Refurb: Surly SteamRoller
 

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Finished up a second single speed project a couple weeks ago. I was chatting with the local bike shop owner over the summer and mentioned I was thinking of building up a single speed, since my existing single speed resides at my in-laws for holiday coffee shoppe rideing. He happily offered me a Steamroller another customer had 'retired' - basically a frame, fork, and front wheel. Got it out of his way!

He suggested a coaster brake rear wheel, and some quick mental calculations later, I said "SURE!" - saves me cash on buying brakes & levers & cables. And I really like the clean look of no cables. Seth, the bike shop owner, is a bit like a big kid, so he was talking about how I could do some major skids & look cool.

The first few rides have been a blast. Still learning how to finesse the cranks when I stop. The biggest fear is a dropped chain now means -- NO BRAKES! My first single speed (with brakes) has never dropped the chain, but during the first test rides after getting everything together, the chain fell off several times. I failed to clear the paint out of the rear drop out, so the wheel was shifting.

The Surly frame & fork were well loved. I was not prepared to pay $150 or so for powder coating, so I opted to scuff the existing powder coating, clean the rust off, and primer / paint / decal / clear. After it took 3 cans of black to cover the primer I says to myself - "DANG!! shoulda just paid for powder coat!!" - not sure I could have gotten three colors for $35... but whatever. You can make fun of me. I'll be fine.

Probably I'll get Jones SG 2.5 bars in the spring to raise things a bit. I'd really like to add a front brake. If I can afford it, I think I'd like Paul levers and Paul Racer center pull. Most likely I'll end up with a Tektro long reach.

OK ! Thanks for reading! I don't lurk the single speed pages so much, so I don't know if SteamRollers are popular or passe' . At the moment I think I'll be keeping this bike long - long term. We'll see!
Cheers!

-------what i spent on what-------------
Free-ish from my LBS:
frame / fork
crankset (running 40t x 18t at the moment)
front wheel
seat post
New Money for the project:
gray primer: $5
black matte paint: $15 (rattle can paint over scuffed up powder coating)
yellow: $5
red: $5
clear: $5
decals / head badge: $14
chain: $10
rear wheel: $70
bag & cage: $24
tape & stem & bars: $20 ?
TOTAL: $183 (maybe inner tubes too)
From the parts bin:
Serfas TEGU seat
Crank Bros 50/50 pedals
CONTI Cross Tyres 700 x 38

First Project: https://www.bikeforums.net/singlespe...sfit-bike.html

I always loved skidding with my coaster brake when I was a kid. What coaster brake hub did you use?

That is a great rescue.

Any bike that is fun to ride is a great bike.

- My LBS owner got me a pretty basic wheel - I think-
Shimano EB 110 Hub; AlexRims DC19.
- I'm not a very good gear geek. I'm more of a route finder / coffee shop experimenter. The bike is just a way to do that.
Eventually I'd like to get matching wheels. The front wheel is a VELOCITY Chukker rim. Maybe - maybe I'll get an 8 or 9 speed IGH. Not soon - but maybe later.

Nice job!

Thanks!

I love that thing:love:

Great, thanks for the info! Really like this build.