I took most things off the bike that weren't needed anymore. I didn't remove the rear brake yet because I may end up riding it single speed for a little bit. I'd do that by just throwing the chain back on and riding on the smallest chainring and whatever gear works on the current freewheel. This would only be temporarily, as it is nice to have the bike ridable.
Items removed:
- Shifters
- Reflectors
- Derailleurs
- Kickstand
- Saddlebag
Item to be removed at a later date:
- rear brake, cable, and lever
- freewheel and 5 cogs(part of rear wheel)
Items that will be changed in the future:
- front brake lever
- handlebars
- wheels
- crank and both chainrings
Items missing from bike:
So while I had the wheels off I wanted to see if my Shimano 105 front brake would fit; it seemed like the brake reach might make it on the 27" wheels, but when I tried a 700c wheel there was no chance; the pads were well into the rubber of the tire. However, I tried the same test with the Diacompe 500 brake that came with the bike, and that seems to fit nicely. So, it seems I'll be using the Diacompe as my brake (unless I can find some evidence showing that I shouldn't!).
So how much does she weigh now? With no pedals and no chain the bike is 26 lbs, down 5.5 from 31.5 from before the strip. Not exactly a svelte ride, but I did weigh the wheels alone and they come out to 9lbs (just wheels!). I am still going to upgrade the handlebars, wheels, tires, crank, seat, and seatpost. I somehow doubt that is going to bring the bike below 20lbs, but I hope so!
To Do:
Find a good fixie wheelset
Figure out the crank situation (Bulletproof or something else? Recommendations?)
Hope the Bottom bracket gives a nice chainline
Repack bearings in headset and bottom bracket
Decide on front brake lever (BMX-ish lever or cool TT aero one)
Decide on handlebars(alloy bullhorns for sure, but not sure which ones)
Toe Clips
What size cog,chainring? (I already have a 16t cog)
Ok! Here are some pictures:
