Originally Posted by
12boy
That is actually a very cute little bike. Stripped down like that what does it weigh? Would it be possible to put a 52 chain ring and a 11-28 rear cluster, or even just a 11 tooth freewheel.
For my commute riding, I don't see the need to have 52t chainring, nor 28t rear cog.
16" small wheels are not mean to spin at 25+mph for extended amount of time, nor do they need 28T rear cog to climb up steep hills.
I ditched the heavy OEM crankset b/b for Titanium B/B and a set of old Sugino low profile cranks, shaved about 2 lb. off the bike. Now it probably weighs in at 18 lb.
Running 46T chainring and 12/24 Sachs 7-speed freewheel from my old road bike, feel like I never need to use the 24t rear cog to climb any of my commuting hills, maybe a 23T is low enough for the steepest grade I encounter.
46/12 combo allows me to spin easily at 17-18 mph.. something that I don't think I would sustain much because I try to stay non-sweaty by the time I get to my office... even thought there is a shower available.
I cut off the OEM stem clamp and used some homemade shim to install a stem to extend my reach on the bike. Now I'm much more comfortable cruising on the bike.
Probably would change out the seatpost next, to get rid of the steel seat clamp... OEM seat is also quite heavy... but comfortable.