2021 Post your Single Speed and Fixed Gear Thread
Likes For TheRealDrPhil:
10-01-21, 08:21 AM
#429
Catastrophe Merchant
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: Tideland
Posts: 255
Bikes: Keirin and a Steamroller
Mentioned: 7 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 86 Post(s)
Liked 218 Times
in
58 Posts
I apologize; I didn't realize there were so many variations of that handlebar... It is the Nitto B809AA HT (which I narrowed by about 6cm).
10-01-21, 04:55 PM
#430
Catastrophe Merchant
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: Tideland
Posts: 255
Bikes: Keirin and a Steamroller
Mentioned: 7 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 86 Post(s)
Liked 218 Times
in
58 Posts
Purple People Eater — 2009 Umezawa Keirin
In an attempt to judge the worthiness of utilizing a Japanese shopping service as a mechanism for obtaining inexpensive keirin frames, I went about finding a cheap, beat-up, yet still functional specimen on Japan's Yahoo Auctions as a test of the idea (so as not lose too much love and money on a failed experiment). What arrived was a frame in far better condition than I had imagined or even hoped for—a straight, dent-free frame with a perfectly functional Dura-Ace headset and SG75 bottom bracket—albeit a frame with its fair share of wear and tear.
What was even more unexpected is how much I enjoy riding around on this bike... It was the preconception that this frame would become a beater/foul-weather friend—if it arrived in ridable condition, let alone arriving at all—but instead I've being having a great time with it the past two weeks just as I built it up initially... Although much of it is my love for the wheelset, the toptube length/stem length/bar combination, and the carefree humility of a dinged-up purple bike in Autumn as the falling leaves crunch beneath the tires as they're wheeled along these city streets...
(The coincidence is that I lost two keirin bikes due to frame failure in the time it took for the shopping service to sort everything out and for this friend to finally come here, and I had recently been feeling as if I was going to give up on my love for these things... This humble purple pal has returned a sense of playfulness to the pursuit, and for that I am particularly pleased.)
What was even more unexpected is how much I enjoy riding around on this bike... It was the preconception that this frame would become a beater/foul-weather friend—if it arrived in ridable condition, let alone arriving at all—but instead I've being having a great time with it the past two weeks just as I built it up initially... Although much of it is my love for the wheelset, the toptube length/stem length/bar combination, and the carefree humility of a dinged-up purple bike in Autumn as the falling leaves crunch beneath the tires as they're wheeled along these city streets...
(The coincidence is that I lost two keirin bikes due to frame failure in the time it took for the shopping service to sort everything out and for this friend to finally come here, and I had recently been feeling as if I was going to give up on my love for these things... This humble purple pal has returned a sense of playfulness to the pursuit, and for that I am particularly pleased.)
Likes For ethet:
10-01-21, 06:32 PM
#431
Live not by lies.
Join Date: Nov 2020
Posts: 1,306
Bikes: BigBox bikes.
Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 857 Post(s)
Liked 779 Times
in
581 Posts
In an attempt to judge the worthiness of utilizing a Japanese shopping service as a mechanism for obtaining inexpensive keirin frames, I went about finding a cheap, beat-up, yet still functional specimen on Japan's Yahoo Auctions as a test of the idea (so as not lose too much love and money on a failed experiment). What arrived was a frame in far better condition than I had imagined or even hoped for—a straight, dent-free frame with a perfectly functional Dura-Ace headset and SG75 bottom bracket—albeit a frame with its fair share of wear and tear.
What was even more unexpected is how much I enjoy riding around on this bike... It was the preconception that this frame would become a beater/foul-weather friend—if it arrived in ridable condition, let alone arriving at all—but instead I've being having a great time with it the past two weeks just as I built it up initially... Although much of it is my love for the wheelset, the toptube length/stem length/bar combination, and the carefree humility of a dinged-up purple bike in Autumn as the falling leaves crunch beneath the tires as they're wheeled along these city streets...
(The coincidence is that I lost two keirin bikes due to frame failure in the time it took for the shopping service to sort everything out and for this friend to finally come here, and I had recently been feeling as if I was going to give up on my love for these things... This humble purple pal has returned a sense of playfulness to the pursuit, and for that I am particularly pleased.)
What was even more unexpected is how much I enjoy riding around on this bike... It was the preconception that this frame would become a beater/foul-weather friend—if it arrived in ridable condition, let alone arriving at all—but instead I've being having a great time with it the past two weeks just as I built it up initially... Although much of it is my love for the wheelset, the toptube length/stem length/bar combination, and the carefree humility of a dinged-up purple bike in Autumn as the falling leaves crunch beneath the tires as they're wheeled along these city streets...
(The coincidence is that I lost two keirin bikes due to frame failure in the time it took for the shopping service to sort everything out and for this friend to finally come here, and I had recently been feeling as if I was going to give up on my love for these things... This humble purple pal has returned a sense of playfulness to the pursuit, and for that I am particularly pleased.)
10-01-21, 06:42 PM
#432
Catastrophe Merchant
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: Tideland
Posts: 255
Bikes: Keirin and a Steamroller
Mentioned: 7 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 86 Post(s)
Liked 218 Times
in
58 Posts
Thanks! Keirin frames generally only fit up to 25mm tires and that is what we're running here...
(I was hoping I might sneak a 28mm into the fork and tried (I have a Kiyo that allows for 28mm), though this frame steadfastly denies anything more than the typical 25mm and so it goes.)
(I was hoping I might sneak a 28mm into the fork and tried (I have a Kiyo that allows for 28mm), though this frame steadfastly denies anything more than the typical 25mm and so it goes.)
10-01-21, 07:11 PM
#433
Guest
Join Date: Sep 2020
Posts: 2,888
Mentioned: 13 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1346 Post(s)
Liked 3,269 Times
in
1,439 Posts
That's tight! 
Likes For Rolla:
Likes For SkinGriz:
10-03-21, 05:43 PM
#435
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2015
Posts: 275
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 94 Post(s)
Liked 72 Times
in
32 Posts
@JJ_Mango Sorry for the late reply - haven't been on here for a few months. Appreciate the kind words about the build. The bars are Zoom cruiser bars, and the stem is a Velo-Orange threadless with a Dimension threadless adapter.
Likes For j_e_r_e_m_y:
10-03-21, 08:54 PM
#436
Newbie
Inspired by the creativity and good taste of the many bikes I've seen on this thread in recent months, I just put the not-quite-finishing touches on two of my own. The first is an 80-something Fuji Sagres, found on the side of the road for free with abundant rust. A great candidate for my first experiment with Spray.bike and a fine match for Nitto Jitensha bars. The next is a '87 Mongoose Hilltopper, found at a garage sale for $20 with zero rust and a Nitto Bullmoose and White Industries Eno Eccentric Hub away from sparking a new excitement for vintage 26" rigid MTB's. Just missing a front rack for grocery runs, it's now my designated dog jogger.
Likes For JJ Mango:
10-03-21, 10:16 PM
#437
Newbie
Inspired by the creativity and good taste of the many bikes I've seen on this thread in recent months, I just put the not-quite-finishing touches on two of my own. The first is an 80-something Fuji Sagres, found on the side of the road for free with abundant rust. A great candidate for my first experiment with Spray.bike and a fine match for Nitto Jitensha bars. The next is a '87 Mongoose Hilltopper, found at a garage sale for $20 with zero rust and a Nitto Bullmoose and White Industries Eno Eccentric Hub away from sparking a new excitement for vintage 26" rigid MTB's. Just missing a front rack for grocery runs, it's now my designated dog jogger.
10-04-21, 06:52 AM
#438
Newbie
I'm really happy with how it turned out, but my main concern is around durability. The paint chips pretty easily, which is not a big deal in my case as 1) this is simply a townie cruiser that will never see unpaved roads and 2) it was free. I don't have any experience with them, but from what I've read in other forums folks really stand by automotive-specific clear coats. Evidently they are extremely toxic so you have to use added care... Next time I think I'll just opt for using even more of the Spray.bike clear coat (I used about a can on frame and fork, I think I would double that and ensure adequate coverage).
10-04-21, 03:26 PM
#439
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2015
Posts: 275
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 94 Post(s)
Liked 72 Times
in
32 Posts
My latest acquisition - a coaster brake klunker from State. Not high end or light, but it's a hell of a lot of fun to ride around jumping curbs and laying down skids 
Need to replace the saddle soon as it's by far the least comfortable one I've ever encountered.
Need to replace the saddle soon as it's by far the least comfortable one I've ever encountered.
Likes For j_e_r_e_m_y:
10-05-21, 03:38 AM
#440
Not lost wanderer.
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Lititz, Pa
Posts: 3,318
Bikes: In USA; 73 Raleigh Super Course dingle speed, 72 Raleigh Gran Sport SS, 72 Geoffry Butler, 81 Centurion Pro-Tour, 74 Gugie Grandier Sportier
Mentioned: 71 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 878 Post(s)
Liked 933 Times
in
494 Posts
10-05-21, 02:04 PM
#441
Catastrophe Merchant
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: Tideland
Posts: 255
Bikes: Keirin and a Steamroller
Mentioned: 7 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 86 Post(s)
Liked 218 Times
in
58 Posts
These bikes are beautiful and the backstories are dope! Thank you so much for sharing them with us...
Edit: ...and I must add: I love the headtube decal on the Fuji. It's super nifty that you thought to add that detail
Edit: ...and I must add: I love the headtube decal on the Fuji. It's super nifty that you thought to add that detail
Last edited by ethet; 10-05-21 at 02:16 PM. Reason: Extra love
10-08-21, 08:03 PM
#442
It's the little things
Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: Chicagoland
Posts: 785
Bikes: Too many, yet not enough
Mentioned: 4 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 274 Post(s)
Liked 301 Times
in
137 Posts
Prepping this bike for sale, took it for a quick, goodbye spin. Great bike, just no practical use. Skidding makes me nervous, and not smart on tubulars LOL. Practice in scrubbing speed before coming to a complete stop. That being said cool little bike. No idea on who the builder is. Might keep it for ***** and giggles if the offers I get are silly LOL.
Likes For Senrab62:
10-09-21, 10:32 AM
#443
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: PHL
Posts: 9,948
Bikes: Litespeed Catalyst, IRO Rob Roy, All City Big Block
Mentioned: 19 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1332 Post(s)
Liked 397 Times
in
193 Posts
Prepping this bike for sale, took it for a quick, goodbye spin. Great bike, just no practical use. Skidding makes me nervous, and not smart on tubulars LOL. Practice in scrubbing speed before coming to a complete stop. That being said cool little bike. No idea on who the builder is. Might keep it for ***** and giggles if the offers I get are silly LOL.
Likes For seau grateau:
10-09-21, 09:44 PM
#444
Clark W. Griswold
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: ,location, location
Posts: 12,680
Bikes: Foundry Chilkoot Ti W/Ultegra Di2, Salsa Timberjack Ti, Cinelli Mash Work RandoCross Fun Time Machine, 1x9 XT Parts Hybrid, Co-Motion Cascadia, Specialized Langster, Phil Wood Apple VeloXS Frame (w/DA 7400), R+M Supercharger2 Rohloff, Habanero Ti 26
Mentioned: 52 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4007 Post(s)
Liked 3,528 Times
in
2,359 Posts
Was a great ride till a friend went OTB as we were heading back. I was at the front and felt like I was getting a bit far ahead so I slowed down ever so slightly (but no stopping) and then she was a bit farther back behind another rider (who also didn't stop) and just slammed on the brakes and went down thinking we were stopping for some reason. She is OK bike seems ok enough but did kind of end the ride. Still haven't been out of the Langster in a while so it was a bittersweet ride.
Likes For veganbikes:
Likes For Wildman88:
10-14-21, 08:04 AM
#446
Junior Member
Prepping this bike for sale, took it for a quick, goodbye spin. Great bike, just no practical use. Skidding makes me nervous, and not smart on tubulars LOL. Practice in scrubbing speed before coming to a complete stop. That being said cool little bike. No idea on who the builder is. Might keep it for ***** and giggles if the offers I get are silly LOL.
Likes For Gnolo:
10-14-21, 09:43 AM
#447
Zip tie Karen
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Fair Oaks Ranch, TX
Posts: 7,006
Bikes: '13 Motobecane Fantom29 HT, '16 Motobecane Turino Pro Disc, '18 Velobuild VB-R-022, '21 Tsunami SNM-100
Mentioned: 26 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1465 Post(s)
Liked 1,539 Times
in
805 Posts
This arrived in the mail yesterday, exactly 6 months after placing the order. It weighs 7.10 lbs including the supplied clunky steel headset. I'm actually considering making it a 3-speed for "around town" riding in San Antonio, where we'll be moving before Christmas.
Metallic red came out with few flaws.
Metallic red came out with few flaws.
Last edited by Phil_gretz; 10-14-21 at 09:47 AM.
Likes For Phil_gretz:
10-14-21, 09:49 AM
#448
Zip tie Karen
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Fair Oaks Ranch, TX
Posts: 7,006
Bikes: '13 Motobecane Fantom29 HT, '16 Motobecane Turino Pro Disc, '18 Velobuild VB-R-022, '21 Tsunami SNM-100
Mentioned: 26 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1465 Post(s)
Liked 1,539 Times
in
805 Posts
More details...
BB Shell
Seatstay area...
Likes For Phil_gretz:
10-14-21, 09:51 AM
#449
Zip tie Karen
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Fair Oaks Ranch, TX
Posts: 7,006
Bikes: '13 Motobecane Fantom29 HT, '16 Motobecane Turino Pro Disc, '18 Velobuild VB-R-022, '21 Tsunami SNM-100
Mentioned: 26 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1465 Post(s)
Liked 1,539 Times
in
805 Posts
and more...
Junky track ends, though...
Fork crown...
Brake bridge...
Likes For Phil_gretz:
