BoogieTrain

Right now my bike is in the garage so i can't be too specific with any of my information, but tomorrow i will take pictures and measurements and update my post. Anyway, im pretty new to bike mechanics and two years ago I bought an old Fuji Gran Tourer from craigslist for $90. Since, i have converted it into a single speed by removing the derailleur and shortening the chain. I liked the single speed setup a lot and my bike got much use since, but the tires that were on it were old and one popped. The wheels are terribly untrue, in fact, the front wheel is not the original wheel and is wider than the rear wheel. When I ride, theres some clicking noises near the crank when i push down on the left pedal.

Basically im fixing up the bike and for right now im starting with new wheels.

As for my usage. I live in the Bronx, New York City. I'm probably going on several cross city rides, and hopefully if I interview well tomorrow I will be delivering pinkberry frozen yogurt this summer (hence the need for a better bike). Most of the year I go to school in northern Philadelphia where I ride my bike a lot too. The roads there are less maintained than in the city.

Anyway, when I replaced my tires, I bought two new 27x1 1/8 tires.

Im looking to buy a new wheel set that is basic, durable, and affordable. I am using my bike as a single speed (currently equipped with an old 5 cog cassette.

Also, im not sure what's included when I buy my new wheels(hub?). Do I need to construct the wheel?

Here are some inexpensive wheels I found:
https://www.niagaracycle.com/product_...ucts_id=433132
https://www.niagaracycle.com/product_...ucts_id=433133

Im not sure if they are good, or how to tell if they are.
Based on the picture, it comes with spokes and a hub. And its assembled?
I'd also want/need to get a new freewheel hub also i think.

So I'd need something like this?
https://www.niagaracycle.com/product_...ucts_id=430903

Come to think of it, a flip-flop might be something i'd be interested in, but we'll save that for later.

I want to get a new chain too. How about:
https://www.niagaracycle.com/product_...oducts_id=2459

And I think a new crank is a good idea.
https://www.niagaracycle.com/product_...ucts_id=405777

Im pretty much a newbie when it comes to this stuff, so i don't know if any of the stuff i linked is of good quality, matches what I want/need, or if its compatible with each other/my bike.

Please post suggestions of parts that suit my needs, comments, etc ,etc. I'd like to get my bike to look and ride great asap!

EDIT: My Bike:


52 teeth.
14 teeth.

dabac

Both those wheels have steel rims, which offer poorer braking than aluminum, particularly in the wet. Might be OK if you can pick which days to ride, but that doesn't sound like you. I'd go for something with aluminum rims instead.

Also the rear is dished for a 5-7 speed freewheel. A dedicated single-speed hub with symmetric dish will be stronger. Multi-speed freewheel hubs have a tendency to suffer axle breakages.
If you're so happy with the SS setup, go for the flip-flop straight off.

But I gotta tell ya, for someone who don't give the impression of having ridden much beforehand, starting out doing deliveries by bike on a SS is asking a lot from your body, your knees in particular. I don't think I'd like to drag much of a load around at 48/16.

Wheels come assembled and sort-of ready. For Q/R wheels the skewers night not be included. It's common that wheels come with the bearing adjustment all out of whack, so check that before you start riding. Spoke tension can also be all over the place, so if you want to protect your investment and safeguard against failures down the road, check that too.

The crank you've linked to is unlikely to match your current bottom bracket. What you have is probably square taper. Either find a crank that matches your BB, or be ready to replace that too.

The dominating wheel size in that range today is 28"(622 mm). If you try to change to that you can get in trouble with brake reach, as your frame appears to be set for 27" (630 mm)

BoogieTrain

I do a fair amount of biking. And my body is in good shape, (6'3, 180lbs). I just dont know much when it comes to the specifics of the components of bicycles. Could you possibly link me to some affordable parts that would suit me and work well together. Ill post pics of my bike in a few hours.

I definitely want to get a flip flop hub, with a fixed gear on one side, and a single speed freewheel on the other.

I guess we should start there, then find wheels to match?

It seems easier to find wheels to purchase with the kind of hub im looking for; rather than finding the hub, then finding good wheels that don't include a hub?

How about this: https://www.bicyclewheelwarehouse.com...d&productId=29
Im not sure if this is a flip flop, or can be used as either single speed or fixed gear.

dabac

Well, as long as you're aware that it's a huge difference between riding casually and putting in serious hours each day. Particularly grinding away at heavy gears can mess up your knees faster than you'd imagine.

Indeed. Price is usually better that way too.

It says "fixed/single", and so that would be a flip/flop hub. Otherwise it'd be a so-called suicide conversion, which I don't think anyone markets.

Downside is that it's a 28"/622 mm wheel, not the same as you have on now. That might get you into brake reach issues. And brakes are really nice to have, even if you decide to run fixie.

wrk101

I would just consider getting one of those Bike Direct SS/FG instead. They sell brand new ones for $300. You are opening a can of worms on this current bike, will likely trigger frustration, stuff doesn't fit quite right, bad chain line, brakes don't reach, etc. Sell your current bike, buy a BD SS/FG, and you are set.

You would be hard pressed to finish this Grand Tourer conversion for less money. And this way, you can sell off the Grand Tourer to help fund it. So financially, it is a no brainer.

+1 As you get older, your knees will not appreciate the time spent mashing.

Chris_W

It sounds like you need a local bike shop, not an internet forum. OR a personal shopping assistant. Prices at your LBS may be higher than those at Niagara, but you need to pay for their service and advice somehow. The discount online stores are great for people who know what they are buying and don't need the personal assistance, but this doesn't sound like it is the case for you.

BoogieTrain

Perhaps, but i lack the funds for either of those two. Besides, I'd like to learn how this stuff works for the experience, fun of it. I'd like to have a bike that I can feel proud knowing i put time and effort into. Also, there is a much larger selection of parts online. I learn fast and I'm excited to start work on my bike.

As for buying a new bike: I need to make the whole "better bike" operation as cheap as possible. Selling the bike would extra effort on my part. Buying a new bike would not be nearly as satisfying as fixing up mine. Im not looking to make my Fuji a world class ride, just a better one. I figure a new set of wheels (esp since I will be riding SS) and a new chain will greatly improve the performance of my bike, and should not cost too much.

Any suggestions for wheels (preferably a set) that does not cost too much, will hold up to city riding, and will allow my to ride single speed? (flip flop is not necessary, im mainly interested in riding SingleSpeed.

Also, I added pics to the first post. If you need more pics or measurements to better help you help me let me know!


How about this:
https://www.niagaracycle.com/product_...ucts_id=415133
in conjunction with something like this:
https://www.niagaracycle.com/product_...ucts_id=418885
??

FarmallM51

I have an '80 Fuji Grand Tourer SE that I bought new. It hung in the garage for 20 years and I got it down last year and have been riding it. I had the wheels trued at LBS then cleaned & packed the wheel bearings myself, replaced the tubes & tires, and replaced the brake pads (koolstops). I replaced the rims later in the year with alloy ones from Harris Cyclery and bought a chain and the freewheel removal tool from them also. I thought they had good tips and repair info along with the description of the parts. Customer service was good also.

dabac

A 27" wheel will get you away from the issue of brake reach, so that's good. A wheel built around a 130 mm freewheel hub is a tad weaker than a track/flip flop wheel but should do just fine. Might need some dishing or spacer rearranging for chainline adjustment.
Your frame probably has a 126 mm rear dropout width, but, being steel can easily be cold set or simply ignored. With nutted axles you're not looking at lightning-fast wheel changes anyhow.
52/16 is a fairly steep ratio, I certainly wouldn't want to ride that as a daily beater, particularly not when lugging things around.

Also, looking at the pic, I'm intrigued by the saddle vs bar height. You certainly don't find many bikes set up like that. The saddle is also scooted way forward. Are you sure this frame fits you?

BoogieTrain

The seat should be higher, in the picture is an old Mongoose BMX seat that slides down because the post is too thin, im going to be getting a nice seat soon.


Picked up these today for $90 from craigslist



Swift Arriv

The guy said they had about 100 miles on them, and it looks that way.

Gonna install them tomorrow morning when it dries up outside, though i gotta get some presta valve things at the LBS.

Gonna get a new chain, seat, and front brake, and eventually paint my bike. Ill update with pics.

Judging by the chainring, what size chain works with what I have?

dabac

SS should be either 1/8" or possibly 3/32". If that wheelset is 622 mm rims brake reach might be an issue.