Capecodder

As the title suggests, I have about $400.00 (give or take a few dollars) to spend and would like some suggestions.......

I want to build something over the winter months, and had a few things in mind. First, a mountain bike frame, and build it into a touring bike, or a touring bike frame either or. Maybe something already built and I'll just take it apart and rebuild it.

Maybe one of the nice frames in our very own c/v classifieds.... I have a few people keeping an eye open for me, what are your thoughts?

auchencrow

Since it's a winter project, build up a winter bike that you can use when the snow flies.

Henry III

Screw a mtb. Just get this
https://boulder.craigslist.org/bik/2049608320.html

Capecodder

Good idea, but I'm thinking of something to work on through the winter and bring it out on the first day of spring.....

dbakl

Me, personally: after decades on road bikes, I hate mountain bikes. Had a nice one once, it was fun but I gave it away.

Build up a killer touring bike with wider tires and low gearing on a vintage fame. If you ask me, but heck, whatever turns you on! Its all good.

Capecodder

I am really considering a nice touring bike with some wider tires and low gears on a nice vintage frame I'm having a hard time finding a good frame, and I've been looking for a while now.

southpawboston

capecodder, what kind of biking do you like to do, and is there any kind of biking that you've never done but would like to try? if you're undecided in what you want in a bike, maybe that should guide you in deciding what the ideal winter project should be.

i've never done a dirt road randonnee. there's one every summer in western MA, and i want to train for it. and to make sure that i have a suitable bike for it, my winter project is going to be converting an 80s tourer into a 650B rando bike.

Capecodder

I like road biking, long easy rides not so fast these days. I did in the past do a lot of off-road biking but none of the people I ride with care for that so I'd be pretty much on my own.

I did consider a cross type bike to take off-road if I rode past a path I'd like to explore, but it would end up sitting more often than not. So, I think a touring bike might be my best bet?

TimeTravel_0

buy a park ts-2.2 truing stand, var dishing tool, every spoke wrench, park tensiometer...and learn wheelbuilding.

disregard if you already have these items / know how to build.

cycleheimer

Be generous this holiday season...and send me the $400 ....ho ho ho!

You could try building up a cyclocross bike to ride during the winter months, and convert it to touring in the spring.

southpawboston

heck, this is something i'm going to put on my christmas wish list!

devinfan

Do what I just did - put it all into a frame and then you can spend the rest of the winter slowly gathering things bit by bit until you have the bike you want by Spring. $400 will get you a lot of frame.

gbalke

If it doesn't have to be bike related, how about setting up a bar tab for your C&V buddies? I'm always looking for an excuse to get back to the Cape. Anyone else?

Drillium Dude 

Find another $100 quick - there's a '67 Raleigh International on Ebay right now with a $500 BIN that's just perfect for the basis of your C&V touring bike!

dbakl

Any non-race specific frame from the 60s-70s would make the basis for a good touring bike. Probably many Japanese too, though I don't know them at all. Here's my '62 Carlton done up to go somewhere.. I did the coast of California in the 70s and a similar bike much less well outfitted. Then I could get over anything in a 42/28 though...

Keep an eye on ebay, never know what might turn up. I like Reynolds 531 myself.

nlerner

I have a 57cm Trek 330 Elance kicking around my basement, currently fitted with 32mm tires with no problems. PM me if you want to talk about buying it as a frameset or complete bike.

Neal

4Rings6Stars

My winter project...bought a tube set, lugs, etc., a framebuilding manual, borrowed an oxy/gas torch from a friend and I'm going to build myself a cross/touring/commuting bike!

(okay this first frame will probably end up garage wall art but my ultimate goal is the frame described above)

due ruote 

Hmm...maybe buy some more paint?

I'd be tempted to look for something very different from what you've had before. I don't know your stable's history, but for me it could be something Dutch or Italian for example.

ddot

Touring bike for sure.. Try and see if you can find a Univega.

beech333

I vote a rigid MTB and studded tires, to keep you going all winter.

dbakl

Here's a CL ad; says Raleigh Competition but must be an International. Big though...

https://sfbay.craigslist.org/sby/bik/2065480980.html