints but rather "glued and screwed". i guess the question i have is whether the quality (price?, and strength?) of these bikes are relatively good. and with the stress of riding a fixed gear, would the frame hold up? considering its not welded... sorry for the ****ty pic all i have is my cell phone camera... 
10-17-08, 12:47 PM
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It's lugged aluminum and those frames are notorious light but weak, breaking mostly at the seatstay and chainstay junction. I would avoid skidding and backpedaling on that frame.
10-17-08, 12:50 PM
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^^i do alot of hill riding as i live in seattle, and alot of skidding is involved. I have been nervous about that, but couldnt find much info regarding it. im not sure what i should do now, keep it or sell the frame and get something stronger to be safe...
10-17-08, 12:52 PM
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Dances With Cars
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That like an old Vitus? I'd not be crushin' that too too hard.
Last edited by TRaffic Jammer; 10-18-08 at 06:51 AM.
10-17-08, 12:58 PM
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Steel80's
I had an 1979 Alan Super Record for many years, it was a beautiful bike, fast and nimble. I never had a problem with it, but I didn't beat on it, either.
Frankly I don't like what you've done to yours, especially those goofy riser bars, but to each his own. These frames do flex if you hammer on them, and depending on how it's been treated over the years, your size, and how you ride, using it as a fixed gear is a bit iffy. They're not popular as a vintage bike because of the same durability questions you raise.
Frankly I don't like what you've done to yours, especially those goofy riser bars, but to each his own. These frames do flex if you hammer on them, and depending on how it's been treated over the years, your size, and how you ride, using it as a fixed gear is a bit iffy. They're not popular as a vintage bike because of the same durability questions you raise.
10-17-08, 01:06 PM
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I can just feel the tubes poppin'
10-17-08, 05:48 PM
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I got one of those in gold for like 5 bucks and built it for my neighbor as a fixed gear... The first time I rode it i thought I didnt have the cranks on tight enough but it was just the frame flexing a ton. Its light as all hell and wouldnt last a week with me riding it but for him its fine.
Ive also heard them called "rubber band bikes"
Ive also heard them called "rubber band bikes"
10-17-08, 08:46 PM
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super light and also super flexy. I had a 70s Alan frame that I liked a lot but left in Tokyo. Almost as a rule I didn't pedal out of saddle, but tried to maintain a smooth cadence and keep my body 'quiet.'
I definitely wouldn't recommend skidding but if you are a careful rider you should be fine for normal riding around. It was a really great cruiser.
I definitely wouldn't recommend skidding but if you are a careful rider you should be fine for normal riding around. It was a really great cruiser.
