Originally Posted by carleton
Dude, just go buy a bike from a bike shop and get to ridin'
Here's what you are guaranteed:
1) It will fit
2) It will work
3) It will have a warranty
4) You won't have to buy tools to convert it
5) You won't have to pay someone to convert it
6) You will be riding *5 minutes* after you buy it. (not 5 weeks)
7) If you leave now, maybe you can make it to the shop before it closes tonight.
If you want it to be unique, just then customize that one.
I know this sounds harsh, but this is sort of like saying, "I saw this 65 mustang. It doesn't run. But, I need a car to drive to work and class an stuff. I don't know much about cars. Should I restore it?"
Restoring it would be great...if it were your second car/bike. If you need to get riding, buy a bike that already does what you want it to do.
1) the vast majority of shops are staffed with incompentent or dishonest ****s. Unless you yourself are knowledgeable there is a reasonable chance you will be sent away with an improperly assembled or ill-fitting bike.
2) If you want to ride five minutes after you get it you will likely have to go to numerous shops, get a bike that is ill fitted or illsuited to your needs.
3) the expertise gained from building your own conversion saves you lots of money and hassle in the future. Why not obtain it right away. Same with tools
4) If you are going to "customize" it you need the tools anyway
5) Making a conversion != restoring anything. You just have to replace a wheel and maybe those parts that are meant to be periodically replaced.