Only on the 451's. The US-spec bikes with ISO 406 rims are 36/36.

-Kurt

I love that color. I think some ladies Sports models came in that but not the mens.

Let us know how you like the ride. I had two Twentys, and I could never get used to the handling.

I can see having issues with it. I rode it two miles today from my girlfriend's work and I was too preoccupied with the bent left crankarm and the sluggish shifting to pay attn to handling but I will say I enjoy quick steering and this seems to have it. Got a ton of things to do to this before I bond with it but it already fits better than the bike Friday I used to have.

Some Twentys came with a plastic sleeve bearing in the headset. My second one did, and I suspect it was a big factor in my hating the bike. Another factor was the ultra long reach brakes which were unconscionably bad. I had some pieces to replace the headset but then the bike disappeared from my apartment building basement, and I was not very disappointed.

Never known the original UK design to be any other way. Impossible if you want to ride hands-off.

-Kurt

I have a set of dual pivot tektros for the bike that should improve it and I will build wheels with aluminum rims. As for the plastic sleeve I hear you! It sucks but I am exploring options there.

I put my tektro 800s on. The rear is real close but I ordered everything to build wheels and I will withhold judgement til after mounting new wheels. Also I scraped the crud off the aw and it's date code is 68-10, or one month after my 12th birthday. Pretty cool!

Beginning to understand these things have about 1 good spot for the wheel in the rear dropout. If you move it forward I'd looks ridiculous real quick. I put a sugino crank on it and am futzing with gear ratios. The original 44-15 was tall for my purposes. I'd like a 70" top gear, or thereabout. Also replacing the crank and brake calipers does not make it lightweight.....

These bikes will never be lightweights without some serious retooling! Besides working on changing my rims to aluminum, I’ve only replaced the seat post and saddle.

I like the blue color. Hope it brightens up with some cut an polish.

I need to start cleaning it up. Any advice on the polish?

I have a temporary gear ratio of 42/17. Too low really but it's fine for cruising around town. Looking forward to the wheel build and my real purpose for this is a vacation bike. We tent camp and I like to ride to the shower.
https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...8e6c9cae5b.jpg
New brakes and crank.

Meguiar's #7 followed by any high quality wax ought to do just fine. Go easy around the painted transfers.

-Kurt

Ty man

Today I discovered the retention spring in the handlebar stem and connected it to the front brake bolt. It wasn't connected when I bought the bike. This limits how far the bars will raise to what I assume is a safe position. About a half inch lower than I had them. Still plenty fine!

Kind of a general question. What is the rational for these bikes? Smaller overall size so they are easy to store? Enlighten me.

I think that was it. They could be stashed in a corner or storage locker of your flat without taking a lot of space. The folding versions were marketed to be taken on public transportation or stowed in the trunk of your car and ridden the last mile from the station or parking garage to your destination.

Storage for sure. You can easy lower the seat and bars and toss it in a hatchback. Plus it's kind of fun to ride small wheels. In addition with a front and or rear rack the center of gravity is low and makes for a terrific grocery bike I'm told. When I finish this build it will get a deep removable front basket.

Pompiere and 52telecaster Thank you for the education. I look forward to reading more about this fun ride!

Spread the front fork to 100mm today. 102 actually. Was remarkably easy to get it true. Of course no hands is out on this bike anyway but it doesn't pull. Current front wheel is from an old bike Friday with a worn out frame. This is no bike Friday of course but I will say the frame is way more durable.
https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...1956860d19.jpg
Front hub is 100mm, tire is one of two I will use when the build is done.

Now it makes sense, novelty aside. Excellent use case.

Of course this doesn't keep me from making it it's best self! Plus it'll be great for short guests.

Looking really good! Love the Sugino crank and the modern upgrades.

Are those Tektro 800A/900A's? IIRC, you can flip the cable adjuster and pinch bolts on those to allow for cable entry from the bottom. At least, I believe it's possible, unless the arm runs into the adjuster barrel.

-Kurt

800s, and I tried that but the arm interferes.

I don't imagine you could do it any other way!

I'm going with 451 CR18's on my Shopper build. Hard to go wrong with Sun rims.

Mine are on order. Meanwhile I have a 400mm origin8 seatpost! With one of my favorite Brooks.
https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...b2bd2a70c9.jpg