First Single Speed Project - The Misfit Bike
 

Just finished skimming this post: http://www.bikeforums.net/singlespee...need-help.html and realized I spent too much on my project, which isn't quite done. But I've enjoyed it and learned a bit.

My project was turning a $10 Raleigh frame (which the guy should have given me $10 to haul away) into a $100 single speed after spending $300 and HOURS of work.
The photos are HERE - the complete bike photos are from today, the first day I had it ride-able. There's a bunch of other images of the build going on (strip, braze, powder, etc.). With the re-cycled fork, the handling was different. Kind of like the bike wanted to stay on center, but once of center, it really wanted to dive into turns. Must be a rake/trail thing going on with the fork.

A request for the single speed aficionados - what would you recommend for improvements?

My plans before I call it "complete":
- add a rack so I can carry stuff
- change to all black tires (the 700x28 - with the re-cycled fork from an old race bike, the largest tire I can use is 28mm)
- change the stem - maybe raise it a bit, maybe a nice Ritchey stem (pricey!)

That's it - details below. Thanks for reading.

The run down:
used Raleigh frame: $10
Cherry fork: left over from a custom race bike I had to retire
powder coat: $5 worth from Powder by the Pound
bars: $10 Origin8 left over from my LBS
headset:$30 Origin8 from my LBS
seatpost: $25 Origin8 from my LBS
wheelset: $120 Origin8 from my LBS
rim tape: $8 ? Origin8 from my LBS
pedals: $30 Wellgo B67 used via F.B.
chain: $15 1/8in s/s from LBS
tubes: $10 from my LBS
braze-ons: $5 from NOVA cycle (not including silver, flux, MAPP)
stuff from the parts bin (or decommissioned from other bikes for upgrades)
- Campy crank set
- Shimano brakes from the '80s
- Panaracer Palsea tires 700x28
- DiaComp brake levers
- Serfas seat
- Trek & Specialized bottle cages
- reused bar tape
- Planet Bike bar plugs
Grand Total: $263 (or there 'bouts. maybe a bit more after tool rental at my LBS)

your top cap is crooked

roger that - i'll straighten it out - had a spot of a problem getting the headset just right. then got all geeked to go ride...

If you didn't spend too much, it wouldn't be a project and it wouldn't be worthwhile. Some things are beyond a pragmatic sum of the dollars and cents.

I have racks on my bikes, specified one when I commissioned the Hillbrick (which is a full custom build). Why? Because I don't like backpacks and believe the bike works for me, I don't work for the bike. It's rare that I don't have a pannier on any of my bikes, the other times using a bumbag for mobile phone, keys and wallet.

Incidentally, I ruined two expensive wallets with sweat during my bike jersey days when I carried them in my back pockets. I did eventually go to zip lock bags but soon after, changed to running shorts and running shirts with a bum bag (or pannier) carrying 'the stuff' - my bikes all carry a pump, spare tube and tool kit in a saddle bag.

As you can tell, I don't subscribe to the minimalist approach which is really only a form of fashion. I ride fixed gear because I love the feel and the skill set, my bikes are set up to practical beasts, even my two darlings (the Hillbrick which cost far too much and the Europa). I use the Europa with her gears when I know I've got stupid hill climbs.

yeah, a good rear rack is nice to have.
I don't really care for front racks though, the extra weight on the steering feels funny. probably because I'm just not used to it

Maybe it depends on how much beer you've got in it ;)