Thinking of a project...
05-27-08 | 10:40 AM
#1
Thread Starter
Peace, Love, Bikes
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 900
Likes: 1
From: Central Ohio
Bikes: Schwinn Le Tour III
Thinking of a project...
I have really liked the new market coming out geared towards commuting/utility bikes in the form of the step through, dutch style bikes. I like the concept of a European styled city bike with upright positioning but would rather build up my own off an old frame with more modern parts.
Here is what I am thinking:
"Step-Through” frame- more than likely a Schwinn Suburban
Internal gear hub- more than likely a 3-speed with coaster brake
Front Dynohub to run generator lights
A rear rack made by Revelation Cycling here in Columbus
Brooks Saddle on a BioLogic Zorin seat post pump
650b wheel set
Deciding on a front basket or a CETMA rack
Handlebars will be in the spirt of the North Road 3-speed bars
Possibly changing the fork to run front disk brakes
The old Schwinn frame seems to be the best bet: bomb proof and dime a dozen to the point that I am not really going to destroy or significantly alter a collectors item. Am I going to get raked over the coals using a frame like that for this project? Any suggestions?
Some more of my thoughts on this can be found here.
Here is what I am thinking:
"Step-Through” frame- more than likely a Schwinn Suburban
Internal gear hub- more than likely a 3-speed with coaster brake
Front Dynohub to run generator lights
A rear rack made by Revelation Cycling here in Columbus
Brooks Saddle on a BioLogic Zorin seat post pump
650b wheel set
Deciding on a front basket or a CETMA rack
Handlebars will be in the spirt of the North Road 3-speed bars
Possibly changing the fork to run front disk brakes
The old Schwinn frame seems to be the best bet: bomb proof and dime a dozen to the point that I am not really going to destroy or significantly alter a collectors item. Am I going to get raked over the coals using a frame like that for this project? Any suggestions?
Some more of my thoughts on this can be found here.
05-27-08 | 10:54 AM
#2
surly old man
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 3,393
Likes: 44
From: Carlisle, PA
Bikes: IRO Mark V, Karate Monkey half fat, Trek 620 IGH, Cannondale 26/24 MTB, Amp Research B3, and more.
I like it, and in fact, I have been playing around with simlar recipies for a little while.
Two comments though:
-why start with such a hog of a frame? I agree that this is not as suitable for a high-end racing bike. But there is a lot of room in between that extreme and a Suburban. Why not start with a mid-level bike that will be much lighter? And really no more fragile.
-You sure you want a coaster brake? Not a hub brake of some other kind? I just hate coaster brakes. Hard to get started for one thing, since you can't backpedal to ge the pedals where you want them.
jim
p.s., last time I checked NYCbikes.com was selling super cheap 700 3spd and 7 speed wheelsets.
Two comments though:
-why start with such a hog of a frame? I agree that this is not as suitable for a high-end racing bike. But there is a lot of room in between that extreme and a Suburban. Why not start with a mid-level bike that will be much lighter? And really no more fragile.
-You sure you want a coaster brake? Not a hub brake of some other kind? I just hate coaster brakes. Hard to get started for one thing, since you can't backpedal to ge the pedals where you want them.
jim
p.s., last time I checked NYCbikes.com was selling super cheap 700 3spd and 7 speed wheelsets.
__________________
Cross Check Nexus7, IRO Mark V, Trek 620 Nexus7, Karate Monkey half fat, IRO Model 19 fixed, Amp Research B3, Surly 1x1 half fat fixed, and more...
--------------------------
SB forever
Cross Check Nexus7, IRO Mark V, Trek 620 Nexus7, Karate Monkey half fat, IRO Model 19 fixed, Amp Research B3, Surly 1x1 half fat fixed, and more...
--------------------------
SB forever
05-27-08 | 11:00 AM
#3
Thread Starter
Peace, Love, Bikes
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 900
Likes: 1
From: Central Ohio
Bikes: Schwinn Le Tour III
I may look at some of the IGH with drum or disc options. The problem is that any older frame won't be set for disc tabs in the rear, though Thearpy does make a retrofit. The Nexus rollerbrake IGH may be an option as well.
I also like the Schwinn, for now at least, since it seems to be pretty available in my area and tends to be pretty cheap. I had considered a mixte frame, but availability won't be the greatest here. Cost there would be an issue as well. I am kind of sold on 650b for the wheels and the Schwinns seem to be fairly easy to convert.
I also like the Schwinn, for now at least, since it seems to be pretty available in my area and tends to be pretty cheap. I had considered a mixte frame, but availability won't be the greatest here. Cost there would be an issue as well. I am kind of sold on 650b for the wheels and the Schwinns seem to be fairly easy to convert.
