Originally Posted by
OrangeBike
Wow, lots of good info. I don't really know what's good or bad, thanks.
The goal here is that I want to build a bike and I want to use these vintage parts because they're beautiful. Well, and vintage.
And I like to build things. And I like bikes... And I don't have the coin to drop on a Campagnolo Record group set.
The bike itself... I would like to build a 27in road bike. Brakes, Weinmann center pulls would be great with Dia Comps safety levers. I'm thinking Shimano for the derailleurs and shifters, looks like that would be affordable quality. Cranks... Matching Shimano would be swell, but I haven't investigated that part yet. Wheels, the Normandy high flange hubs can be found and fixed up for not much, not the Luxe though, the rep is that they have soft races? Rims, I can get a set of Rigida or Weinmann 27 1 1/4 from the LBS for 20-30 a wheel, with hubs.
Repaint, no problem there and I probably would anyway. I wouldn't do a rattle can, if I'm putting the time in on this I'll drop the coin on a nice respray.
Don't take this as mean or rude-
Do you know what you're looking for?
A 27" bike (that's a BIG bike) or a bike with 27" wheels? Why limit to 27" when 700c is SO much more prevalent.
Milwaukee's CL is pretty good- there's a LOT of really nice bikes that go through there- there's no need to look at eBay and fight for a bike that you have to pay to ship and possibly get damaged unless you're looking for something VERY specific.
I guess if you're starting from scratch, do a LOT of reading, pay attention to what people are working on, what people like and find something similar.
I was really bummed when our son went bike shopping- and paid WAY too much for a hi-ten frame and decent, but low end parts.
Decent frames are around, and fairly abundant around this area. You can start with a relatively inexpensive bike and play around with component changes- but your best bet is to get to know what's what. What models and years are good candidates. What kind of tubing is "good." What parts are "good."
Ask questions- everyone is learning, and everyone's been where you were and where you're going.