Originally Posted by
OrangeBike
Since I started refurbing another old bike, I've noticed a lot of vintage parts available... and I would love to build a frankenbike from all these beautiful old parts (for some crazy reason I think I have the time).
So, what I would be looking for is something nice enough to be quality, but not so nice that stripping it down, repainting it and slapping non-original parts on it would be a sin. And something that I can find suitable components for, something with popular threadings..? I dunno, I'm not familiar with enough with the brands and history to make a qualified gamble on something. Since it's a first-time frank for me, I'm not interested in breaking the bank.
Some brands I see that are within my price range are Motobecane, Raleigh, Volkscycle... pretty old lugged frames that can be cleaned up and painted.
And I'd be building a road bike.
I would start "from the bottom, up" -- what type/size tires, and what size wheels? These will dictate certain immutable characteristics of the bicycle's frame, such as chain- and seat-stay and fork length and spacing. Also, what type of brakes -- center/side-pull, or cantilever? (the latter requiring brazed-on mounting studs) Will you want the option to use racks? (more braze-on mounts)
You have the opportunity to "engineer" this build; so, why not employ the philosophy (velosophy?) of
"form follows function"?
Good luck... and post photos!!